This is the journal of my endeavours to grow a range of fruit, veg and flowers from seed, grow organically, and my attempts to create a personal paradise with 1/2 acre of maintained gardens and 1/2 acre wild meadows. Northern Ireland's average daily high temperatures are 18 °C (64 °F) in July and 6 °C (43 °F) in January. Soil type: Clay

Monday 1 June 2015

30 days wild with nature

This month I’m taking part in a 30 day challenge to connect with nature. From bird watching to walks along river paths, I’m looking forward to getting out daily in the good ol’ outdoors to appreciate the little things that can make a big impact on our lives.

The idea of the challenge is to enjoy our natural environment and simply to notice more of it around you. It’s about taking time to see all things wild and wonderful for 30 days — and enjoy some outdoorsy fun with family, friends or simply for a little ‘me’ time.

What will I be doing? This month my ‘random acts of wildness’ will include...

  • Bird watching and bug house building
  • Insect, butterfly, weed and wildflower searches
  • Looking at ways to attract more pollinating insects into the garden
  • Volunteering to help build a community garden that attracts wildlife and insects
  • Regular nature and beach walks, taking in the sights and sounds
  • Exercising in the wild each week
  • Photographing my discoveries

Research tells us that spending time in wild places can help us feel happier and healthier. Glasgow University showed that people who walked, biked, or ran in nature had less risk or poor mental health. Other studies show that getting out in nature helps us to improve our concentration, strengthens our immunity, and reduces feelings of stress. Simply spending time in a garden can help lower blood pressure (Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens)!

Feel free to join in and do something wild every day for the month of June. To find about the campaign - click here.

More on Irish wildlife – click here.
More on Ulster wildlife – click here.
More on Wildlife Trusts – click here.


Copyright: All words and photos are property of Kelli's Northern Ireland Garden.

8 comments:

  1. I look forward to seeing all your wonderful photographs.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I definitely agree that spending time outside in wild nature is very healthy. I´m looking forward to your photos during your ´random acts of wildness´.

    ReplyDelete
  3. If I didn't have to go to work, I'd be doing a lot more "communing with Nature"! Having said that, I think I am pretty good at noticing the plants and animals around me even when say driving along a motorway. I spot kites, kestrel and buzzards, and can't fail to notice at this time of year the bright yellow fields of Rape.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds like you are going to have fun Kelli - there is nothing like being outdoors to make you feel better.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds like a great challenge. I'm enjoying Springwatch at the moment. x

    ReplyDelete
  6. I cannot imagine those who don't enjoy nature. It will be interesting to join you, so I hope you take photos as you wonder through Irish nature. And I am quite curious to see what a bug house might be.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I definitely feel better when I'm amongst nature.. love it. Look forward to seeing the photos of what you get up too :o)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Well that was certainly an easy assignment for a gardener!

    ReplyDelete