Throughout June Wildlife Trusts across the UK want us to have a daily connection with local wildlife, as Sally Welbourn of Dorset Wildlife Trust reveals

At Dorset Wildlife Trust, we believe that everyone’s lives are better if they’re a little bit wild. This June Wildlife Trusts across the UK are hosting the 30 Days Wild nature challenge, where we ask everyone to do something wild for 30 days in June. Where better than beautiful Dorset to enjoy a scenic walk, go on a rockpool ramble or capture a wildflower meadow on paper, canvas or camera?

Last year thousands of people across the UK took part in 30 Days Wild, including local resident Joanne Dewberry, owner of Charlie Moo’s. Joanne tweeted about her children’s ‘wild’ activities and shared ideas about getting stuck into nature in her blog: charliemoos.co.uk/blog.

“Our humble back gardens provide a plethora of outdoor activities including learning about and caring for local wildlife,” says Joanne, who lives in rural east Dorset. “My son Charlie sank an old washing-up bowl in a flowerbed, and then filled it with rocks and water. Imagine his delight when we discovered not one but three fat frogs living in there!”

Joanne believes that ‘going wild’ is also a chance for children to learn about their natural environment and their own safety, too. “Climbing trees gives children a different perspective on the world, they also learn about balance and co-ordination, and we can teach them when it’s safe to climb a tree. Their imagination can then run wild, pretending they’re climbing up Rapunzel’s hair, or scaling a mountain! It’s simple, free fun.”

As a busy mum-of-three, Joanne is full of ideas for 30 Days Wild activities for kids that don’t take too much time or effort to pull off. “Place rotting wood, leaves, or even broken crockery in a flowerbed to create some buggy hideaways, then print off a bug hunt treasure map and let the children go wild looking for woodlouse, ants and worms!”

Spending time outside with nature has been proven to help people feel happier, healthier and more connected to wildlife and wild places. The University of Derby measured how ‘wild’ people were before they started 30 Days Wild in 2015, again when they finished and then again, two months later. People reported feeling significantly healthier and happier, not just during June, but also months after the challenge had finished.

Finding your inner ‘wild’ is a lot easier than you think. If you work fulltime then enjoy a walk in the great outdoors during your lunch break. If you’re busy with a family, take the kids for a trip to the park or beach after school and bring a picnic. If you have more spare time, why not spend some of that volunteering with Dorset Wildlife Trust? There are literally hundreds of ‘Random Acts of Wildness’ to choose from whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or just finding your wildlife feet.

So tap into your inner ‘wild’ child this June and discover the fascinating flora and fauna of our magical county.

To sign up simply visit wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild. You’ll then receive:

• A wallchart to track your progress at work or at home

• Random acts of Wildness cards for inspiration

• A badge and stickers to show your love for the wild

• Practical hints and tips on finding your ‘wildlife’ with Dorset Wildlife Trust. Tweet us at @DorsetWildlife using #30DaysWild and share your wildlife experiences!

Share your wildlife photography at dorsetmagazine.co.uk/photos

More Dorset wildlife...

• Waterside species to spot on Dorset riverbanks this spring - Every river has a story to tell and residents to meet. Sally Welbourn of Dorset Wildlife Trust shares her top five waterside species to spot on the riverbank this spring

• Reversing the decline of wildflowers in Dorset - Wildflowers connect us to the heritage of our local landscape, which is why we must reverse the decline of our traditional wildflower meadows, writes Sally Welbourn of Dorset Wildlife Trust