Going nuts for nature: UK’s biggest nature challenge on course for record-breaking year this June

The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild kicks off on 1st June.
Actor Cel Spellman urges people to go wild for the soul and for nature.

The UK’s biggest nature challenge, 30 Days Wild, is on course for a record-breaking year following an unprecedented number of people signing-up to take part so far.

Last year, more than 760,000 took part in the challenge, which encourages people to do something wild every day throughout June. 30 Days Wild is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Popular activities include wildlife-watching, breakfasting outdoors each day, and listening to birdsong. 30 Days Wild fans interpret the challenge in different ways – from planting for pollinators to taking on sporting challenges to raise money for The Wildlife Trusts. Treasured moments from the challenge include:

The participant who posted packets of wildflower seeds to their neighbours
The person who woke up 5am every day to catch the sunrise and dawn chorus
The enthusiast who crocheted a blanket with 30 wildlife species – one square a day*

Actor and presenter Cel Spellman is backing 30 Days Wild this June, citing the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature.

Cel Spellman, ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“30 Days Wild is a brilliant way to explore and develop our relationship with nature and to enjoy new experiences outdoors. Not just that, the benefits that time in nature has for our physical and mental health are quite amazing. I can’t wait to get involved this year, and I hope that people of all ages and backgrounds do the same. It's good for the soul and good for nature.”

Leanne Manchester, digital manager of The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“30 Days Wild is a firm fixture in our household calendar and it’s a brilliant motivator for getting outside and experiencing all the amazing things nature has to offer. The natural world is struggling but there are so many things that we can do to help.

“I really enjoy improving my garden for wildlife and noting the different species that come to visit. My favourites are the bee-flies that arrive in early spring, the goldfinches that always turn up, and the large red damselflies that enjoy my pond. 30 Days Wild also reminds me to take time to be still in nature, and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of being outside.”

A survey of 2021 participants revealed that taking part in 30 Days Wild improved people’s relationship with nature and inspired them to take action.

88% said they were very likely to make their garden more wildlife-friendly after participating in 30 Days Wild
74% said they had either already taken action to reduce their carbon footprint, or were very likely to after taking part in 30 Days Wild

30 Days Wild is for people of all ages and from all backgrounds, with families, schoolchildren, and care home residents all taking part. They include:

Nisha Parmar from Northamptonshire who takes part in 30 Days Wild every year with her daughter. Nisha enjoys wildlife photography and regularly posts photos of wildlife throughout June.
Alison Loudon from Coatbridge near Glasgow who first took part during lockdown in 2020. Her appreciation for nature has flourished, and she has since made bug hotels, planted wildflowers, and learnt how to identify species with her children.
Kenna from Newcastle who is a member of their local Wildlife Trust and loves taking part in challenges. 30 Days Wild reminds Kenna to appreciate and enjoy nature in their local area.
Diane Lewis from London who takes part with her 10-year-old son Nathan. Diane says the challenge helps her disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
6-year-old Atiya and mum Ayesha from London, who have taken part in 30 Days Wild for several years. Atiya, an environmental engineer, enjoys posting films online of Ayesha exploring their garden and doing small acts for nature like building bug hotels and creating a mini pond.

A five-year review of 30 Days Wild participants, run in conjunction with the University of Derby, found that people reported they felt happier and healthier from taking part, with positive effects lasting for at least two months afterwards.

Sign up to take part in 30 Day Wild today and receive free inspiration!

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, says:

“I’m delighted funding raised by our players is encouraging people across the country to experience the benefits of being outside and beside nature.

“Every year we encourage the team at People’s Postcode Lottery to get involved in 30 Days Wild and I love to see all the creative ways people bring a little bit of the wild to their day. Whether it’s having a meeting outside, eating lunch on the grass or picking up a piece of litter on a walk, there are lots of ways – big and small – to go wild and connect with nature.”