Results of UK's first month-long nature challenge published as 2016 campaign
launches in Devon
People who do something 'wild' every day for a month change their attitude to nature
and report improvements in their physical and mental wellbeing, according to new
research which places nature connection at the heart of a happy and healthy life.
An impact study, by the University of Derby, of 30 Days Wild - the UK's first ever
month-long nature challenge, run by The Wildlife Trusts in June 2015 - reveals
sustained increases in participants' happiness, health, connection to nature and
positive environmental behaviours, such as feeding the birds or growing flowers for
pollinators like bees.
Dr Miles Richardson, Head of Psychology at the University of Derby, conducted the
study.
He says:
"Two months after taking part in 30 Days Wild, the number of people reporting their
health as excellent increased by over 30%. And that improvement in health was
influenced by the improvements in happiness and connection with nature."
The impact of 30 Days Wild adds to the compelling argument for bringing nature into
our everyday lives. Our grand challenges, such as health and declining
biodiversity, require large-scale interventions and the evaluation of 30 Days Wild
provides good evidence that time in, and a connection with nature can bring
sustained benefits to public health, reducing demands on our health services, while
also improving pro-nature behaviours. Even in urban areas, nature can provide a
simple solution to complex problems."
More than 18,500 people took part in The Wildlife Trusts' 30 Days Wild challenge,
committing around 300,000 Random Acts of Wildness - different ways to connect with,
experience and take action for nature - throughout June 2015.
Steve Hussey, from Devon Wildlife Trust, said:
"Last year, thousands of people undertook Random Acts of Wildness across our region,
from the centre of Plymouth to the Isles of Scilly. People let their lawns grow
wild, adults danced in the rain and went on wild picnics, while families created
natural artworks, went star-gazing and created homes for wildlife in their gardens.
Even people at work found time for wildlife, by taking meetings outside in the sun
and transforming work spaces into wildlife habitats.
"The results of our study show that taking part in 30 Days Wild makes people
happier, healthier and more connected to nature in the long-term.
"Importantly it also showed that by looking out for nature on a regular basis people
became more likely to care about and protect it - and that's what we're all about.
We're here to inspire everyone again - every day throughout June. Whatever their
age, wherever they live, we want everyone to feel they can take part and join
thousands of others making nature part of their life."
30 Days Wild returns in 2016, Devon Wildlife Trust is asking everyone to do
something wild every day from 1 - 30 June. Whether you take time out to simply
smell a wildflower, listen to birdsong, explore a local wild place or leave a part
of your garden to grow wild for a month. This year, the conservation charity aims
to inspire people to carry out one million Random Acts of Wildness, listing 101 fun
and intriguing ideas online to get you started. It's all about making nature part
of your life for 30 days - and it's free.
Steve Hussey added:
"Hundreds of people have already signed up to this year's 30 Days Wild but the
message is there's still time to do so at
www.wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild. We're
delighted that BBC Radio Devon is once again backing the campaign and broadcasting a
suggested Random Act of Wildness every day of the month on its David Fitzgerald Show
and other programmes. This year we're also calling on people to share their
experiences of 30 Days Wild with us on twitter, Instagram and facebook using
#30DaysWild and twitter handle @DevonWildlife."
#30DaysWild - Lewis Hussey, age 12, Exeter. Photo taken at Exmouth Beach copyright Kathryn
Edwards (All rights reserved)
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Share your 30 Days Wild experience on twitter, Instagram and facebook using
#30DaysWild and twitter handle @DevonWildlife
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