By completing a daily challenge, thousands of people across the country are set to brighten up the wintery days by signing up for 12 Days Wild from Monday 25 December to Friday 5 January. This festive challenge from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust enables participants to get closer to nature even when it’s cold and wet outside. Take part by doing one wild thing each day, choose what to do or follow along with daily inspirational emails containing tips and ideas of ways to connect with wildlife.

It’s scientifically proven that spending time in nature can improve wellbeing. Whether it’s taking a walk in the park, watching out for starling murmurations or creating some natural art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Signing up is also a chance to give something back to nature by making some small changes. Small actions like going plastic-free for New Year, recycling Christmas cards, feeding the birds or volunteering at a local nature reserve can make a big difference.

12 Days Wild is bursting with creative ideas to give a natural boost, such as:

• Doing some detective work and spotting animal tracks in the mud or snow
• Getting crafty using natural materials and creating some wild art
• Going wild in town or country and visiting a nature reserve
• Beating the January blues by listening to The Wildlife Trusts Wild about Wellbeing podcast 
• Making a New Year’s resolution for nature to go plastic free/cycle to work/volunteer

Or simply get out there and enjoy a walk on the wild side!

Liam Geary-Baulch, Senior Community Activism Officer for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust says:

“12 Days Wild is a fantastic way to enjoy the winter season while also giving nature a helping hand. Not only is it great for connecting with nature, it also great for our wellbeing and helps inspire us during some of the season’s darker days. We hope many people will join in, and we can’t wait to hear about all the ways people have interacted with wildlife on their doorstep.”

Cel Spellman, ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts says:

“The festive season is special for all of us and it’s important to think about the natural world too. There are lots of ways to make positive environmental choices at Christmas, such as using alternatives to single use wrapping paper, buying second-hand gifts, or creating decorations with natural materials. Whether you’re visiting nature reserves or appreciating the wildlife on your doorstep, 12 Days Wild is great for connecting us with the natural world during wintery days and nights.”

Mya-Rose Craig, ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts says:

“12 Days Wild is a brilliant way to encourage us all to have a wild adventure each day during mid-winter. It can be really tough to get your daily dose of nature when daylight hours are at their shortest, but 12 Days Wild is packed with ideas and ways to connect with wildlife both indoors and out. I always make sure I keep my bird feeders topped up in winter and love seeing which birds visit my garden. I have even been lucky enough to see a starling murmuration at dusk!”

Sign up online at www.wildlifetrusts.org/12dayswild for free guides, activities, and inspiration. Share photos and videos of your nature inspired moments on social media using #12DaysWild