Have you ever danced on your lawn to persuade worms to come to the surface? Have you risen early to hear the dawn chorus? Would you cycle to work, instead of driving?
Well, now is a good time to start, as Lancashire Wildlife Trust has launched its annual 30 Days Wild celebration, encouraging people to do something wild every single day in June. Across the UK, more than two million people have got involved in this national project since the first 30 Days Wild in 2015 – and that includes thousands of people from the North West.
30 Days Wild means doing something wild every day in June and, since 2015, thousands of people in the North West have taken part … even during the pandemic.
In past years, activities have included simple things like feeding and watching the birds on your bird table, going for a walk in your local park or woods, identifying insects in your garden or listening to bird song.
Nature lovers have racked up millions of sightings of plants, birds, insects and mammals, while many people have discovered bats flying over their gardens, swallows nesting in local buildings, and flowers carpeting their woodland. Many groups use it as an opportunity to volunteer on litter picks or conservation days.
Others have done cartwheels on a grassy meadow, paddled in the sea, danced on top of hills and cycled or walked on voyages of natural discovery. You can sign up here to take part.
Chief Executive of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Tom Burditt, said: “We are always delighted that so many residents in our region step up to the mark and really get involved in 30 Days Wild. Whilst it’s not a competition, we’re delighted to have more than 1,000 people and groups who have signed up already, and we hope even more do so, because it is such a great thing to be involved in.
“We live in a region that has so many wild and beautiful places, but the most inspiring things that I remember from last year came from peoples’ back gardens: kids growing wildflowers for bees and butterflies, or helping their neighbours to do the same, and then making little films about it to share on social media.
“It’s made me want to get involved this year, so I’ve just signed up on behalf of the local Scout group where I’m a leader, up in Lonsdale. We’ll be doing outdoor cooking, practical work to help habitats for local wildlife, and sleeping out under the stars.”
The Wildlife Trust is suggesting some great ideas for 30 Days Wild, including eating your breakfast outdoors; visiting a nature reserve; creating a hedgehog hole in your garden fence; foraging for wild ingredients; organising a wild tea party; and camping in your garden.
Or, to help the environment, how about cutting your use of plastics? Or using less water?
During the pandemic, 30 Days Wild continued but this year people will have opportunities to do things together again.
Funded nationally by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, 30 Days Wild has attracted celebrity support from the likes of TV presenters Monty Don, Liz Bonnin and Dr Amir Khan, and this year is championed by The Vamps’ guitarist James McVey. James said: “I’m really looking forward to getting involved with 30 Days Wild this summer. I like 30 Days Wild because it’s open to everyone and we can all benefit by giving just an ounce of effort.”
Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We’re thrilled that our annual nature challenge has become so popular – two million people have taken part so far and it continues to grow every year. We now know that the challenge not only connects you with nature, but that keeping it wild for the whole of June will actually make you happier and healthier too.”
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, added: “I’m delighted that funding raised by our players is encouraging people across the country to experience the benefits of being outside and beside nature.”