This is the third year of 12 Days Wild, and my third year taking part too! 12 Days Wild is a winter wildlife challenge held by the home of the longer, summer challenge 30 Days Wild, The Wildlife Trusts. As stated on their website, The Wildlife Trusts 'For more than a century we have been saving wildlife and wild places, increasing people’s awareness and understanding of the natural world, and deepening people’s relationship with it.' If you are unaware of them and their work I recommend visiting their website, https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/, which is home to a wealth of information surrounding nature, wildlife and how we can help it.
In my previous year's posts, I've prefaced this challenge with the caveat I'm already living a rather wild life. A life that places the natural world in high regard and that includes some sort of action or thought for the wild world every single day. So really this is more of a challenge for me. It gives me the opportunity and motivation to step outside of my usual daily wildness and take a break from my regular daily routine.
That being said, here is part one of my 12 days Wild.
See previous years below
12 Days Wild 2022/23
12 Days Wild 2023/24 // Part 1
12 Days Wild 2023/24 // Part 2
Day 1 - 25th December - Eden Place/Beamish Woods
Almost every year since 2019, Mr H and I have gone to these same woods on or around the 25th of December. This year we were accompanied by Baker in his buggy.
Day 2 - 26th December - At Home
The morning started out so misty but the day ended up displaying a golden sky.
I got my suncatcher from Ferne Creative up on the window ready for the days when
the sun begins to get higher in the sky again.
Day 3 - 27th December - Berwick Beach
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While up in my hometown to pick up my parents, Mam and I took a trip over the beach for a bird spotting walk. I had a goal of photographing 100 different species in 2024 and was two birds away, so I was trying so hard to see those two extra birds.
This was a fantastic walk though and I'll let you check my 'The Birds of 2024 - December' post coming on the 13th to find out if I reached that goal.
Day 4 - 28th December - At Home
Litter picking in the sunshine with Mam.
Day 5 - 29th December - Walk to the River Don
This was a bittersweet adventure. It's always nice to be in nature but the state humans have made of so many natural areas is completely heartbreaking. My photos are taken strategically to share the beauty of nature and I avoid showing the pollution and litter too much but it is a serious issue that only seems to be getting worse. Please care. Please do something.
Day 6 - 30th December - At Home
A winter nature mandala of treasures found in our gardens.
Stay tuned for part two...
