• The Wildlife Trust’s 30 Days Wild challenge asks you to carry out one nature-based activity every day throughout June 

• Over three million people have taken part in the challenge to date 

• 30 Days Wild is proven to boost health, nature connection, and conservation behaviours 

• Somerset activities to get involved in this June include The Big Count 2024, ‘at home’ practical activities, and local nature events hosted across the county 

The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge is returning for its tenth year this June. Since the challenge was launched in 2015, over three million people have taken part, including over 20,000 schools, 1,500 care homes, and almost 2,000 businesses. 

Research by the University of Derby has revealed that 30 Days Wild improves nature connectedness and inspires pro-nature behaviour. This is defined by actions that directly benefit wildlife, such as planting pollinator-friendly plants, volunteering with nature organisations, or getting involved in a community growing project. 

Somerset Wildlife Trust wants more people to get involved in 30 Days Wild this June as it believes the challenge can help inspire a wave of local action for nature. The charity has shared a list of suggested actions and activities participants can get involved in: 

• The Big Count 2024 – Somerset Wildlife Trust’s biggest citizen science event of the year, which you can take part in from anywhere across the county 

• Local nature events – Somerset events include an Open Day at the Avalon Marshes Centre on the Somerset Levels, climate adaptation workshops, and a Nature Watch family day on the Somerset coast 

• Campaigning opportunities - make some noise ahead of this year’s General Election to help put wildlife and nature at the top of politicians’ agendas 

• Activities to do at home – ideas include creating a wild patch or mini meadow with native plants, adding a pond to your garden, or carrying out a litter pick in your community 

Kristen Lambert, Wilder Lives Manager, says: “Spending more time connecting with nature is the critical message behind 30 Days Wild. The UK is unfortunately one of the most nature-depleted places in the world, and we’re becoming increasingly disconnected from our wildlife and wild places as a result. 

Challenging yourself to spend time thinking about how you connect with nature every day for a month might seem daunting, but it is an effective way to improve our nature connection while taking positive actions for nature’s recovery at the same time. Anyone can take part in 30 Days Wild, from families with young children to businesses that want to encourage their employees to spend more time outside — so get involved this June to learn just how beneficial spending time connecting with nature can be.” 

Thirzah McSherry, Director of Development at The Wildlife Trusts, says: “Every single thing we do to nurture nature directly benefits people too. Helping nature to recover is about restoring our relationship with the natural world and this also makes us feel better. Let your lawn grow long for grasshoppers, take time to notice birdsong in the park, or join a community growing project – the possibilities are endless. The success of 30 Days Wild proves that we have so much to gain from finding joy in helping nature – it’s all about taking that first step.” 

30 Days Wild has grown from 12,000 participants in its first year, to over half a million consecutively for the last three years. 

The challenge is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, with funds awarded to The Wildlife Trusts through Postcode Planet Trust.