A NEW challenge has been launched to help beat the winter blues.
Saint Nick has come and gone and so begins the 12 Days of Christmas.
Cheshire Wildlife Trust is bringing a fresh twist to the celebrations, urging people to venture outside and take on their 12 Days Wild challenge.
Residents are being encouraged to embark on one wild activity each day up to January 5.
Cel Spellman, ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “The festive season is special for all of us and it’s important to think about the natural world too.
“There are lots of ways to make positive environmental choices at Christmas, such as using alternatives to single use wrapping paper, buying second-hand gifts, or creating decorations with natural materials.
“Whether you’re visiting nature reserves or appreciating the wildlife on your doorstep, 12 Days Wild is great for connecting us with the natural world during wintery days and nights.”
12 Days Wild is a new winter edition of the trust’s successful 30 Days Wild summer challenge.
The University of Derby analysed surveys from the 30-day challenge and found that it boosted the health of participants by an average of 30 per cent, with the effects still felt two months after the challenge was over.
Once you sign up to the 12 Days challenge you will be sent daily inspiration emails with fun ideas to help you connect with wildlife and lift your mood.
For instance, you could go searching for animal tracks in the mud, create wild art using natural materials, visit a nature reserve, or listen to the Trust’s Wild about Wellbeing podcast.
You could also make a New Year’s resolution, such as going plastic-free, volunteering, or putting out food for the birds.
Mya-Rose Craig, ambassador for The Wildlife Trust, added: “12 Days Wild is a brilliant way to encourage us all to have a wild adventure each day during mid-winter.
“It can be really tough to get your daily dose of nature when daylight hours are at their shortest, but 12 Days Wild is packed with ideas and ways to connect with wildlife both indoors and out.
“I always make sure I keep my bird feeders topped up in winter and love seeing which birds visit my garden. I have even been lucky enough to see a starling murmuration at dusk!”
For more information or to sign up, visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/12dayswild.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here