Our annual challenge – 30 Days Wild – calling on everyone to go wild every day in June - starts this weekend.  It's part of the national Wildlife Trusts' challenge and this year looks set to be bigger and wilder than ever. So far, a record number of 60,000 people, families, schools, businesses and care homes throughout the UK have signed up to receive a free pack of ideas and to take part.

30 Days Wild encourages everyone to enjoy nature in our neighbourhoods through daily Random Acts of Wildness: listening to bird song, gazing at butterflies, growing borage for bees and making the most of our parks, gardens and school grounds. Evidence shows that taking part can also make us happier and healthier.

Ellie Harrison, presenter of BBC’s Countryfile is supporting this year’s 30 Days Wild. She said: “Being outside in nature makes us all well.  The smallest moments connecting - the surprise of a beetle revealing its wings; the fleeting secrets of bats at dusk; or the puff of valuable pollen from flowers we saw as weeds - all bring us wonder and enchantment. This June we’re challenging you to a Random Act of Wildness every single day of the month.  What will you be delighted by?”

If you’re looking for a way to get involved locally, join us at our special 30 Days Wild family event at Gosling Sike in Houghton, near Carlisle on Saturday 1 June from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Jody Ferguson, Gosling Sike Centre Manager said: “There will be lots of free wildlife-themed family activities and crafts and loads of ideas for Random Acts of Wildness to keep you busy for the rest of June!  As well as joining in the family fun day, you can walk around the wetlands and woodlands and see the beautiful new community garden that’s currently being created here. No need to book, just drop in – we look forward to seeing you!”

All activities are free but donations to Cumbria Wildlife Trust welcome. For more details go to click here or contact 01539 816300.

Sign-up to 30 Days Wild is still open, download a free pack! Over the next month, thousands of wonderful experiences will be shared on social media. Take a look at #30DaysWild @30DaysWild and see how daily connections with nature are inspiring people to enjoy the wild world around them!