Whether you're a seasoned artist or haven't picked up a paintbrush since school, this week is all about having fun and seeing the natural world through a creative lens. Let's get inspired!
Here’s a wonderfully creative final week for you:
30 Days Wild: Week 4 - Unleash Your Inner Creativity
We've reached the final week of our #30DaysWild challenge, and what better way to celebrate our connection with nature than by getting creative? This week, we're encouraging you to connect with nature through various different creative activities. We want you to find inspiration in the landscapes, colours and textures that surround us, and to express your wild side through art and imagination.
23 June: Capture nature's beauty - sketch something outdoors
Kick off our creative week by taking your sketchbook outside. Find a spot that inspires you – a vibrant flower, an interesting looking tree, a winding path – and try to capture it on paper. Don't worry about perfection or realism; it's about taking the time to stop, look, and give yourself the time to be creative in a new way.
WildNet - Bob Coyle
24 June: Through the lens - do some wildlife photography
Grab your camera or even your phone and head out to capture the beauty of wildlife. Wiltshire is full of incredible photographic opportunities! Wildlife photography encourages us to slow down, observe patiently, and appreciate the intricate details of the natural world. If you manage to snap something you are really proud of, why not enter it into our Wiltshire WildSnaps photography competition which runs throughout the whole of August? There are two categories under and over 18; check out last year's winners here.
Corn bunting (Milaria calandra) adult singing in hedgerow. - Chris Gomersall/2020VISION
25 June: Soundtrack of nature - listen to birdsong
Sometimes, creativity comes from simply immersing ourselves in the sensory experiences of nature. Today, find a peaceful spot and spend some time truly listening to the birdsong around you. Can you identify any different bird calls? How does the songs make you feel? Let the natural soundscape inspire your thoughts and perhaps even some creative writing or mental imagery.
26 June: Chronicle your wild journey - start a nature journal
A nature journal can be a place to sketch your observations, press flowers, jot down your thoughts and feelings about nature, or even record your wildlife sightings. Your nature journal will become a personal treasure trove of your wild experiences throughout June and beyond.
27 June: Botanical artistry - book to join local artist Sally Pond on a workshop at Langford Lakes
This is a wonderful way to combine artistic expression with a deep appreciation for the botanical world. Sally regularly runs courses at Langford Lakes in the beautiful Brockbank Centre, known for its exceptional light. The course teaches you the incredible detailed art of created botanical paintings using seasonal flora. Suitable for adults, both experienced painters and beginners.
©Philip Precey
28 June: Wonder at the patterns and do some leaf painting
Collect interesting leaves from your garden or local woodland and use them as stamps or inspiration for painting. You can create abstract designs, leaf rubbings, or even try to recreate the colours and patterns you observe. It's a wonderful hands-on way to connect with the textures and shapes of nature, and great for kids as well!
29 June: Preserve nature's ephemeral beauty - try flower drying!
Learn the gentle art of flower drying. By pressing or hanging flowers, you can preserve their beauty and use them for craft projects, decorations, or simply to admire. It's a lovely way to hold onto a little piece of summer and appreciate the delicate forms of your favourite flowers. Use fallen flowers and dropped petals so you aren't taking precious blooms away from our pollinators.
30 June: Wild Recipes – Try some nature inspired recipes
Take your inspiration from nature into the kitchen! Why not try dishes using foraged ingredients like wild garlic, herbs (where safe and legal), or perhaps meals that remind you of your favourite places. Our Wellbeing Team put together this recipe book of nature-inspired ideas – take a look and see what you can cook up!
This final week is all about expressing nature through creativity. We hope the challenges have given you the opportunity to see the world around you with new eyes and create something beautiful in the process. Don't forget to share your artistic creations with us on social media using #30DaysWild and tagging Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
Thank you for joining us on this wild adventure through June, and remember it doesn’t have to end here, you can continue to do one small thing for nature and yourself each day and let your creativity flow!