Yahoo News The challenge to live '30 days wild' in June
What's good for nature, is good for us, says Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserves officer Robert Morgan
June is the month of abundant flowers, the hum of countless insects and the toil of nesting birds.
So don’t let it pass you by this year, indulge yourself in nature and reap the benefits of a well-earned ‘green tonic’ by taking part in 30 Days Wild!
Each June, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, along with all the county Wildlife Trusts, invites us to participate in their 30 Days Wild challenge.
Every day in June we are encouraged to carry out ‘random acts of wildness’ – be it sleeping under the stars, visiting a nature reserve, photographing a different plant and insect each day, or perhaps rising early to listen to the dawn chorus.
Last year, more people took part than ever before, so we are here again to help you have a wild month, plus the activity pack includes a free poster and other materials to inspire you each day
We all know that nature is good for us, but in our busy, technology-driven lives, it can be difficult to make time to get out and experience the wonders of the natural world.
Even the smallest act of connecting with nature – from looking up at the stars before we close the front door, or noticing the wildflowers on a roadside verge whilst sitting in a traffic jam, to simply listening for a moment to bird song – can really benefit us.
A study carried out on behalf of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts revealed that children exposed to the natural world show an increased ability to learn, particularly through seeing and hearing wildlife.
It was also found that children viewed as ‘lacking academic achievement’ have increased levels of self-esteem through their knowledge of plants and animals.
Climbing trees, running through meadows or paddling in streams teaches children how to take reasonable risks. Discovering and exploring nature builds creativity and of course provides important exercise.
Further studies demonstrated that in adults, involvement in the natural world, particularly where physical activity leads to environmental improvements, results in better life satisfaction.
It was also shown that understanding the natural world creates greater empathy.
This knowledge has led to various eco-therapies, but of course one doesn’t need an ‘ology’ to understand that exercise, fresh air and visual stimulus, helps with hypertension, respiratory problems and cardiovascular illness.
Even with the best intentions, sometimes we just need a push in the right direction, and that’s where 30 Days Wild comes in, for the campaign is about celebrating and connecting with nature. Inspiring as many of us as possible to carry out one small act that brings us closer to nature every day of June.
That’s just 30 simple and fun wildlife-themed activities that can benefit our health and happiness.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Turn on, by switching off. Go for a walk or spend time in a green space without your phone.
Photography. Take a picture of an insect or wildflower, and try identifying them.
Listen to birdsong. Just spend a moment of your day listening to a bird singing. Even in busy cities, blackbirds and robins can be heard.
Stop and stare. Watch a stream flowing by, or sit and observe the teeming life by a pond.
Let your lawn grow. Daisies, buttercups and dandelions are nectar rich wildflowers and will attract butterflies and bees.
Sit back and watch the clouds sail by. It’s a great way to encourage children to use their imagination, and is very relaxing.
Lay down in a field of flowers. Close your eyes and listen to the bees and grasshoppers. Smell the wonderful aroma of the plants.
Feel the world between your toes. Walk barefoot on a soft dew-soaked lawn, or along a sandy beach.
Climb a tree. Why not! Obviously be careful.
Explore the night. Walk around your garden or local green space at night with a torch. Look for bats, moths, hedgehogs and any of the other strange creatures of the night.
Take part in 30 Days Wild as an individual, family, school, care home, business or other group: www.wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild
