Are you ready to connect with nature every day this June?
’30 Days Wild’ is The Wildlife Trusts’ annual nature challenge, where they ask the nation to do one ‘wild’ thing a day throughout June.
Your daily wild activities can be anything you like; you might be having breakfast with the birds on Monday, feeling the grass between your toes on Tuesday, or watching wildlife webcams on Wednesday. There’s no set structure, so you can take part in a way that suits you. Alongside benefiting your local wildlife, taking part in 30 Days Wild is scientifically proven to make you feel happier, healthier, and more connected to nature.
Nature’s Serotonin
Did you know that getting your hands dirty in the garden can actually boost your mood? Soil contains a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae that has been found to trigger the release of serotonin in the brain, a natural antidepressant that elevates mood and reduces anxiety.
When you dig, plant, or even walk barefoot on soil, you come into contact with these beneficial microbes. This connection not only helps improve mental health but also reduces stress and enhances overall well-being.
So, here are some unusual and creative ideas to help you make the most of each day.
Week 1: Tuning Into the Senses
1. Nature Sound Bath:
Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and listen intently to the symphony of nature. Identify different bird calls, rustling leaves, and distant waves.
2. Scent Hunt:
Wander through a garden or woodland and note the various scents of flowers, herbs, and damp earth. Try to describe each scent in a journal.
3. Texture Walk:
Walk barefoot on different natural surfaces like grass, sand, and pebbles. Feel the textures and notice how each one affects your mood.
Week 2: Movement and Play
4. Nature Yoga:
Practice yoga in nature, using the sounds and sights of nature to enhance your experience. Poses like tree and eagle are especially fitting.
5. Wild Obstacle Course:
Create a fun obstacle course in your garden using natural materials like logs, stones, and branches.
6. Nature Dance Party:
Let loose and dance in your backyard or a park. Use a playlist of nature-inspired music or simply move to the surrounding sounds.
Week 3: Learning and Discovery
7. Night Sky Exploration:
Spend an evening stargazing. Use a star map app to identify constellations and learn about the mythology behind them.
8. Wild Edibles Workshop:
Research and forage for edible plants, then create a meal or tea with your findings. Always ensure that what you collect in nature is safe to consume.
9. Nature Photography Challenge:
Each day, take a photo of something new you discover in nature. Try macro shots of insects, wide landscapes, or artistic compositions.
Week 4: Helping Nature
10. Build a Bug Hotel:
Use natural materials to create a sanctuary for insects in your garden. It’s a great project for kids and adults alike.
11. DIY Bird Feeder:
Use nature to make bird feeders using pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang them in your yard and observe the visitors.
12. Community Clean-Up:
Organize or join a local clean-up effort at a beach, park, or nature reserve. Collect litter and recycle what you can.
Week 5: Emotional Connection to Nature
13. Nature Journaling:
Write a daily journal entry reflecting on your outdoor experiences, noting your feelings and observations.
14. Gratitude Walk:
Take a walk and consciously list things in nature you’re grateful for, like the beauty of a flower or the shade of a tree.
15. Nature Meditation:
Practice mindful meditation outdoors. Focus on your breath and the natural elements around you to find peace and clarity.
Get Started
Join the ’30 Days Wild’ challenge by signing up on the Wildlife Trust website. You’ll receive free resources and ideas to help you stay connected to nature all month. As Brian Bleese, Chief Executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust, says, “It’s a great excuse to get outside and enjoy everything that Dorset has to offer.”
Whether you’re exploring wildflowers, watching butterflies, or listening to skylarks, there’s an adventure waiting for you. Make June a month to remember by connecting with the natural world in creative and meaningful ways.
Listen and Learn
For even more exploration of the natural world, tune in to the ‘Stories, Science, and Secrets’ podcast. So, join us as we delve into the fascinating world of biomimicry and the inspiring ways science learns from nature’s genius.
Resources for Teachers and Families
Download our FREE lesson plans and slides about Extinction and Biomimicry, themes in our stories.
Happy ’30 Days Wild’!