Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is challenging Melksham residents to sign up to their 30 days wild campaign and share in a random act of wildness every day this June.
According to new research which places nature connection at the heart of a happy and healthy life, people who do something ‘wild’ every day for a month change their attitude to nature and report improvements in their physical and mental wellbeing.
A study by the University of Derby of 30 Days Wild 2015 – the UK’s first ever month-long nature challenge, run by The Wildlife Trusts – reveals that two months after taking part in 30 Days Wild, the number of people reporting their health as excellent increased by over 30%. And that improvement in health was influenced by the improvements in happiness and connection with nature.
Michele Gard, fundraising & communications manager at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust says, “Importantly the research also showed that by looking out for nature on a regular basis, people became more likely to care about and protect it – and that’s what we’re all about. Whatever your age, wherever you live, everyone can take part in 30 Days Wild and join thousands of others making nature part of their life.”
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is asking everyone to do something wild every day from 1st–30th June. Whether it’s taking time out to simply smell a wildflower, listen to birdsong, explore a local wild place or leave part of your garden to grow wild for a month. And they want you to share your 30 Days Wild on their Twitter or Facebook pages.
To sign up to the challenge visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/30days wild You’ll be sent a free pack full of encouragement, ideas and Random Acts of Wildness. You will also receive a wallchart to track your progress and a wild badge.