MORE than 55,000 people have signed up to The Wildlife Trust’s 30 Days Wild campaign nationwide, with more than 1,400 signed up across Cheshire.

The annual campaign to get people engaged with wildlife for the month of June is being supported by leading naturalists, TV presenters and authors.

30 Days Wild started today (June 1) and gives individuals, schools and workplaces the opportunity to ‘get wild’ for the month, by undertaking a wild activity each day.

TV presenters Nick Baker, Gillian Burke and chart-topping James McVey from The Vamps have all put their weight behind the campaign to reconnect people with wildlife in a fun and inspirational way.

“In Cheshire, we have a record-breaking number of sign-ups and we can’t wait to see all the different activities people try in June. We love seeing people’s photographs and films on our social media,” said Jo Darlington, director of fundraising and communications at Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

“It’s not too late to sign-up if people would like to take part - just visit our website.”

Gillian Burke, TV presenter, biologist and Springwatch presenter, is supporting 30 Days Wild. Gillian added: “Try 30 Random Acts of Wildness in 30 Days! I’d love people to connect with the wildlife around them – I think lots of people don’t know how to do it… this is the perfect way to start and discover how you can make a difference. Where will your wild adventure take you? I might dance in a downpour!”

30 Days Wild encourages people to notice nature on their doorsteps every single day and gives them a multitude of exciting and fun ways of doing it. Research shows taking part in 30 Days Wild improves health and happiness and encourages people to do something to help wildlife.

Nick Baker, naturalist and television presenter, said: “Ever since I was a small boy I’ve been fascinated by wildlife and the natural world. It’s so important for us all to have regular contact with nature – I know it makes me feel happier and healthier. Taking the 30 Days Wild challenge is a brilliant way to reconnect with your own wild side – so why not get out and go wild this June?”

New this year is the first ever Big Wild Weekend on June 16 and 17. On Saturday 16th June, Cheshire Wildlife Trust will be hosting a special celebration of wildlife on its Twitter account from 12pm to 1pm – just look out for the hashtag #CheshireWildlifeHour and share your special Cheshire wildlife moments.

On Sunday, June 17, from 11am until 3pm, the Trust will be hosting a day of wild activities at Marbury Country Park in Northwich. This fun event will bring together a choice of free activities for all to enjoy including willow weaving, creating wild art, spotting wildlife and a guided walk of the Trust’s Marbury Reedbed Nature Reserve.

James McVey, writer and guitarist in The Vamps, added: “I’m supporting The Wildlife Trusts’ national challenge of spending 30 Days Wild – every day in June they are asking you guys to do something wild. Now – that could be going camping somewhere if you’ve never been camping, it could be doing an off-road trail, climbing a massive hill that you’ve always wanted to do but never done – but it could also be something as simple as recycling if you’ve never recycled before or buying a reusable water bottle.”

Sign-up to 30 Days Wild and you’ll get a free pack with a booklet of inspirational ideas for Random Acts of Wildness, wildflower seeded paper to sow, a wall chart to record your activities and wild stickers. There are special packs for schools with outdoor lesson plans and giant Random Acts of Wildness cards. Workplaces can join in too, with tailored packs to bring the ‘wild’ to work.

Sign up by visiting: www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk