30 Days Wild: Can you make room for nature this June? An exciting new challenge for everyone!

This June, Devon Wildlife Trust is asking everyone to do something wild every day for a month. The challenge is simple and designed to delight. The charity wants us all to make room in our busy lives for nature - no matter where you are or how hectic your schedule.
The message from The Trust's spokesperson Steve Hussey couldn't be clearer: 'We want to make June the month when you do something wild every day - and let us motivate you!' Devon Wildlife Trust's invitation is part of a national campaign being run by the The Wildlife Trusts. Everyone who signs up to 30 Days Wild - the UK's first ever month-long nature challenge - will receive a download pack full of encouragement, ideas and 'Random Acts of Wildness'. They will also receive a funky wallchart to track progress, a wild badge, and regular blasts of inspiration throughout June straight to their inbox to help everyone make nature part of their lives.
The 30 Days Wild sign-up page is www.wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild. 
A short film featuring Devon Wildlife Trust's Jasmine Atkinson is being used to promote 30 Days Wild across the UK. Jasmine appears in the video (available to see at www.devonwildlifetrust.org) paddling in a Dartmoor stream and taking a twilight walk. Jasmine says: 'Detect, discover, dig; invite, inhale, immerse; shout, scatter and sweep... we've put together 101 fun and intriguing ideas to get you started. It's not hard and doesn't even matter if you miss a day or two - we won't tell anyone!  30 Days Wild is all about making time for nature in your life - and it's free.' 
BBC Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison* is a supporter of The Wildlife Trusts' month-long challenge. She can't wait to get started - she says: 'This month we want you to do something wild! You could climb to the highest hill, take a wild photo or even follow a bumble bee to see where it takes you. Join us for 30 Days Wild and find your wild life!' 
The emphasis of 30 Days Wild is all about enjoying nature, but the campaign is underpinned by a serious message. Devon Wildlife Trust's Steve Hussey says: 'We know that a generation of children is growing up disconnected from nature - only 1 in 10 children ever play in wild places. But this is a problem that affects adults too. It can be difficult to create the right moment or to find time for nature in busy lives. We're here to inspire people - whatever your age, wherever you live, we want everyone to feel they can take part.' 
The Wildlife Trusts are asking people to invent their own 'Random Acts of Wildness' or use our list for our inspiration - these acts are everyday ways to connect with nature or help wildlife. This could be as simple as: 

•  Inhale: take a few seconds out to smell a wildflower 
•  Record: put wild sounds onto your phone and make them your ringtone - you'll be transported back to the wild every time you get a call 
•  Encounter: share a close encounter with a favourite species 
•  Create: make a wild work of art outdoors and leave it for others to enjoy 

To get started people are being urged to visit the Devon Wildlife Trust 30 Days Wild webpage at www.devonwildlifetrust.org Devon Wildlife Trust is hoping to make June a really wild month and is asking people to join in, connect with nature and share their experiences, photos and ideas using #30DaysWild on Twitter
 *Ellie Harrison presents BBC Countryfile and is the president of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Barnstaple comes alive for Wildlife Festival

Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) held its annual Wildlife Festival in Barnstaple on Saturday as part of the 13th North Devon Festival. It was the charity's fifth annual Wildlife Festival and ran between 10am and 4pm. The event featured many wildlife-themed exhibits and activities aimed at keeping families entertained. It began with a parade through the High Street with a samba band and giant bug stilt walkers, all led by the Mayor of the town who brought the parade to the Square and officially opened the event. Jo Pullin, DWT's event organiser said: "This year's event was a real success with over 3,000 people attending. We had Vintage Mobile Cinema showing wildlife films and over 100 nest boxes were made, which is always a firm favourite at our festivals. We would like to thank all the volunteers who help make the event possible and luckily the weather held off despite a short shower in the afternoon. Look out for us at a town near you next year!" This year's event was generously sponsored by BID Barnstaple, The Bridge Trust and South West Water. Photo: Wildlife Festival Stilt Walkers copyright Devon Wildlife Trust