When we caught wind of the Wildlife Trust's June Campaign 30 Days Wild - aimed at encouraging families to include 20 minutes of wild time into each day in June, we were instantly keen to give it a go. Playing outside is at the very centre of what Superlove Merino is all about. We know that no matter what stresses us out, or how bad a mood might be, a blast of outside time never fails to break the spell. Bad weather can't be allowed to become a barrier (this is Britain so we'd never go out if it was). Superlove Merino was originally created as a way of harnessing the amazing protective powers of Merino Wool to ensure our kids could live lives as close as possible to the kind of roaming freedoms we had when we were little. Were we, the grubby unsupervised kids of the late 70's really the last free range generation? We hope not! We wanted to take our little ones on all kinds of wild adventures without worrying that they were too hot, cold (or too bogged down by bulky gear to move). Turns out we weren't alone, Britain's taste for merino is on the up, but a side effect of of running a fast growing brand has meant lately we've been thinking about playing outside, designing clothing for it, taking photos of it, but too busy with manufacturers, suppliers and rolls and rolls of fabric to actually DO it....Enter 30 Days Wild - A challenge we couldn't resist - to get back out there - after all, Superlove Merino lives in the Lake District...... so it would be rude not to.  

Here's what we got up to in week one.

Monday 1 June - Lily Pad Spotting

A quick post nursery stroll in the late afternoon. This is a spot called High Dam, not far from Newby Bridge. We're convinced we spotted a pair of Otters here.  Lily pads are something of an obsession in our house - the idea that frogs, fairies and other tiny critters might perch on them is magical, whimsical and totally appealing to the 3 year old imagination. So the purpose of this was to go and see if the are out for summer yet (they are)

Tuesday 2nd June - Rock Climbing

A spot of rock climbing with a little buddy. This isn't quite as steep as it looks, but even still it required a few deep breaths from mum. We are at Brantfell here which is littered with scrambling rocks of all sizes and (for those without bedtimes to worry about) one of the best spots in the Lakes to watch the sun set. 

Wednesday 3rd June - Rusty Digger Love

It's 3.30 and school/nursery is out.....there is a rusty old digger winking at us in the field next door. With a pair of tractor mad cousins in tow it was inevitable this digger had to be climbed on. It's not my idea of a wild time but look how chuffed with themselves they are! The keen eyed among you will spot a prototype pink being tested here too (for rust resistance in this case)

Thursday 4th June - Do You Like Butter?

Rambling aimlessly through the Rusland Valley after nursery. Sitting among the buttercups was part of it yes, as was rolling down the hill trying not to run over any old cow pats, but that bit wasn't as photogenic.....

Friday 5th June - Kites

There's a reason why this is the all time classic windy day activity - it's super fun! This is just behind Superlove HQ in Staveley, on the outskirts of the village. The sun is out, but it was utterly chilly, so miss 3 was feeling pretty happy to have approved the addition of a merino base layer top to the core tutu and sandal ensemble today.

Saturday 6th June - Messing About in Boats

Here we have three children, a blow up dinghy, lots of merino gear and a whale of a time messing about on Coniston. The result was some very wet and very happy small people who all slept extra well that night. 

Sunday 7th June - Peeping in at Baby Trees

A really fun and educational way to spend a Sunday plus a chance to make the most of the last of the Bluebells - which are still around in the Lakes. A forest in Eskdale was full of these little tree protectors, each housing a seedling. The little one had a brilliant time running between them trying to identify each one (this was a baby pine tree, but there were oak, rowan, beech and yew as well)