Out & About Summer 2018

This summer feel happier, healthier and more connected with nature, says Kate Titford of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust Run wild, run free LEISURE – OUTDOORS

S omething that’s easy and simple to do, but can bring smiles, wonder and calm in our busy days sounds almost too good to be true. But that’s how Berkshire resident Verity West describes taking part in The Wildlife Trusts’ nationwide 30 Days Wild challenge. This June, thousands of people are taking the 30 Days Wild challenge by doing a random act of wildness every day. It could be as simple as watching bumblebees in the garden or discovering a wild part of the countryside. Use the BBOWT Wild Links app to bring the beautiful wildlife of West Berkshire onto your mobile phone. The app is loaded with interactive maps of the Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves, walking routes and wildlife sightings, and lots of photos taken by people who have visited the reserves. These include Snelsmore Common Country Park, one of the ideal sites for a family day out, especially if you want a picnic, cycle trails and pushchair-friendly tracks. Look out for dragonflies whizzing past you, especially the golden-ringed dragonfly – it’s the biggest one in the country.

nature in unexpected places such as wild flowers growing through cracks in the pavement. Whether you decide to walk barefoot in the park, feed the birds or make elderflower cordial, there is evidence that these random acts of wildness can boost your wellbeing. A study by the University of Derby found that 30 Days Wild participants felt happier, healthier and more connected to nature; and that continued to improve even after people finished the challenge. The Random Acts of Wildness app for smartphones makes it easy to find ideas to get you started or when you need a bit of inspiration. l Find your artistic side and do a quick nature sketch l Listen to birds singing in the supermarket car park as you load your shopping into your car l Go star gazing l Sow wild flower seeds in your garden Anyone can take part in 30 Days Wild. Sign up today for your free pack to help you go wild throughout June. We’d love to see what you get up to, tell us on Twitter including @BBOWT #30DaysWild. Sign up to the Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge at www.wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild

There are hundreds of ways to complete daily random acts of

From top: enjoy a summer day with friends; common lizard on West Berkshire heathland; Golden-ringed dragonfly at Snelsmore Common

wildness: enjoy breakfast in the garden watching butterflies or be adventurous and go wild swimming. Discover

EVENTS COMING UP

You can Stay Wild for the rest of the summer by going on walks and events run by the Wildlife Trust. July 21 brush up your photography skills at the Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham July 28 Take part in Art by the Lake, Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham Family activities at the Nature Discovery Centre during July and August include Nature Explorers Club, Animal Experiences, Crocodiles of the World and Meet the Bird Rescuer Pictures: Katrina Martin 2020Vision, Matthew Hearne, Andy Fairbairn

Details of all BBOWT events on www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on BBOWT Facebook handle is @bbowildlifetrust and Twitter is @bbowt August 2 children’s photography course July 27 to August 31 Fantastic Wildlife Fridays – fun nature ses- sions designed for families with children over five years old. Please book in advance, there are sessions throughout the day. And don’t forge BBC Countryfile Live in August

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