Week 3 is all about learning from the natural world. How can we take our knowledge to the next level? We know that if you’re along with us on this journey, you care about nature as much as we do. This week, we’re learning more in order to help us protect the wildlife we love so much. From endangered species to our favourite wildlife books, we’ve got an exciting week ahead that all culminates with this year’s summer solstice.

All you’ll need for the coming week is a curious mind and a willingness to learn. So, if you’re ready, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect over the next seven days along with some activity ideas to make this week wild. 

Day 15: Download a Spotter Guide and Go Spotting

One of the best ways to keep your eyes peeled for nature is by using a spotter guide. These guides, tailored to the season, are full of amazing species to see in your local wild spaces. Using them makes it easy to identify what you spot, and acts like a scavenger hunt that adults and children alike will enjoy. 

Why not submit your findings to us so we can monitor the species population levels in Wiltshire and Swindon? Your photos help us build a better picture of wildlife in the area, and help us identify habitats that need support through our conservation efforts. 

Find the Spring/Summer Wiltshire spotter guide here and submit your sightings to us here.

Day 16: Learn About Moths and Butterflies

The world of Wiltshire's moths and butterflies is fascinating. From chalk downland to ancient woodland, our landscape provides unique conditions for many rare species to flourish. Through our work to restore and create habitats for these creatures to thrive, such as our Butterfly Banks at Coombe Bissett Down, we're securing the future of these critical species. 

Learning more about them is the first step to protecting our moths and butterflies. Discover more on our species pages, and see what you can learn - then why not get outside and see how many you can spot!

Day 17: Get to Know Wiltshire’s Critical Species

Did you know that some of Wiltshire’s native species are on the Critical List, meaning they’re critically endangered? For day 17, we’re putting a spotlight on the species facing more threats than ever, and highlighting the work we’re doing to protect them. 

Find out more about our critical species list here and see what you can do to support them. 

Day 18: Become a Member of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

We know you love wildlife just as much as we do, so why not become a member of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust for Day 18? For as little as £3 a month, you can support our range of projects and help us work towards a future where nature is restored and protected in Wiltshire and Swindon. 

Find out more about our memberships and become a member here.

Day 19: Learn About Wildlife

Even for the most seasoned naturalists, there is always something new to discover. So, why not delve into a new area and see what you can learn? Or, if you’re new to learning about wildlife, pick a topic and research to get more knowledgeable about the nature around you. 

Learning about wildlife doesn’t have to be difficult. If you spot an insect or bird you’ve never seen before, try to identify it using books or the internet and learn a few facts about its habitat. Alternatively, visit the Wildlife Trust’s species page here and see what you can discover about a plant or animal of your choosing. For day 19, get stuck in and try to find five new facts about your chosen species. 

Day 20: Read a Book About Nature

Learning from the outdoors is a great way to get more knowledgeable about the wildlife in your local area. But what about a little further afield? 

This is where books come in handy, and there are so many amazing titles to choose from depending on your interest. 

For a heartwarming children’s story, give Gozzle by Julia Donaldson a try, or for a more informative younger read, how about Wild Child: A Journey Through Nature by Dara McAnulty?

Heart of the Woods by Wyl Menmuir is an intriguing deep dive into trees and their impact on human life throughout history, while Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton is a heartwarming true story about one woman’s goal to give an abandoned leveret a chance at survival. 

If poetry is more your cup of tea, try The Lost Spells by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris. With beautiful illustrations and spellbinding verse, this book of poems has won over children and adults alike.

Whatever your area of interest, there’s a nature book for you. Do some digging at your local library or bookshop and see what grabs you. 

Let us know your favourite nature book picks for Day 20 by tagging @WiltsWild and using #30DaysWild on social media. 

Day 21: Summer Solstice 

June 21^st is the Summer Solstice and, whether or not you’re headed to Stonehenge to watch the sun rise through the stones, there will be 16 whole hours of daylight. That’s 16 hours to explore, learn, and appreciate the wildlife around us. 

With so much time, perhaps you can catch up on some 30 Days Wild challenges you might have missed, or take some time to reflect on the first half of the year. Think of the strides you’ve made by committing to 30 Days Wild and how this might impact the coming months. What changes will you make going forward? What might you take from this challenge?

Between all the reflections, make the most of the longest day of the year and get outside for what will (hopefully) be a day full of sunshine. 

Get Learning!

What are you most excited for this week? Are you a bookworm who wants to expand their knowledge through reading, or are you itching to get out with a Watch group and see what you can find? Whichever way you like to learn, there’s something for you in Week 3 of 30 Days Wild. 

As always, keep us updated on your progress by tagging us and using #30DaysWild on social media. We can’t wait to see what you get up to!