30 Days Wild is the UK’s annual month-long nature challenge from The Wildlife Trusts, which inspires thousands of people to do something wild every day throughout June. 

This year, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is taking it to the next level, with 30 Days of Wild Records - a simple, fun way for communities to explore and document local biodiversity, creating a clearer picture of nature across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The project uses a user-friendly mobile survey tool called Survey123, making it easy for people of all ages and experience levels to record species sightings from gardens, school grounds, parks, and green spaces. 

Dawn O’Malley, Senior Engagement Manager at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said, “This project is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in our communities to connect with nature in a meaningful way. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or trying this for the first time, simply recording what you see is a simple but powerful act that helps us build a clearer picture of the incredible wildlife we share our local environment with. 

“We hope this will inspire more people to explore the natural world around them, contribute to conservation efforts, and feel part of a growing team working to make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight wilder.”

To support participants, the Trust has also created a free downloadable Wildlife Recording Toolkit containing resources such as spotter sheets, field notebook templates, safety tips, and ideas for outdoor learning activities. 

“This is an exciting step for nature lovers of all ages and abilities” Dawn adds. “By taking part in our citizen science survey, people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can contribute to a powerful, community-driven effort to monitor and protect wildlife. Whether you’re spotting butterflies in your garden, listening for birdsong in your local park, or exploring woodland trails, every record counts towards a better understanding of our precious natural world.”

The initiative runs throughout June, and also features weekly themed challenges such as Pollinator Week and Tree Trekkers to keep participants inspired. 

The Trust will share highlights and top sightings from the survey, spotlight local schools and community groups taking part, and encourage people to share their wild discoveries on social media using the hashtag #30DaysWild. 

At the end of the project, the Trust will publish a summary report and interactive map showcasing all the species recorded, celebrating the efforts of everyone involved. Certificates will also be awarded to participating schools and community groups.

To join in, visit the Citizen science webpage now. 

Share your wild moments on social media using #30DaysWild and tag the Trust on Instagram using @hantsiwwildlife to be featured.