12 Days Wild is Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s festive challenge which takes place from 25 December to 5 January. The idea is to do one wild thing every day or night… are you up for the challenge?

Simply sign up here and you'll receive daily inspirational emails packed with fun ideas to help you embrace winter walks in nature or the magic of night-time stargazing – to lift your mood and much more!

You could:

• Track animals by looking for footprints in the mud or snow
• Go stargazing on a clear night
• Go winter wildlife watching on a walk at one of our nature reserves
• Or even apply to volunteer at a nature reserve
• Make a New Year’s resolution to help nature. What will you do in 2025?

“From dawn to dusk, winter wildlife is busy all around us. Otters are always up early and if you see a trail of bubbles in the water, you’ll know they’ve spotted you first. Night-hunting barn owls venture out on cold winter days to find extra food and will woosh past you in the winter sun. Then, at dusk, starlings gather in the sky forming ever-shifting shapes and patterns known as murmurations. There are so many wildlife adventures to be had during 12 Days Wild – I hope you enjoy them.”

“At this time of year, it’s easy to think that there’s not much worth going out for but even on a grey day we can all be boosted by the natural light and getting outdoors, or even taking it in through an open window. My tip for 12 Days Wild would be to embrace all weathers and be mindful of how it makes you feel with the sun on your face, raindrops falling off your nose or, the rosy-glow that the cold gives your cheeks. Look for colour in the remnants of autumn leaves, the bright red berries on Holly trees, and admire the stunning winter sunsets. If you want to venture further, head to your nearest park or open space and hug a tree, download an app to identify the birdsong you hear, or take time to admire the spectacular patterns created by frost or how it adorns seedheads by the roadside. These are some really simple actions that can connect us with nature and provide a moment of joy – and in essence, this is what this festive challenge is all about.”

Spending time in nature – night or day – is proven to help people feel happier and healthier. A Wildlife Trusts’ survey found that participants of the 30 Days Wild summer challenge felt 56% more connected to nature after taking part, and that it boosted the health of participants by an average of 30%.

Find more information on the challenge here: 12 Days Wild | The Wildlife Trusts