Decreed at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, every 3rd of March since then has been known as UN World Wildlife Day (or WWD); a dedicated day to celebrate and raise awareness of Planet Earth's wild animals and plants.
2022's theme for World Wildlife Day is "Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration", with the UN's aim to draw attention to the most critically endangered species across the planet, and spark discussions about how we can all work together to save these species and conserve their habitats for years to come.
Here at Obby, we've picked out the best wildlife-inspired classes and kits for you to enjoy on World Wildlife Day; they are great points for starting conversations with those around you about what we can all do to protect our planet, and all who inhabit it.
Our Top 8 Picks for World Wildlife Day are:
- African Elephant Acrylic Painting Kit with MasterPeace
- Wildlife Photography Workshop in Richmond Park with Matthew Williams-Ellis
- Terrarium Masterclass with Botanical Boys
- Spoon Carving Workshop with Bristol Tree Craft
- Introduction to Watercolour Painting: Birds of Paradise Study with Alma Tipon
- Become a Nature Knowledge Expert with Steve Backshall and Learning with Experts
- Bee Friendly Garden Kit from Oakdale Bees
- Jellyfish Paint Kit from Paint Chill Co
African Elephant Acrylic Painting Kit
Location: At Home | Price: £30
Step into the African savanna with this special edition Art Kit from MasterPeace in collaboration with artist Sophie Green! Launched to help raise funds for conservation charity Tusk, the organisation have worked since 1990 to tackle the illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, or human-wildlife conflict; which have all had severe consequences on animals such as elephants and rhinos.
MasterPeace's Art Kits come with everything you need to get started, all in a handy, easy-to-post box. You'll receive a pre-drawn canvas, brushes, acrylic paints, sponge, written instructions and a link to a pre-recorded video tutorial from Sophie.
For each purchase of the Art Kit, MasterPeace will donate £5 to Tusk on your behalf; so you know that whilst you're painting your own majestic elephant, your purchase will help real animals in need of support.
Buy Now on ObbyWildlife Photography Workshop in Richmond Park
Location: Richmond Park, London | Price: £99
Explore some nature a little closer to home with this class from professional photographer Matthew Williams-Ellis! In this 3-hour workshop, you'll get to explore the beauty of Richmond Park whilst learning how to capture everything the park has to offer; from Red and Fallow deer, to Silver Birch Tree copses, lone Oak Trees, ferns and lakes.
Alongside soaking in the British nature, Matthew will teach you all the techniques you need to capture the best wildlife photos possible! From composition, to making the most of available light, to photographing wildlife respectfully, Matthew will help teach you the mindset needed to capture pictures worthy of the beautiful wildlife on offer.
Book Now on ObbyTerrarium Masterclass
Location: Coal Drops Yard, London | Price: from £68
If you're looking to connect with the flora on World Wildlife Day 2022, then this masterclass from the Botanical Boys is a perfect, low-maintenance way to connect with nature.
Terrariums are a miniature environment of living plants which thrive off moisture. As they are self-sustaining, they're a great way to connect with some greenery; even if you've not been blessed with the gift of green thumbs!
In the masterclass, you'll learn the history of terrariums, before jumping into building your mini environment where you'll learn: layering and planting techniques, watering techniques, and aftercare for your new garden.
Book Now on ObbySpoon Carving Workshop
Location: Bristol | Price: from £65
Reconnect with the Earth with this Spoon Carving Workshop by Bristol Tree Craft! Set up by Ben and Hugh, they aim to help others connect with the natural world using woodcraft, as well as promote the well-being benefits that working with your hands brings.
In this full-day workshop will walk you through how to take a locally-sourced, plain log and turn it into a handcrafted spoon you can take home with you and use! You'll use an axe and two types of knife, under supervision of course, to help you create your new piece of cutlery.
Book Now on ObbyIntroduction to Watercolour Painting: Birds of Paradise Study
Location: Earlsfield, London | Price: from £50
Native to South Africa, the beautiful Bird of Paradise plant - also known as Strelitzia reginae or crane flower - is renowned for having one of the most spectacular flowers found in nature. Nicknamed so because of the flower's resemblance to the birds in flight, they're difficult to grow in the Northern hemisphere, but you can still bring the beauty of the plant into your life on World Wildlife Day with this class from artist Alma Tipon!
During the class, you'll learn step-by-step how to paint this beautiful plant in watercolour, with Alma guiding you along the way. Set in her cosy Wandsworth studio, the relaxing setting will help you settle into your creativity and build your painting confidence.
Book Now on ObbyBecome A Nature Knowledge Expert
Location: At Home | Price: £65
Ever fancied becoming a nature expert? Why not fulfil your dream on World Wildlife Day with this accredited nature knowledge course from TV presenter and wildlife expert Steve Backshall!
Through pre-recorded content, you'll learn a wide variety of interesting facts about the natural world such as: which animal has the most powerful bite, which common insects roast their would-be predators with heat, and where it hasn't rained in over 2 million years! Steve will also discuss his own incredible experiences, and you'll have the opportunity to connect with others also taking the course.
At the end of your course, you'll receive an accreditation as a nature expert, and with access to your materials for life, you can move through the learning at your pace whenever you fancy.
Book Now on ObbyBee Friendly Garden Kit
Location: At Home | Price: £19.99
Take the UN's 2022 theme of "Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration" to heart with this Bee Friendly Garden kit from Oakdale Bees! With a recent study finding that even small garden spaces are important for native bee species, and bee populations declining worldwide at alarming rates, it's important to know that even making a small space bee-friendly can have a positive impact.
In the home kit, you'll find British Wild Flower seeds, a planting guide, bamboo signs for your flowers, and more to create your slice of bee heaven. You don't even need a garden, even a window box is enough to create your little slice of bee-heaven.
If you're wanting to get your kids involved in World Wildlife Day, then Oakdale Bees do a children-friendly version of their kit; so everyone can learn about the importance of bees and how we can all help them.
Book Now on ObbyJellyfish Paint Kit
Location: At Home | Price: £29.99
World Wildlife Day, of course, also includes all the spectacular sealife that can be found throughout the planet. So this Jellyfish painting kit from Paint Chill Co is a perfect way to celebrate the planet's underwater creatures!
With your kit, you'll receive everything you need to paint your magical sea creature - from your canvas, to paints, brushes, table easel, and recyclable paper palette - as well as HD video tutorial so you can follow artist Jessa along step-by-step. If you're not as technologically inclined, written instructions are also included, so everyone can enjoy getting creative on their own terms.
Book Now on ObbyNeed more advice?
Hopefully, these ideas on how to celebrate World Wildlife Day in 2022 have inspired you! If you're still looking for something creative to do, be sure to take a read of some of our other amazing guides and best round-ups below. We're sure you'll find something useful, oh - and don't forget to share the love.