The UK’s biggest nature challenge, 30 Days Wild, is on course for a record-breaking year following an unprecedented number of people signing-up to take part so far.

Last year, more than 760,000 took part in the challenge, which encourages people to do something wild every day throughout June. 30 Days Wild is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Popular activities include wildlife-watching, breakfasting outdoors each day, and listening to birdsong. 30 Days Wild fans interpret the challenge in different ways – from planting for pollinators to taking on sporting challenges to raise money for The Wildlife Trusts. Treasured moments from the challenge include:

• The participant who posted packets of wildflower seeds to their neighbours
• The person who woke up 5am every day to catch the sunrise and dawn chorus
• The enthusiast who crocheted a blanket with 30 wildlife species – one square a day

Actor and presenter Cel Spellman is backing 30 Days Wild this June, citing the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature.

Cel Spellman, ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“30 Days Wild is a brilliant way to explore and develop our relationship with nature and to enjoy new experiences outdoors. Not just that, the benefits that time in nature has for our physical and mental health are quite amazing. I can’t wait to get involved this year, and I hope that people of all ages and backgrounds do the same. It's good for the soul and good for nature.”

Stephen Trotter, CEO, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said:

“30 Days Wild is a brilliant motivator for us all, to get outside and experience all the amazing things nature has to offer. The natural world is struggling but there are so many things that we can do to help. A survey of 2021 participants revealed that taking part in 30 Days Wild really improved people’s relationship with nature and inspired them to take action. So why not get involved today? It's not too late to sign up here."

The 2021 survey of participants showed that:

• 88% they were very likely to make their garden more wildlife-friendly after participating in 30 Days Wild
• 74% had either already taken action to reduce their carbon footprint, or were very likely to after taking part in 30 Days Wild

30 Days Wild is for people of all ages and from all backgrounds, with families, schoolchildren, and care home residents all taking part. They include:

• Nisha Parmar who takes part in 30 Days Wild every year with her daughter. Nisha enjoys wildlife photography and regularly posts photos of wildlife throughout June.
• Alison Loudon who first took part during lockdown in 2020. Her appreciation for nature has flourished, and she has since made bug hotels, planted wildflowers, and learnt how to identify species with her children.
• Kenna who is a member of their local Wildlife Trust and loves taking part in challenges. 30 Days Wild reminds Kenna to appreciate and enjoy nature in their local area.
• Diane Lewis who takes part with her 10-year-old son Nathan. Diane says the challenge helps her disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
• Six-year-old Atiya and mum Ayesha, who have taken part in 30 Days Wild for several years. Atiya, an environmental engineer, enjoys posting films online of Ayesha exploring their garden and doing small acts for nature like building bug hotels and creating a mini pond. 

A five-year review of 30 Days Wild participants, run in conjunction with the University of Derby, found that people reported they felt happier and healthier from taking part, with positive effects lasting for at least two months afterwards.

Sign up to take part in 30 Days Wild and receive free inspiration.