Oxfordshire residents encouraged to enjoy summer of wildlife

The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is inviting people to take part in 30 Days Wild, a UK-wide campaign led by The Wildlife Trusts to help people experience and enjoy nature every day throughout the month.

A regular feature in summer diaries for over a decade, the challenge has helped people to get outside, to enjoy and connect with nature as part of their everyday lives, and has attracted more than three million participants nationwide.

Liz Shearer, community engagement director at BBOWT, said: “The 30 Days Wild challenge is one of the highlights of my year.

“It gives me an extra incentive to take a few minutes a day to simply notice all the nature around me, whether that’s listening to birds singing, looking out for flowers blooming or watching a bumblebee buzzing around.

“I would encourage everyone to join in and discover the joys of making time to get closer to nature this June.”

Participants are encouraged to use all five senses to experience the natural world, whether through a sensory walk in their neighbourhood or by noticing how wildlife relies on sight, sound, scent, touch, and taste to survive.

This year’s activities are designed to be flexible, with weekly themes and ideas to try, rather than a requirement to do something every day.

Suggestions include growing wildlife-friendly plants, learning to identify birdsong, or starting a nature journal.

Families can enjoy activity packs with new nature-inspired trading cards for collecting and swapping, while adults will receive a postcard to send to a loved one, complete with tips on how to do wild things in their garden, local greenspace or even from home.

Liz Bonnin, president of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Every year I look forward to 30 Days Wild to strengthen my connection to nature, as well as to wildlife lovers across the British Isles.

“It makes our lives a little wilder – whether it’s through learning something new about an amazing creature or giving back to nature by turning a window box into a pollinator pit stop.

“You don’t have to go far to find something wonderful, especially in June when nature is on full display.”

The challenge also encourages people to give back by planting wildlife-friendly flowers, leaving food and water out for wildlife, or getting involved with a local nature group.

People are encouraged to share their activities on social media throughout June to join others taking part across the UK.