Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust festive challenge of 12 Days Wild

A festive challenge is daring people to do one wild thing every day or night until the beginning of next year.

The 12 Days Wild is a Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust challenge taking place from December 25 to January 5.

People can track animals by looking for footprints in the mud or snow, star gazing on a clear night, watching winter wildlife on a walk at a nature reserve, or even volunteering at a nature reserve.

The Trust is appealing to people to make a New Year’s resolution to help nature.

BBC TV presenter and Wildlife Trust vice president Iolo Williams said: “From dawn to dusk, winter wildlife is busy all around us. Otters are always up early and if you see a trail of bubbles in the water, you’ll know they’ve spotted you first.

“Night-hunting barn owls venture out on cold winter days to find extra food and will woosh past you in the winter sun.

“Then, at dusk, starlings gather in the sky forming ever-shifting shapes and patterns known as murmurations.

“There are so many wildlife adventures to be had during 12 Days Wild – I hope you enjoy them.”

People interested in taking part in the challenge can sign up at: https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/12-days-wild-2024.

Spending time in nature, night or day, is proven to help people feel happier and healthier.

A Wildlife Trusts survey found that participants of the 30 Days Wild summer challenge felt 56% more connected to nature after taking part and that it boosted the health of participants by an average of 30%.

Rachel Rutherford, senior communications and Marketing Officer at Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust said: "12 Days Wild is a great opportunity to get a blast of fresh air with friends and family over the festive season and I will be looking out for the unusual and unexpected when out and about in my local green spaces.

“You just never know what you can experience when you open your mind to it.

“From the micro fungi to the unexpected wildlife encounters to simple things like a bug hunt or spotting animal tracks.

“I may even get the hammock out in the back garden - usually only a hot summers day experience.

“However, if coupled with hot drinks and wrapping up well with blankets, star gazing on a fine evening is on my list to do this year."