How to Rewild your Garden
In a world where the climate is changing and wildlife is declining, it is understandable to ask ourselves how we can make a positive contribution to the environment. Well, guess what? You can start right in your own backyard! This article is dedicated to the idea of rewilding your garden, even if space is minimal. So, let's dive in!
Understanding Rewilding
What is Rewilding?
Rewilding, in simple terms, is about restoring and reviving natural habitats and ecosystems. It's about stepping back and allowing nature to take control, encouraging wildlife, native plants, and overall biodiversity. For a deeper look at what rewilding entails, check out our article on the subject here.
Why Rewilding Matters?
If you’re wondering why the concept of rewilding is important, you are in the right place. In addition to promoting biodiversity, rewilding can also help to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon, as well as boosting your physical and mental wellbeing. For more information see our article on The Benefits of Rewilding here.
Steps to Rewild Your Garden
So, how do you actually start rewilding your garden?
Start Small
The Mini Meadow. One simple yet effective way to start rewilding is by creating a mini meadow. This can be as simple as dedicating a section of your lawn to grow wild, or taking part in ‘No Mow May’ - a growing movement, encouraging garden-owners not to mow their lawn at all in the month of May. This allows wildflowers and pollinating insects to thrive, benefitting the entire food web.
Digging a Pond. Even a small pond can be a haven for many forms of life, such as frogs, newts, dragonflies, and various bird species. It is amazing how much life a small water body can attract, once again supporting the local ecosystem from the bottom up.
Let Nature Take the Lead
Embracing the 'Wild'. A significant aspect of rewilding is letting nature run its course. This might mean having patches of untidy growth in your garden - but this is great for wildlife, and it's all part of the charm of rewilding.
Encourage Wildlife. While allowing nature to do its thing is at the heart of rewilding, there are also things you can do to help it along. Installing bird feeders, bat boxes, or hedgehog homes can provide shelter and food sources for wildlife, helping to enhance your garden’s biodiversity.
Plant Native Species
When deciding what to plant in your garden, choose native plants where possible. These are well-adapted to local conditions, and offer far more benefits to native wildlife than non-native, ornamental plants.
Sustainable Practices
Composting. Create a compost heap from garden and kitchen waste. Not only will this reduce your waste, but it will also provide nutrient-rich compost for use in your garden.
Rainwater Harvesting. Collect rainwater for watering plants. It's a sustainable choice and often preferred by many plants.
Maintaining Your Rewilded Garden
By its nature, rewilding is a more hands-off approach to gardening, meaning that maintenance is relatively minimal. That said, there are things to bear in mind on your garden rewilding journey.
Regular Check-ups. Regularly check your garden to ensure it remains healthy. Watch out for signs of disease or invasive species.
Allow Seasonal Changes. Part of rewilding is letting the seasons shape your garden. Allow leaves to fall and plants to die back naturally. This supports a healthy ecosystem by providing food and habitat for wildlife.
Benefits of Rewilding Your Garden
In addition to promoting biodiversity and helping to combat climate change, rewilding your garden also comes with a number of personal perks. Given time, rewilding will allow you to enjoy more wildlife in your own backyard - from beautiful wildflowers to the relaxing sound of birdsong. Rewilding is also lower-maintenance, and it can even boost your mental health by providing a peaceful, natural space to unwind.
Final Thoughts:
Rewilding your garden can be a rewarding, enlightening experience. With patience, love, and a little know-how, you can create a thriving ecosystem right in your backyard. So why not give it a try?
FAQs
1. What is the first step to rewild my garden?
Start small. Let a patch of your lawn grow wild, or add a small pond. Even these small changes can make a big difference to local wildlife.
2. Do I need a large space to rewild?
No, even the smallest garden can be rewilded. It's more about the approach than the size.
3. What plants should I choose for rewilding?
Opt for native plant species as they are suited to local conditions, and provide the greatest benefit to local wildlife.
4. Is rewilding good for the environment?
Absolutely! Rewilding promotes biodiversity, and helps to combat climate change and its effects.
5. Does rewilding require a lot of maintenance?
Not necessarily. One of the principles of rewilding is letting nature take its course. However, regular checks are essential to keep your garden healthy, and invasive species at bay.
