What’s on – January 2026
Dry January
“Every year, the Dry January Challenge helps people across the UK and the world take back control of their drinking habits and realise just how much better they feel in mind, body and spirit after a month off,” says Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK. Recognising the opportunity to reset their drinking habits, more than 15 million people in the UK planned an alcohol-free month in January 2025, motivated by the desire to improve their health, wellbeing and finances.
> Read more: The benefits of Dry January
“Although the Dry January challenge is safe for most people, it isn’t right for anyone who is alcohol-dependent,” cautions the charity. There’s essential advice about alcohol withdrawal on the Alcohol Change UK website.
In focus: Kate Muir explores how changing our drinking habits can bring new joy
Veganuary
According to Veganuary, a non-profit organisation that encourages people to try vegan diets for January and beyond, more than 25 million people participated in the initiative in January 2025. With the average person eating thousands of animals over their lifetime and animal agriculture contributing significantly to deforestation and biodiversity loss, key motivations included choosing plant-based foods to protect animals and the planet. If you’re looking for inspiration, there are lots of vegan recipes on the Veganuary website.
“Maybe you care about animals. Maybe your health and fitness matter to you. Maybe you want to live more lightly on the planet. Perhaps you love to experiment in the kitchen or you’re simply craving a bit more balance. Eating plant-based doesn’t mean giving up your favourite comfort foods or your identity. It just means making small choices that reflect what you already care about,” says the charity.
Big Garden Birdwatch (January 23-25)
Join the many thousands of nature lovers who help the RSPB monitor how the UK bird population is getting on by taking part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Pick an hour to count the birds that land in your garden or a nearby space. Record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time and submit your results to the RSPB. You can sign up now for a free guide.
Most spotted in 2025
House Sparrow
Blue Tit
Woodpigeon
Starling
Blackbird
> Read: Bird care tips and find out how to make a simple pine cone bird feeder
International Day of Education (January 24)
The theme for this year’s International Day of Education is ‘The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,’ emphasising the crucial role of individuals under 30 – who constitute more than half of the global population – in shaping education, especially amid the rapid changes brought about by technological advancements. They are the beneficiaries of education programmes and their future depends on it.
“For this reason, meaningfully engaging students and youth in co-creating the education they want is essential to meet their aspirations and ambitions,” says UNESCO.
NEW BOOKS
Move Well for Life by Wendy Welpton
“If we see movement as a language, our ancestors spoke it fluently. Their daily lives were filled with climbing, squatting, scrambling and lifting. But modern life has us repeating only a few phrases: sitting, typing, standing and walking short distances. Over time, we forget how to ‘speak’ the rest,” writes Wendy Welpton in this practical guide to building healthy, natural movement into everyday life.
By using whole-body movement patterns and the philosophy of moving the way the human body was designed, she guides readers to become fluent in the language of movement, helping to make it a natural, joyful and enduring part of life. Published by Headline Home on January 1 (£16.99).
Hamlyn Cooks: Easy Vegan Meals
This new recipe book offers simple vegan recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. It’s perfect for anyone looking to expand their plant-based repertoire or considering giving Veganuary a try. Published by Hamlyn on January 8 (£6.99).
