The Wildlife Trusts is gearing up for a wild month ahead of its annual 30 Days Wild nature event, taking place in June.
Summer brings the joy of birdsong, rosy dawns, languid evenings and long days. Making the most of the better weather means a busy time, whether it’s planting courgettes, sowing beetroot or watering tomatoes. Amid the bustle, take a moment to give yourself a nature boost. You’re probably thinking ‘I spend so much time outdoors, I do this already’! However, research shows it’s engaging with nature, not just being in it, which makes people feel happier and increases wellbeing.
This year 30 Days Wild, the UK’s biggest nature challenge, centres on learning how to get the most out of spending time in the natural world. A week-by-week adventure, the challenge guides you through tuning into the senses, movement, discovery and helping nature, all of which combine to create a holistic experience.
Weave 30 Days Wild into your routine every day in June. Awaken your senses: notice the earthy smell of petrichor when rain hits warm dry soil, walk your local woods by moonlight, use our ‘spotter sheet’ to discover which wild bees are visiting your fruit and flowers, and make time to help wildlife – even the simplest bug hotel supports vital insects and solitary bees.
Image credit: Jon Hawkins
This month, more than ever, appreciate how nature underpins your plot’s success, whether it’s healthy soil, giving thanks for worms, ladybirds which feast on aphids, and not forgetting our all-important wild bees and moths for pollination. Hedgehogs, frogs, toads, and ground beetles help by eating slugs. For a song thrush, a snail is the perfect fast food, holding it steady in its beak as it bashes the shell against a stone and winkles out the tasty morsel inside. A balanced and healthy eco-system produces good results for both grower and wildlife.
Ditch pesticides and sprays and explore environmentally-friendly companion planting instead. The large white, often called the cabbage white butterfly, lays eggs on nasturtiums, luring them away from brassicas and the resulting caterpillars are a quick snack for the birds.
30 Days Wild may appeal to businesses too. Take meetings outside, lead a ‘works’ picnic, grab a litter picker and organise a community clean up. Theme your activities with World Environment Day on June 5th or World Oceans Day on June 8th.
Don’t forget to look out for the Big Wild Weekend June 16th – 18th when individual Wildlife Trusts will be holding special events; experience a family camp out at a nature reserve in Cambridge, try a snorkel safari in Devon, a rockpool ramble in Dorset, count orchids in Buckinghamshire or have a go at willow weaving in Berkshire.
Discover what’s going on near you – get a free 30 Days Wild pack posted to your home, or download one from www.wildlifetrusts.org.
Main image credit: Evie and Tom photography
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