TAKE time out from your worries and cares this summer – Ulster Wildlife has come up with the perfect plan to keep you on your toes and get you outdoors during June. The charity has just launched its first-ever 30 Days Wild challenge, which encourages participants to have a break from their hectic lives and get back in touch with nature.
The concept is simple. From June 1 to 30 you are encouraged to do “something wild” every single day. ‘Random Acts of Wildness’ can be as diverse as baking a hedgehog cake (I’d suggest googling ‘Harriet Hedgehog cake recipe’ – the results will be delicious), dancing in a downpour, going barefoot in the grass or learning how to forage for food.
More serious acts might include writing to your local parliamentary representative about a nature issue that you care passionately about, or volunteering for a clean-up event. Everyone who signs up will receive a pack full of encouragement, ideas and ‘Random Acts of Wildness’. They will also get a wall-chart to track their progress, a wild badge, and regular ideas via email.
The challenge is particularly good for anyone hoping to get their youngsters to swap their computer games for fresh air and on-the-spot learning. Hopefully the lasting benefit will be a love of nature that they can carry into adulthood.
You are also encouraged to share your progress and ideas with Ulster Wildlife on Facebook or Twitter @ulsterwildlife. See wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild. And remember, the simplest acts can bring the most happiness.
