Now that ‘flaming June’ is here, can you do one wild thing a day throughout the whole of the month? Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust believes you can!
Whilst its monthly ‘Rushcliffe Country Park Wildlife Watch Group’ was put on hold last year, due to COVID-19 concerns, it is planning an autumn programme at Rushcliffe Country Park this year – which is set to commence from the second Saturday in September. Meantime, the already reduced level of Coronavirus restrictions means it’s again possible to run this June challenge safely whilst still observing ‘social distancing’ rules, etc.
’30 Days Wild’ is The Wildlife Trusts’ annual nature challenge across the UK where they ask the nation to do one ‘wild’ thing a day every day throughout June, including here in Ruddington. In 2020, more than half a million people got involved, from families and couples, to teachers, care homes and workplaces.
Your daily ‘Random Acts of Wildness’ can be anything you like: litter-picking, birdwatching, puddle-splashing, you name it! However, to help you on your way, The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust will also provide you with a FREE postal or digital pack of goodies to inspire your wild month – including an activity passport and a wallchart to track your progress. If you want to see what others are getting up to, you can check out #30DaysWild on social media. The Trust says, alongside all of these benefits, taking part in ’30 Days Wild’ is scientifically proven to make you feel happier, healthier, and more connected to nature.
Geoff East, of the Rushcliffe Wildlife Watch Group, says: “This has been particularly highlighted since COVID-19 arrived last year, as more people are taking more nature-based exercise and gaining an interest in the therapeutic power of nature. Couple this with the growing realisation that climate change and habitat loss are really serious considerations, nature being under threat is receiving a higher profile nationally and internationally. While nature needs us more than ever, the reverse is also true. We’re all part of nature, and it should be a part of our lives.”
As soon as you sign up for the fun challenge, you’ll be able to choose to have a pack posted to you or download a host of goodies to help you plan your month. There’s a wallchart, wildlife bingo, an activity passport and a nature table template. They promise to send you further resources via email, too – from instructions for baking ‘hedgehog cupcakes’ to a beginner’s guide to wildlife photography.
Just click onto www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org and click on “Get your free pack now”.
