On 1st June all ten of our care homes will embark upon a wildlife initiative that continues to reap positive rewards for our staff and residents months and months later.
What is 30 Days Wild?
30 Days Wild is a challenge set by the Wildlife Trusts each year during June - hence its name! Participants are encouraged to complete just one random act of wild each day, although there's no limit for anyone wanting to do more. These random acts of wild could be as simple as cloud spotting, whistling with grass, watching a wild webcam or walking barefoot across a lawn, or involve petitioning your local MP, visiting a nature reserve or joining a campaign to safeguard our natural habitats. All of our lives are so much better when they're wilder, and these small, but intrinsically connected acts of wild could do so much to protect wildlife - often without even realising the good that we're doing.
This year the Wildlife Trusts have released a dedicated care home pack to help care homes like ours embrace wildlife in ways that are specially adapted for those with differing abilities and vulnerabilities. We're so proud to be a part of this first year, and to show other care homes what we've learned along the way. 30 Days Wild is open to any and everyone, with the hopes that our voices will speak up for nature at a time when we need our wildlife and habitats more than ever.
Going wild is so important
Research has proven that time spent outside engaging with nature is time well spent. Those regularly interacting with nature are happier, healthier and more connected to their surroundings, as well as reaping mental health benefits. We tend to feel calmer, less anxious and more switched on when we take some time out to appreciate the natural world and species that live alongside us. This is wonderful news for the residents in our care homes. The elderly and vulnerable can suffer from isolation, anxiety and confusion, and can feel disconnected from friends, family members and the local community beyond their home. Time spent outside for 30 Days Wild can decrease feelings of stress, depression and bewilderment, and help staff members to connect more meaningfully via memories and wild activities. What's more, nature's colours, textures, sounds and smells can inspire reminiscence, improve cognitive function and aid sensory therapy. Put simply, time spent outside connecting with nature can complement our homes' treatments and therapies, and bring staff members, residents and their loved ones, and the wider community together in a relaxed and friendly environment.
We're going wild for the second time
This isn't the first time we've signed up for 30 Days Wild. Last year our residents in all ten homes participated in a range of wild activities each day, including water fights, daisy chain weaving, cloud spotting, bird watching, treasure hunts, barefoot walking and wild arts and crafts. They may not seem like big or meaningful activities, but residents responded positively to these wild interactions, often talking candidly about their childhoods and the times they'd spend outside as youngsters. This was amazing for residents and staff in terms of reminiscence therapy, and gave everyone such a lot to talk about. One home in particular, Langwith Lodge Residential Home, noticed a decreased rate of falls as residents were much calmer and less prone to anxiety. This was an incredible result, and yet another reason why we're so keen to go wild this year, too.
Our wild habitats are in trouble, as are many of the species we've become accustomed to seeing. Our residents may well remember much wilder times from those we experience now, and we're so keen for them to relive those days while helping our younger generations to really appreciate what we can save if we work together. You're never too old to appreciate the colour and scent of a flower, or remember the sensation of dried leaves between your toes. As we discovered then, and still realise now, the natural world has so much to teach us. As well as being much wilder than we were this time last year, we recognise the intrinsic value of activities such as gardening , dining outside and switching off electronics. Residents are encouraged to spend as much time outside as they'd like, while activities such as gardening and wildlife spotting have become regular pastimes. These small changes have helped residents to feel happier and healthier, and they're helping wildlife too.
You can sign up for 30 Days Wild by clicking here. Individuals or families, workplaces, schools and care homes each have their own packs, tailored to encourage, inspire and assist an appreciation for nature across all walks of life. We'd love for other care homes to join us, as our residents and staff members rediscover their wilder sides, learn to connect in more meaningful ways and do their bit for our wonderful British wildlife. Nature doesn't impose age limits, and we're all excited to find out what memories our activities will stir. You can follow 30 Days Wild using the hashtag #30DaysWild, and by keeping up with our individual social media pages.
- Louise Baker, Marketing Assistant
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