Ep. 012: DIY Nature Reserve

Written By Tom Constable

Covering everything from the scientific theory of rewilding (diversity, disturbance and distribution!) to the art of tree planting on his very own nature reserve, the inspirational communicator that is Chris D'Agorne will leave you both enthused and resourced to enhance biodiversity in your own green space.

Our Guest

Chris is an entrepreneur and a founder of a number of websites including How to Rewild, Life to Land and Buy Native. If you’re interested in rewilding and regenerative farming, these are all fantastic and ever evolving sources of guidance and support. Previously, Chris has held a number of roles including Communications Lead for Ecosulis (Ecology Consultancy focusing on Rewilding). Chris is also rewilding 3.5 acres in Somerset; taking an ecologically barren former horse paddock into his very own nature reserve.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdagorne/

Your Hosts

Grange Project Contact & Social Media

Listen out for:

[00:00:00] Tom and Chloe briefly share updates from the Grange Project - rain, mud and fence removal, before introducing their guest for today’s episode - Chris D’Agorne.

[00:06:32] We meet Chris and he shares his passion for rewilding, the childhood dream of a nature reserve and some of the construction required to establish it.

[00:12:00] We learn about Chris’ interpretation of the science behind rewilding - diversity, disturbance and distribution.  

[00:23:12] Chris highlights the importance of the philosophy of rewilding; connection with community, financial viability and consideration of neighbours.

[00:28:45] We hear about the story of Chris’ nature reserve, how he found the field, the state it was in initially and the interventions that have taken place to date.

[00:33:30] Chloe questions Chris about the approach he’s taken to tree planting at the nature reserve and the importance of prioritising a naturalistic feel.

[00:42:25] We discuss Chris’ fantastic website resource - buynative.co.uk.

[00:45:00] The conversation concludes with hopes for the future and the importance of stories.

[00:48:18] Tom and Chloe reflect on the interview and what resonated for them both.

Keen for more:  

Gerry the Ranger

Websites

  • https://howtorewild.co.uk 'How to Rewild' is a helpful source of clear and science-based advice on rewilding, with practical guides, accessible to people with all levels of rewilding knowledge. 

  • https://buynative.co.uk At Buy Native, it's not just easy, but fun to filter over 100 native plants that attract wildlife to your garden. Discover curated collections - plants for shade, for clay soils and more, or nerd-out on beautiful plant profiles, then click our seller links to buy plants from independent British nurseries. 

Tom Constable
Previous

Ep. 013: Can we even 'REWILD' in the UK?!
Next

Ep. 011: What is COP 28 and why should we care?