Outdoor Learning
Get pupils connecting with nature and wildlife The Wildlife Trust’s ‘30 Days Wild’ initiative challenges everyone to get outside and do something with nature and wildlife every day in June. Independent studies have shown this can significantly improve wellbeing. Here are some ideas on what schools can do to get involved The Wildlife Trusts’ annual challenge – 30 Days Wild – calls on everyone to do something with nature and wildlife every day in June. A record number of 60,000 schools, people, families, businesses and care homes throughout the UK have signed up to receive a free pack of ideas and to take part. 30 Days Wild encourages everyone to enjoy nature in our neighbourhoods through daily Random Acts of Wildness: listening to bird song, gazing at butterflies, growing borage for bees and making the most of our parks, gardens and school grounds. Evidence shows that taking part can also make us happier and healthier. Ellie Harrison, presenter of Countryfile and President of the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, is supporting the event this year. She said: “Being outside in nature makes us all well. The smallest moments connecting – the surprise of a beetle revealing its wings; the fleeting secrets of bats at dusk; or the puff of valuable pollen from flowers we saw as weeds – all bring us wonder and enchantment. This
June we’re challenging you to a Random random acts of wildness – notice something Act of Wildness every single day of the new in nature, climb a tree or create month. What will you be delighted by?” space for nature in your neighbourhood Also supporting the event is James McVey – The Wildlife Trusts has lots of ideas and of The Vamps. He said: “30 Days Wild is a inspiration to help you make the most of fantastic challenge and everyone can take the 30 Days Wild challenge. Go Wild!” part - whether it’s building a den, listening The Wildlife Trust’s Leanne Manchester says: to the dawn chorus or visiting a favourite “30 Days Wild is a much-loved challenge wild place, enjoying our wonderful and it’s set to be an exciting month wildlife can help us to feel for everyone taking part. happier and healthier, I’ll be Experiencing a moment People joining in this June!” of nature every day on who di Dr Amir Khan from our doorstep or during d someth Channel 5’s GPs lunchtime at work is i behind closed doors elating in June when each dang ‘wild’ said: “Spending time wildlife is so active y f or a month, outdoors, enjoying and visible. Take time f e l t happier healthie wildlife on our doorstep out to sit in a wild r and m , and in our communities spot, enjoy the sunset o c r onnect is free and can benefit or feel cool grass ed to e our mental and physical between your toes – nature health in so many ways. June is such a beautiful Spend a few moments month and the perfect time every day in June taking part in to go a bit wild.” E Issue 24.3 | EDUCATION BUSINESS MAGAZINE
83
