Blog written by Young Ambassador Mary Gilfillan

Last year I participated in 30 days wild, noticing nature on my doorstep or further afield every day for the month of June. It was an absolutely brilliant experience and one I aim to try achieve again. It has also helped me be more aware of nature everywhere from bits of moss growing in the concrete, to the birds I feed from my window. It brings such joy noticing, even just the little things, and can be such a great boost for mental health, I always find it so peaceful and calming.

I was able to do all sorts last year, for the whole month and tracked it all on my instagram @m_gilfil_wild. I started the month off simply getting outside for lunch but also enjoyed photographing nature I noticed, cycling to my work experience placement and even doing a spot of wild swimming!

One of my favourite moments was setting up a window bird feeder outside my bedroom which, as I write this, is being thoroughly enjoyed by a number of house sparrows almost a year later! A welcome distraction and source of happiness while I have to revise for exams.

Wildlife and nature has always been so important to me from when I was young. I was always a very curious, active, outdoor child; asking lots of questions. And this definitely encouraged my love for wildlife, constantly noticing and wanting to hold bugs and insects and appreciating all the little bits of nature. 

This passion has simply grown and flourished as I’ve gotten older and doing 30 days wild simply allowed me to further deepen my relationship with the outdoors.