Get wild for the NHS
To celebrate 75 years of the NHS, The Wildlife Trusts and the Greener NHS programme at NHS England are encouraging people to go wild for wellbeing this June by participating in the UK’s biggest nature challenge, 30 Days Wild.
The month-long initiative invites people of all ages to connect with nature in an easy and accessible way every day throughout the month of June. Whether it’s eating your lunch outside, taking a walk in a park, listening to birdsong, or planting wildflowers.
Being regularly exposed to nature is known to improve health and aid patient recovery. Research by The Wildlife Trusts and University of Derby in 2020 revealed that people’s health improved by 30% after taking part in 30 Days Wild.
As well as encouraging patients, staff, and volunteers to sign up themselves, NHS England is also using 30 Days Wild to shine a light on the work of colleagues from across the NHS who have created, maintain and make the best use of our green spaces for the benefit of patients, staff and the environment.
Across the NHS, green spaces and gardens – even as small as pocket parks, trees, green walls and roof gardens – are supporting staff and patients while also encouraging biodiversity, reducing exposure to air pollution, reducing urban heat, and mitigating excessive noise all of which impair both physical and mental health.
Get involved
Sign up to take part in 30 Days Wild and receive a free pack with lots of inspiration for activities. You can also share your 30 Days Wild stories on social media using #30DaysWild.
Find out more about the work of Greener NHS, and NHS England’s world-leading commitment to reaching net zero carbon.