Mon. Dec 16th, 2024

For wilder days and adventure-filled nights, join The Wildlife Trusts’ festive challenge!

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) in flight, Norfolk, UK

How will you get closer to nature during 12 Days Wild?

12 Days Wild is The Wildlife Trusts’ festive challenge which takes place from 25th December to 5th January. The idea is to do one wild thing every day or night… are you up for the challenge?

Simply sign up here and you’ll receive daily inspirational emails packed with fun ideas to help you embrace winter walks in nature or the magic of night-time star gazing – to lift your mood and much more!

You could:

Track animals by looking for footprints in the mud or snow
Create some wild art using recycled wrapping paper
Go winter wildlife watching on a walk at a nature reserve
Or even volunteer at a nature reserve – nature will appreciate it
Make a New Year’s resolution to help nature. What will you do in 2025?

Conservationist and TV presenter Chantelle Lindsay, who also works with London Wildlife Trust, says:

“Connecting with nature can be so simple, even in the middle of winter when days are short. Being outside, listening to birds or looking out for signs of foxes, hedgehogs or even otters, gives us a chance to slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy the natural wonders of our amazing planet. For this 12 Days Wild, I’ll be visiting my local wonderful Wildlife Trust nature reserves and enjoying the chance to relax and unwind after a super busy year.”

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%*.

There’s more information on the challenge here: 12 Days Wild | The Wildlife Trusts

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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