More people in Suffolk took part in the national nature challenge 30 Days Wild than ever before, it can be revealed.

The month-long Wildlife Trust-led challenge to do something wild every day in June, which finishes today, also saw a 40% rise in the number of people participating nationally.

Countrywide, 68,300 individuals, schools and workplaces people signed up for the challenge, 1,038 of which came from Suffolk – a 35% increase on the 675 of 2017.

Judging by social media activity, it is estimated that many thousands more took part in the campaign to make nature part of their everyday lives without officially signing up.

Lucy McRobert who leads 30 Days Wild for The Wildlife Trusts said: “We are thrilled that so many people are making time for nature, enjoying daily contact with wildlife and taking action to help it.

“We estimate that if every person who signed up through their home, family, school or business carried out 30 Random Acts of Wildness, that would be an over 10 million special moments with nature.

“We know that joining in with 30 Days Wild makes people feel happier and healthier and we have also discovered that it’s helping people see beauty in nature.”

The challenge inspired all ages to create their own special times with nature – known as Random Acts of Wildness. From pond dipping and bug hunting to wild swims and sleeping under the stars. Some people grew bee cafes or made homemade wildflower seedballs to help pollinators; others created new wildlife ponds - homes for frogs and newts.

Sara Holman, Learning Manager for Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said many people in the county had completed their Random Act of Wildness at one of the many Trust events held throughout June.

“The reaction to 30 Days Wild in Suffolk, really has been amazing and it has been fantastic to see and hear so many people making room for nature in their lives. We hope that many will be inspired to keep up their nature habit and even have a go at 365 days wild!”

Many teachers used 30 Days Wild school packs to take lessons outdoors and sow seeds of wildness in the classroom. Teachers from Springfield Junior School in Ipswich, described the children's response to 30 Days Wild as "phenomenal."

30 Days Wild will be back in 2019 with new challenges help everyone ‘go wild’!