So, it’s nearly time for the Wildlife Trusts’ #30 Days Wild again!  I’ll be trying to do something ‘wild’ every day for the month of June and blogging about it when I can. Anyone who reads my blog will know that getting outside as often as I can is a big part of my life anyway, whether I’m walking, gardening, running, cycling or rowing.  Usually plants are involved in some way, so this year I’ll be trying to stretch myself a bit and learn more about some of the other wildlife in and around where I live.

I thought perhaps I should make myself a mini ‘bucket list’ for the month, with some new challenges, so here goes:

• Visit at least two local nature reserves I’ve not been to before – Raisby Hill grassland, Town Kelloe bank and Trimdon Grange quarry are all an easy bike ride from home.
• Learn to identify some common grasses
• See a glow worm
• Watch the sun rise over the sea
• Make a wildlife pond in my garden
• Make a bug hotel

Of course most days I’ll be at work, which will limit my time for getting out and about, but I’m lucky that work in June will include days in the field with students near Craster in Northumberland and at Nenthead in Cumbria.  I’m hoping for weather like this again, and maybe the dolphins we saw in 2015!

Last summer I walked the length of Hadrian’s wall over the summer (see The Great Wall of Hadrian, done and dusted) with friends and this year we plan to walk the length of the River Wear, from Killhope to the coast at Sunderland. And, of course, there is the oak tree I am following this year to keep an eye on.

So, lots to look forward to – roll on tomorrow and the start of June!