Still time to take the 30 days wild challenge

It’s day 13 of the 30 Days Wild challenge and nearly 50,000 people across the UK have signed up to take part in a random act of wildness

Take a look at 30 Days Wild #30DaysWild @30DaysWild and you’ll see how daily connections with nature are inspiring people to enjoy the wild world around them wherever they live.Thousands of wonderful experiences are being shared on social media – like Ange Lee’s lovely idea of posting packets of wildflower seeds through neighbours’ letterboxes here; Tom Smallwood and his 5 year old daughter Emma, are doing A Wild Alphabet, here and posting videos about their adventures. Thirteen year old Dara McAnulty and his family have been climbing trees to another world.

Among those supporting the 30 Days Wild challenge this year are:

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Amy Williams MBE, Olympic Gold Medallist, TV presenter and public speaker, who says:

“I have always been passionate about wildlife and looking after the world we live in. I’ve been lucky to go on some amazing wild adventures all around the world, but my love of nature began at home. Some of the greatest adventures happen in your everyday life. 30 Days Wild is perfect for me; it combines my love of being outdoors and staying active with my creative side, too. I can’t wait to get involved!”

Ellie Harrison, presenter of Countryfile and President of the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, says:

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“Children are skilled at playing in nature. But they’re even better at it when adults are doing it too: it’s an approval that it’s worth doing. But perhaps most importantly of all, by watching adults enjoying themselves they too will learn how to have fun. Pledge random acts of wildness every day this June and join us in 30 Days Wild!’

Dr Alice Roberts, Academic, writer and broadcaster, says:

“Getting out in the natural world is good for the mind and body. And it’s not just for the weekend – it should be every single day. Immerse yourself in nature this June with 30 Days Wild!”

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Levison Wood, Explorer, writer and photographer, says:

“It’s so important that interest in nature begins from an early age. Projects like 30 Days Wild are crucial in doing so and wish it every success.”

30 Days Wild school packs are helping teachers turn lessons ‘wild’ in 5,847 schools and nearly 1,500 businesses have signed up, making nature part of life at work. Lots of people are blogging about their experiences throughout the month. The national challenge which launched on June 1st, was reported by BBC Breakfast’s weather presenter Carol Kirkwood from London’s hidden gem, Camley Street Natural Park

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The impact of taking part in 30 Days Wild has been tracked by academics at the University of Derby. Their study found that people who did something ‘wild’ each day for a month, felt happier, healthier and more connected to nature, with added benefits for the natural world too.

Dr Miles Richardson, University of Derby’s Director of Psychology, who led the study said:

“The impact of 30 Days Wild adds to the compelling argument for bringing nature into our everyday lives. Two months after taking part in 30 Days Wild, there was a 30 per cent increase in the number of people who reported their health as excellent. Last year’s results also show people’s happiness continued to improve after 30 Days Wild ended, which illustrates its sustained impact. This is important as it is happiness and connecting with nature that influence improvements in health. Our study also shows that those who benefited most were younger adults and those who weren’t ‘nature lovers’.”

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Steve Ott

Steve Ott is editor of Kitchen Garden magazine and started his career as a professional grower, producing everything from cut flowers to vegetables. He has been growing fruit and veg all his life and spends most of his spare time in his garden in the East Midlands. He loves to experiment with crops and varieties he has never grown before and when he isn’t gardening is to be found out in the countryside bird watching and walking his dog Ted.