14:28, 21 November 2024
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, what better way to lift your spirits than by reconnecting with nature? The Wildlife Trusts’ 12 Days Wild challenge offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the season with fresh eyes and a sense of adventure.
Running from 25th December to 5th January, this festive initiative encourages you to do one “wild thing” every day—or night—and rediscover the wonders of the natural world. From tracking animal footprints in the snow to stargazing under a crisp winter sky, the possibilities for adventure are endless.
Simply sign up and receive daily emails packed with creative ideas to get outdoors, whether it’s a winter walk at a local nature reserve or volunteering to support wildlife conservation.
These small acts not only strengthen your connection to nature but also improve your well-being—previous participants in similar challenges reported feeling 56% more connected to the natural world and a 30% improvement in their overall health.
Conservationist Chantelle Lindsay, who works with the London Wildlife Trust, shares, “Being outside in winter can be simple but profoundly rewarding. Whether it’s spotting signs of hedgehogs or listening to the calls of birds, it’s a chance to slow down and reconnect.” Even in the depths of winter, nature offers solace and inspiration—something especially precious during the busy festive season.
For more details and to sign up, visit The Wildlife Trusts’ 12 Days Wild page.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. This is the largest charitable organisation working exclusively on all aspects of wildlife conservation in south and west Wales. Learn more here.
Eden Restoration Projects. This is a charity that works with local communities on a range of reforestation and conservation projects all over the world. Find out more here.
One Tree Planted. This is a non-profit that plants trees all over the world, with one dollar donation equals to one tree planted. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Climate Action, Life On Land, Partnerships For The Goals.
