Finding new ways to experience encounters with the natural world, over the Spring Bank Holiday and beyond, is about to get easier with a new app offering users more than 100 ‘Random Acts of Wildness’ – simple actions people can take to help or connect with nature.
The app launches ahead of 30 Days Wild – the UK’s month-long nature challenge taking place 1st – 30th June when The Wildlife Trusts encourage everyone, everywhere, to do a Random Act of Wildness every day during June – to help feel happier, healthier and closer to the wild! The app can be downloaded at: wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild/app
30 Days Wild is a simple app, available on iPhone and Android from Mon 23 May 2016. It offers more than 100 ‘Random Acts of Wildness’ for inspiration with a random wild activity selected each time. The app enables people to share activities on social media, through direct messaging or email. All are everyday ways to connect with nature or help wildlife. This could be as simple as:
- Walk on the wild side: Take a detour on the walk to work, school or with the dog and take in a wild place
- Hunt for wild treasures: Set up a treasure hunt and search for wild things like feathers or bones
- Sow a wildflower meadow: Plant a nectar-rich mini meadow for bees and butterflies
- Birdwatch on your bike: pedal around your local patch and keep a lookout for birds
- Drift off to wild sounds: Record and play back soothing sounds of nature to send you to sleep
Lucy McRobert, The Wildlife Trusts’ campaign manager, says: “30 Days Wild is about finding a little time every day to enjoy, experience and take action for nature, no matter where you live. Our new app will help you to do this. Some Random Acts of Wildness only take moments and so will fit into the busiest of lifestyles, whether you’re working in the middle of the city or juggling a hectic family life. What’s more, by doing a little something wild every day for 30 days, you’ll feel happier and healthier. A study by the University of Derby examined the impact of 30 Days Wild, which ran for the first time in 2015, and showed that the challenge could lead to a sustained increase in participants’ happiness, health, connection to nature and positive environmental behaviours. Two months after taking part in 30 Days Wild, the number of people reporting their health as excellent increased by over 30%. This all adds to a compelling argument for letting nature into our lives every day – and 30 Days Wild will help you do that.”
Everyone who signs up to The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild will receive a pack full of encouragement, ideas and ‘Random Acts of Wildness’ and regular blasts of inspiration throughout June straight to their inbox to help everyone make nature part of their lives. Click for details of signing up to the #30DaysWild challenge – it’s free! Share progress and ideas using #30DaysWild or join our Facebook group.
Contact information:
Steve Ashton, People and Wildlife Manager, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, 01287636382
Emma Robertshaw on 07779 657515 or erobertshaw@wildlifetrusts.org