People urged to nurture nature as popular UK wildlife challenge turns ten

As The Wildlife Trusts' yearly nature challenge, 30 Days Wild, celebrates its 10 year anniversary, people are being urged to take part and give nature a helping hand.

Over three million people have taken part in The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge
30 Days Wild is proven to boost health, nature connection and conservation behaviours
New packs for prisons in 2024, plus inspiration for individuals, families, schools, and businesses

Woman on mountain, arms outstretched — Woman on mountain - Photo © Evie and Tom Photography

The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, which cares for sites including Idle Valley Nature Reserve near Retford, Besthorpe near Newark and Attenborough Nature Reserve south of Nottingham, is urging the public to nurture nature this June to celebrate the tenth birthday of 30 Days Wild.

This year, the month-long nature challenge to do something wild every single day in June is backed by Dermot O’Leary and Dr Amir Khan. Locally, we’re delighted that litter picking, sustainable living ambassadors Waimi, Mbetmi & Yimi – triplets from Hucknall known as Planet Trio (@PlanetTrios) are taking part, and we can’t wait to see what they get up to over the next 30 Days.

Since 2015, over three million people have taken part including over 20,000 schools, 1,500 care homes and almost 2,000 businesses.

Children rockpooling - Photo © Alexander Mustard / 2020VISION

To mark the special birthday, The Wildlife Trusts have published a review of the history, highlights and impact of the challenge. The 30 Days Wild Effect: Ten years of noticing nature and changing lives explores how people’s lives have been enhanced by the challenge, while underlining the importance of improving our relationship with nature. People in the UK have one of the lowest levels of nature connection in Europe, while the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries on the planet.

Research by the University of Derby revealed that 30 Days Wild improves nature connectedness and inspires pro-nature behaviour. This is defined by actions that directly benefit wildlife, such as planting pollinator-friendly plants, volunteering with nature organisations or getting involved in a community growing project.

30 Days Wild is a fun and inclusive idea that can be interpreted in an infinite variety of ways. As part of celebrating its tenth birthday, we want to get a many people as possible planting, growing, volunteering and campaigning for wildlife in their communities.

Paul Wilkinson, CEO
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust wants to inspire a wave of local action to nurture nature this June, at home, in the workplace and in communities. Suggested actions include:

Creating a wild patch or mini meadow with native plants
Doing a litter pick at a local park or beauty spot
Reducing food waste by creating compost at home

Bee on flower — Common carder bee - Photo © Penny Frith

Paul Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, says:

“Every single thing we do to nurture nature directly benefits people too. Helping nature to recover is about restoring our relationship with the natural world and this also makes us feel better. Let your lawn grow long for grasshoppers, take time to notice birdsong in the park, or join a community growing project – the possibilities are endless. The success of 30 Days Wild proves that we have so much to gain from finding joy in helping nature – it’s all about taking that first step.

“30 Days Wild is a fun and inclusive idea that can be interpreted in an infinite variety of ways. As part of celebrating its tenth birthday, we want to get a many people as possible planting, growing, volunteering and campaigning for wildlife in their communities.”

Miles Richardson is Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby and led five years of research into the impacts of 30 Days Wild. He says:

“Our research consistently found that people who took part in 30 Days Wild benefitted from increased happiness, health, and nature connection. The research showed that participation inspired pro-nature behaviours. Reversing nature loss and stabilising the climate requires action on every level, from local efforts to international cooperation. Central to this is improving individual and societal relationships with nature. Developing deeper and stronger bonds with nature provides a positive vision of a future where both people and nature can thrive.”

Dermot O’Leary, TV presenter, author of Wings of Glory, and 30 Days Wild champion, says:

“I'm a huge bird nerd – whether it’s watching the bluetits on my bird feeder, or witnessing the magic of peregrine falcons hunting, I am fascinated by our incredible UK wildlife. This June, join me and The Wildlife Trusts in the 30 Days Wild challenge. Try doing one thing ‘wild’ every day for the whole month and see how great it makes you feel! I just know that this would be top of the commands from the Royal Bird Force!”

30 Days Wild has grown from 12,000 participants in its first year, to over half a million consecutively for the last three years. The 30 Days Wild Effect reveals that people’s favourite activities over the last 10 years included listening to birds and planting wildflowers.

New to the challenge this year is a special 30 Days Wild pack for His Majesty’s Prisons. A body of evidence shows that prisoner exposure to nature improves mental and physical health. There are also free packs for individuals, schools, families and businesses. Last year, the challenge was backed by the NHS, reflecting the health and wellbeing benefits of taking part.

30 Days Wild is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, with funds awarded to The Wildlife Trusts through Postcode Planet Trust.

Read The 30 Days Wild Effect: Ten years of noticing nature and changing lives here.