Rewild your garden
The total area of our gardens in the UK is greater than all our nature reserves put together, so making our gardens as wildlife friendly as possible can make a huge difference for all our native species. Our garden at Wildwood shows you suggestions of ways to make your outdoor space more nature friendly at home, whether you have acres or metres, or simply a balcony.
Check back to this page as we add how-to guides on recreating elements of the garden such as bug hotels, ponds, bee poles and more!
Let Nature Take the Lead
Start by reducing the frequency of mowing your lawn. By allowing grasses and wildflowers to grow, you create natural habitats for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths. Letting the lawn go “wild” will encourage a variety of plants to grow, many of which will attract insects and birds.
Tip: You don’t have to stop mowing entirely! Leave patches of longer grass, or designate an area for a wildflower meadow.
Plant Native Species
Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Choose plants that are adapted to the UK’s climate and soil. Some great native plants to consider include:
Wildflowers like oxeye daisy, primrose, and red campion.
Hedgerow plants like hawthorn, blackthorn, and dog rose.
Trees like oak, birch, and rowan.
Grasses like fescue and ryegrass.
Native plants attract pollinators and support the entire food web, from insects to birds to mammals.
Create Wild Corridors
Rewilding isn’t just about planting more; it’s about providing pathways for wildlife. Connect your garden to neighbouring green spaces or other wildlife-friendly gardens if possible. Planting hedgerows, climbing plants, or trees can act as wildlife corridors, enabling animals to move safely between areas.
Tip: If you’re limited in space, consider planting vertical gardens or creating green roofs for smaller wildlife to find shelter.
Install a Pond or Water Feature
A garden pond, no matter how small, can bring an entire ecosystem into your space. Ponds attract a wide variety of wildlife, including amphibians (frogs, newts), birds, insects, and even small mammals.
Tip: Avoid using plastic or pre-formed pond liners. Instead, dig a natural pond and line it with non-toxic materials like butyl rubber.
Provide Food and Shelter
Offer a range of natural shelters by creating log piles, rockeries, and leaving dead wood and fallen leaves in place. These simple actions can provide nesting sites, hibernation spots, and places for insects to thrive.
Tip: Build a small "wildlife hotel" with different materials like twigs, bamboo, and pine cones. This will encourage solitary bees, ladybirds, and other beneficial insects to take up residence.
Reduce Chemicals
One of the key principles of rewilding is to avoid using pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. These chemicals harm the very creatures you’re trying to support and can have negative effects on the wider environment. Use organic methods like composting and mulching instead.
Encourage Wildlife-Friendly Habitats
Install bird feeders, bat boxes, or insect hotels. Even if your garden is small, these simple additions can help encourage wildlife to visit and stay.
Tip: A birdbath or shallow dish of water will help both birds and insects stay hydrated.
Benefits for You
Rewilding your garden not only benefits wildlife and the environment—it can be a rewarding experience for you too. A more natural garden will be easier to maintain, requiring fewer chemicals and less frequent mowing. The variety of plants and animals will create a relaxing, vibrant space that changes with the seasons.
Plus, rewilding your garden will teach you about nature and help you become more connected with the environment. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
If you’d like to learn more, The Wildlife Trusts, Rewilding Britain, and Friends of the Earth offer resources and support for those looking to make a positive impact on the environment through rewilding.