Stars back 30 Days Wild nature challenge

30 Days Wild, credit Ellie Smart

The '30 Days Wild challenge’ from the Wildlife Trusts is being supported by a range of stars, including author Abi Elphinstone, TV presenter Gillian Burke, Olympian Alex Gregory, and chart-topping James McVey from The Vamps.

54,500 people, schools and workplaces have signed up to 30 Days Wild national nature challenge to do something ‘wild’ every day during June.

New research shows that 30 Days Wild is unique in improving people’s perception of beauty in nature, and that noticing natural beauty makes people happier and want to care for it.

Gillian Burke, TV presenter, biologist and Springwatch presenter, is supporting 30 Days Wild. Will she dance in a downpour as one of her Random Act of Wildness?

Gillian says: “I think lots of people don’t know how to do it; this is the perfect way to start and discover how you can make a difference. Where will your wild adventure take you? I might dance in a downpour!”

30 Days Wild encourages people to notice nature on their doorsteps every single day and gives them a multitude of exciting and fun ways of doing it.

Alex Gregory double Olympic Champion, multiple World Champion rower, and author of Dadventures says: “It's all too easy to fall into the habit of walking into the house and shutting the door. There are too many things indoors that are attractive to our children and us adults alike, mostly revolving around a screen. I think technology is great, I love it, as long as there is something else. Often the best memories are made quickly for free! This is what the outdoors gives us. Taking the first step outside is the biggest challenge, after that, with a willing mind and a spot of enthusiasm, bonding moments and lasting memories can easily be made together. What is it that we remember from our childhoods? That afternoon watching TV? Or the time mum climbed a tree with us after school?”

“As a family our free time is spent outdoors, exploring, investigating and being active. I want my children to notice things. I believe if they start to notice things in the natural world they become interested, when they become interested, they start to care and when a generation begins to really care, that's when we see a change.”

Abi Elphinstone, author of the bestselling children’s novel SKY SONG, spent her childhood building dens and running wild across highland glens. She says: “My siblings and I used to camp under the stars up the glen, fish our pond for giant beetles and scramble over the moors in search of hidden waterfalls – and I believe the reason I am a writer is because the wilderness I explored as a child made me one. Every child should have the chance to go ‘wild’, which is why I’m supporting 30 Days Wild. Connect with the wild world around you and have an adventure.”

James McVey, writer and guitarist in The Vamps says: “I’m supporting The Wildlife Trusts’ national challenge of spending 30 Days Wild – every day in June they are asking you guys to do something wild. Now – that could be going camping somewhere if you’ve never been camping, it could be doing an off-road trail, climbing a massive hill that you’ve always wanted to do but never done – but it could also be something as simple as recycling if you’ve never recycled before or buying a reusable water bottle.”