WILTSHIRE Wildlife Trust is challenging residents across the county to let nature into their lives every day of the month during June.

Residents are being encouraged to enjoy the nature on their doorstep, as well as the ‘great outdoors’, with inspiring ‘Random Acts of Wildness’ with the return of 30 Days Wild – the Wildlife Trusts annual challenge for us all to do something wild and nature based every day in June.

Whether it’s on a reserve, in a park or in your own back garden – Wiltshire Wildlife Trust wants residents to put a bit of wild back into their lives and make a lasting connection to nature for their own health and wellbeing.

The impact of taking part in 30 Days Wild has been tracked by academics at the University of Derby. Their study found that people who did something wild each day for a month, felt happier, healthier and more connected to nature. From walking barefoot in the park to feeding garden birds, all sorts of activities proved positive for people – with added benefits for the natural world too.

Sam Wilson, from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “The whole idea of 30 Days Wild is to get people outside in their back gardens, visiting nature reserves, a day out to the beach and getting them engaged with nature.

“There is lots of evidence that nature is fantastic for your health and wellbeing, that is what we are really trying to encourage and engage people with.

“Also, people wont protect something if they don’t value it. We want people to go out and learn about the environment.

“The simplest thing to do to start with is to see what is out their in your own garden – get up one morning and maybe see what birds are visiting your garden, what flowers you have got. You could maybe not mow the lawn for a month and see what happens. You can start simple.

“Then there are our reserves, they are fantastic places to go go and see wildlife. Hagbourne Copse is right in the middle of the Blagrove Industrial Estate, if you work around there that is a great place to go for a wander around at lunchtime.

“Lower Moor Farm near Cricklade, has got some amazing meadows, and some lovely orchids coming out at this time of year.

“There are so many wonderful things in Wiltshire to get and at have a look at.”

To apply for a free 30 Days Wild pack, download the phone app or go online for some ideas and inspiration. Visit the website for more information: www.wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild