#30DaysWild
Connecting to our natural world, with help from The Wildlife Trusts.
Hi, I’m Becky, an artist and writer based in Derbyshire. I write about my life in what I hope is an honest and open way. I write about mental health, sobriety and simply trying to find my way in this world. Please subscribe to support my work and to read more of my posts.
#30DaysWild is a campaign set up by The Wildlife Trusts1 to get us all outside, connecting to and enjoying nature. Finding the joy and wonder that is to be found in the natural world.
I have been taking part in it since 2021 and each year it is wonderful. I am someone who is a dab hand at moaning all Winter that it is, well, Winter. But, I am also a dab hand at staying inside in the Summer, reading a book.
#30DaysWild gets me outside, connecting and enjoying nature via the ideas they send out such as identifying butterflies or spending half an hour watching birds.
In today’s letter, I am going to share some of the things I have done during this #30DaysWild and why it is so important to connect with nature, not only for our benefit but so we remember how important it truly is.
#30DaysWild 2024, so far…
On Day 1, I didn’t take any photographs but I can tell you what I did:
I sewed some herb seeds, which were sent to me in the #30DaysWild pack.
I did some weeding and deadheading in the garden.
I figured out the starting point for my small bit of allotment.
On Day 2, I ate my breakfast outside and made a note of some of the natural environment around me.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F56040dd5-0e21-48ef-8e93-d771aa027308_2816x2514.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F38740a23-b999-4d99-a1ae-9ee574f0c6b4_1200x1600.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3aec8116-ac43-460a-a7bf-31070d740f6b_1920x1080.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffd7a0d55-2ead-40a0-a0a0-27553d695422_3024x4032.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5e6f46a0-08d1-415e-a9ee-6c3dfffd4cb6_3024x4032.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2ec5c796-3625-4ad5-ad74-a1e2dcfa7459_1920x1080.jpeg)
On Day 3, I took a selfie with a tree:
Not a remotely flattering angle. Don’t recommend. Much better to just take a picture of the tree. Or, even better, just look and admire the tree. (Told you that photo at the top would make sense if you kept reading.)
On Day 4, the weather was awful so I just fed the birds and watched them on my window bird feeder.
On Day 5, I went on a walk and looked for things that were yellow:
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5d2f571b-46e7-4d59-9fd4-55eb1e8a53ed_3024x4032.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F28861f53-c5cd-491d-868e-7b84afde1b5a_3024x4032.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5a5274fb-7468-46ba-b891-f5c9df1cbde6_3024x4032.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff71dfdab-2609-4f69-83f5-dc2b08f90ac7_3024x4032.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F784c69a6-aa69-492c-8f67-8d1abd417c4e_3024x4032.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1641ca8-3338-48c9-b8e8-eb7ed71763b3_3024x4032.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41bfeaca-6a4b-45dd-a2e4-24c4d21fed85_3024x4032.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff81eecab-20ab-4290-aba0-eea6a55a7e0e_1200x1600.jpeg)
Why #30DaysWild Is Important
#30DaysWild (and things like it) is important because it gives people easy-to-do ideas, that get them outside, enjoying and connecting with the natural world around them.
And that is important because it helps us all to remember that we are a part of the natural world.
Many human beings think they are above the natural world - the animals, the plants, the trees - but we are a part of it. And we aren’t even a vital part of it because we do more damage than good.
If there were no humans on the Earth, nature and the planet would thrive.
If there was no nature, we would die.
We have to remember what is important.
And it’s not having that massive Land Rover, or the latest iPhone or a whole new wardrobe for each holiday, bought from some hellish fast-fashion brand.
Our worth will never be found in how much stuff we accumulate. It will be found in our actions as human beings. How we treat each other, how we treat those less fortunate than us and how we treat the world we call home.
And I know you may be thinking “One person can’t make a difference” but we can. In small little ways, we can make a difference and teach the next generation that they should care about nature and the planet.
Although saying this, I think a lot of the younger generations already do care because they know they will be alive when the shit really hits the fan, if we don’t do something. Hell, I’ll probably still be alive!
Small ways you can help include:
Switching off plug sockets after you’ve finished using something.
Recycling what you can.
Drying clothes outside, instead of using a tumble dryer or dehumidifier.
Only buying things you really need or love. Before each purchase, ask yourself “Do I really need this?” or “Do I really love it?” If it’s only like or want driving you, chances are you will move on to something else soon after buying it.
It could also be a good idea to delve into why you feel a need to buy something you don’t need or love. Is it about external validation and others seeing you with this item? Is it about the thrill of buying and receiving something? Are you just trying to keep up with the Joneses?When you do buy things, think about where you are buying them from.
I know this is really hard if you don’t have a lot of money. I am right there with you but I have found it really helpful to really think about what I’m buying and why I’m buying it, as I’ve written in the point above. This has led to me buying less, meaning I am saving more so I can make better choices with the products I do buy. I also have a colour-coded spending log in my bullet journal so after each purchase I have to be honest with myself about whether I needed/loved something or if just wanted it in the moment. This has really helped to limit silly purchases.Holidaying closer to home.
Planting flowers and plants that attract bees2 and butterflies.3 This can be done in a garden, in pots on a balcony or in a window-box on a windowsill.
Having real grass, not fake, and letting it grow wild in areas.
Making insect or bee hotels4 for your garden.
Many wildlife charities, such as your local Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust, RSPB, WWF or a wildlife charity local to you, will have lots of tips on their websites.
WWF also has an app called ‘My Footprint’5 which tells you your carbon footprint and then gives you some “challenges” to help nature and the planet.
This planet is our home but it is also the home of the birds, the insects, the amphibians, the mammals, the fungi, the plants, the trees.
We are all a part of this big, beautiful world but only we have the power and knowledge to help stop its destruction.
Let’s help, in any small way we can.
Thank you so much for reading. I know this was a little different to my usual letter. I don’t often get on my soap box because I don’t want to upset anyone or have someone tell me I’m wrong. But, I don’t think you can be wrong about wanting to help the planet and I think we should all be upset.
Upset but hopeful. The world we live on is in trouble but we can do our bit to help. Even if it’s just a teeny-tiny bit, like only buying things I really need. Or having a rant on Substack.
As always, if you enjoyed this letter or anything resonated, please let me know by replying to this email or, if you are on Substack, by giving it a like or leaving a comment. If you really enjoyed it, please share it or restack it so someone else might find it. Thank you. 🖤
Until next time, take care of yourself.
Love,
Becky
🖤✨🌈
I was 36 years old before I realised/noticed that it’s The Wildlife TrustS, with an S, not just The Wildlife Trust. I cannot put ‘observant’ on my CV.
Bee Article Link: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/nature/beefriendly-plants-every-season?
Butterfly Article Link - https://butterfly-conservation.org/how-you-can-help/get-involved/gardening/gardening-for-butterflies?
Insect Hotel Article Link: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/09/how-to-build-a-bug-hotel/?
App Link - https://www.wwf.org.uk/myfootprint