How do you get people who don't naturally see nature as a destination to go outside more often and more consciously? National Park Zuid-Kennemerland opts for an accessible approach with the 'BuitenGewoon – 30 Days Better Outside Challenge'.

The challenge invites participants to spend a few minutes consciously outside every day in September. Not only in the national park, but also close to home: on the street, in the garden, in the park, or on the way to school and work. Participants receive a small daily task to look, listen, smell, feel, or notice something in their environment.

With the campaign, National Park Zuid-Kennemerland wants to show that nature is not just a place to go. The everyday living environment also offers plenty of opportunities to experience nature and feel connected to it.

Small step, different view

National Park Zuid-Kennemerland developed the approach in collaboration with Visitor Center De Kennemerduinen and the water company PWN. The strength of the approach lies in its simplicity: spending a few minutes outside every day and paying attention to what is happening around you. This makes being outside a small habit and creates more awareness of nature close to home.

More information

The ‘30 Days Better Outside Challenge’ starts in September. More information can be found at BuitenGewoon – 30 Days Better Outside.