Co-op Members told us that getting out in nature was important to them and they challenged us to help them to do more. So, we set up a challenge to encourage members to get out into nature and reach our target of 50,000 hours enjoying and protecting nature.
That's it, you have completed our 'Get out in nature this Summer' challenge to help us total 585,266 hours in nature - over 11 times our original target!
Thanks to all of our Co-op Members who got involved in the 6-week campaign. We hope you have learned some new hints and ideas to enjoy time out in nature.
You can catch up on all the tips and videos shared by our Nature Neighbourhoods experts by scrolling below.
Overall 585,266 hours were logged by 42,555 participants. Week 1 was the most successful with the highest total hours (213,217) and members (17,104) getting involved.
Members in the North West were the biggest contributors with 6,648 hours. The South East (6,377) took second place with the South West (5,042) in third spot.
Walking/hiking was the most logged activity followed by gardening and visiting public gardens or outdoor spaces. Reading, wildlife spotting and birdwatching were in the top 6.
The majority of members said the campaign did increase the amount of time they spent out in nature. You found the challenge manageable with most rating it easy to do.
We’re working with Nature Neighbourhoods, a project that is designed to support community organisations across the UK to create people-powered plans for nature in their neighbourhoods, helping to tackle the global nature and climate crisis at a local level.
Members signed up to the challenge to get out in nature from 26 July to 3 September and to learn more about our partnership with Nature Neighbourhoods. Image courtesy of RSPB.
Missed out on Week 2 of our challenge? Click to see the top 5 tips shared by our friends at RSPB on making more connections with your local wildlife. Image courtesy of RSPB.
Missed out on Week 3? See the top 5 tips the National Trust shared to help you encourage nature in our gardens. Image courtesy of @National Trust Images / James Beck.
Week 4 saw experts who are part of Nature Neighbourhoods give tips on how you can get involved in nature projects in your community. Image courtesy of Greening Maindee.
In Week 5 our friends at WWF shared some great ideas for getting your daily dose of nature to help you feel better. Image: Copyright Credit © Richard Edwards WWF-UK
Just by being a Co-op Member-Owner you are making amazing things happen in supporting and protecting nature across the UK. Image courtesy of RSPB Lake Vyrnwy (Cerniau)
"Loved the additional prompt to get into nature over the summer. It is great to feel a sense of achievement when the emails come through!"
Anna Coetzee, South East
"These challenges are absolutely excellent. Being able to log times and to see the progress you have made is wonderful. Absolutely thrilled."
Daisie Di Capri, Wales
"I've found taking part in this campaign really rewarding! It’s definitely a challenge, but I feel positive and excited about what I’m learning."
Valeria, London
"I've really enjoyed the 6 weeks and have found the challenge both fun and stimulating. I've enjoyed the accountability of having to go out."
James Avery, Wales
Congratulations to Phillip Bell, from the South West, who has won £50 by sharing this picture. Phillip says: "With the weather being a mixed bag of sunshine and rain, it's been difficult to get out without getting soaking wet. Though the rain does bring out the birds, eager to catch the worms. They've been excellent practice for my photography."
“I’ve spent time in nature walking my whippet, Gracie, which really helps me enjoy the wonderful area where I am so lucky to live. I’ve also spent time at my allotment.” Keith Sivyer, from the South East, won £100 on their Co-op Membership card in Week 6.
Congratulations to Barry Read, from the South East, who won our grand prize draw.
Barry, who took part in 5 weeks of the 6-week challenge, was randomly chosen to win prizes worth £1,000.
He wins £600 on his Co-op Membership card, a pair of RSPB Skylark binoculars worth £100, a National Trust prize bundle worth £100, WWF gift card worth £100 and £100 in Co-op vouchers for a local community nature project of his choice.
Barry says: "I am totally overwhelmed and surprised at winning this amazing prize and really enjoyed taking part in the Summer in Nature campaign."
