30 Days Wild gets underway
The National Health Service (NHS) is backing this year's 30 Days Wild challenge, organised by The Wildlife Trusts.
The month-long initiative invites people of all ages to connect with nature in an easy and accessible way every single day throughout the month of June.
People are being encouraged to take part in 30 Days Wild by the Greener NHS programme at NHS England, given the links between appreciating nature and improved wellbeing. Spending time in nature is proven to benefit people's mental and physical health. Evidence shows that people who connect with nature every day are more resilient, experience reduced social isolation and loneliness, and have better all-round health and happiness.
30 Days Wild encourages all forms of experiencing and appreciating nature, from hiking in the hills to watching the birds in your garden (Evie and Tom photography).
As part of the NHS's 75th birthday celebrations, the Greener NHS programme at NHS England has partnered with The Wildlife Trusts to shine a light on the great work of colleagues from across the NHS who have created, maintain, and make the best use of green spaces for the benefit of patients, staff and the environment.
Greener NHS will be showcasing NHS gardens and green spaces that support biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide health benefits for staff and patients, both physically and mentally.
A survey of participants in 2022's 30 Days Wild revealed that four in five (81%) of people said they were motivated by the challenge to do more to protect nature, while three quarters (76%) said 30 Days Wild improved their relationship with nature.
Dr Amir Khan, NHS doctor and vice-president of The Wildlife Trusts, said: "Being in and around nature is so important for our health and happiness, whether that's exercising outdoors, breakfasting in the garden, or lying in the park and enjoying the birds. I am delighted the NHS is encouraging people to get outside this June. Taking time each day to pause and purposefully observe and enjoy nature can do wonders for our wellbeing, while motivating us to do our bit to help wildlife. I urge people right across the British Isles to get involved in 30 Days Wild this year!"
Dr Nick Watts, Chief Sustainability Officer, NHS England, added: "The NHS was founded to provide high-quality care for all, now, and for future generations. We are joining 30 Days Wild to celebrate the hard work and commitment of NHS staff, past and present who have created and cared for green spaces and gardens in hospitals, GP surgeries, outpatient facilities and across our NHS estate. These spaces improve health, aid patient recovery and support staff wellbeing, while improving biodiversity and air quality. We'd like to encourage all NHS organisations, staff and volunteers to get involved and make the most of your green spaces for 30 Days Wild."
Free activity packs provide inspiration about different 'acts of wildness' to do each day throughout June. Register at www.wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild.
