“We have never needed to reconnect with nature more than we do today. By staying in we’re missing out. In our head-down world, it has become more critical than ever before to look up, pay attention to the natural world and allow ourselves to be nurtured by nature”, says best-selling author Cheryl Rickman in her book Tree Glee: How and Why Trees Make Us Feel Better.
It is a sentiment echoed by The Wildlife Trusts, a federation of 46 independent wildlife conservation charities covering the whole of the UK, who are inviting people to take part in their 30 Days Wild challenge. In a nutshell, it involves doing something that increases feelings of connectedness with the natural world on each and every day in June
“I love the challenge of making myself set aside at least five minutes a day for thirty days in a row to encounter something new in nature or perhaps take a little longer to do something that’ll help wildlife where I live”, says Jo Richards, head of communications at The Wildlife Trusts.
Nature as a source of wellbeing
Research suggests that taking part in 30 Days Wild makes people feel happier and healthier. It also stands to reason that when people feel connected to nature, they are more likely to care for it.
“Scientific evidence also backs up our intuitive feeling that regular exposure to nature and the natural world has effects on human health and welfare which are positive, measurable and enduring, and should be thought of as being akin to the provision of clean water, reliable electricity, public vaccination or public hospitals”, writes Shane O’Mara in his excellent book, In Praise of Walking.
Nature-inspired activities needn’t be time consuming. In a poll of people’s favourite activities in the 2020 challenge, listening to birdsong came top. Other popular choices included eating outdoors, planting wildflower seeds, hugging or admiring a tree, and going barefoot on the grass. All simple pleasures that can be easily overlooked in our busy, screen-dominated modern lives.
The 30 Days Wild challenge is the perfect reminder to prioritise nature during a colourful month where our wildflowers are in bloom, the birds are singing and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
How to take part in 30 Days Wild
You can sign up on The Wildlife Trusts’ website where you’ll find plenty of inspiration and free resources to help you plan your nature-inspired month. To join the conversation and share your photos, use #30DaysWild.
Quotes & Books to inspire
“Reflect on and absorb the colours in nature and in outdoor settings. Try to appreciate them more everywhere.”
Joe Harkness – Bird Therapy
“Because the evidence suggests that activity in nature has a long-lasting impact on our happiness and wellbeing, we should be encouraging our populations to regularly, habitually, walk in nature, even if they only have access to city parks.”
Shane O’Mara – In Praise of Walking: The New Science of How We Walk & Why It’s Good For Us
“It does my head and heart good to be with trees. Whenever I walk in woodland I feel at home; my heart expands, my mind lights up and my whole body relaxes. These rooted marvels are my serenity space and sanctuary; trees are my temple, and the forest is my church.”
Cheryl Rickman – Tree Glee: How and Why Trees Make Us Feel Better
- Lead picture credit: Krisztina Papp on Unsplash
