Rewilding might only refer to large estates, but could we apply its principles to domestic gardens? And, more importantly, should we?  

At Pro Landscaper, we wanted to investigate further. Hearing from a few of the many voices enthusiastic for change and eager to share their opinions. Exploring the definition of ‘rewilding’, what is means and how these ideas can be encourages across all landscapes.

Read the full article in the November issue of Pro Landscaper Magazine. 

Name: Chris D’Agorne

Job title: Founder of Buy Native and How to Rewild.

• What is your definition of rewilding?

Rewilding is a system for restoring landscape health that creates opportunities for both people and nature. In Europe, the practice is based on optimising three dimensions – the ‘3 Ds’ – diversity, dispersal and disturbance.

The arguments for rewilding: Creates jobs, fights both the biodiversity crisis and the effects of climate change.

Arguments against rewilding: Reduces productivity of agricultural land.

• What is your definition of wild flowering?

Native plants are wildflowers and trees which have arrived on our island without human assistance since the last Ice Age.

Arguments for wild flowering: Planting missing native species builds back biodiversity from the ground-up in food webs.

Arguments against wild flowering: Bringing in cultivated plants can reduce/and or change the genetic diversity of local plant populations.

• What influence do wildflowers on pollinators?

Pollinators have evolved alongside our native plants, with adaptations to their nectar availability, flower type and location.

• What influence do wildflowers on soil health?

Restoring wildflowers improves an ecosystem’s resilience to environmental impacts like climate change by strengthening the integrity of the food web.

• How can we use wildflowers to bring back biodiversity?

Plant missing species, and transplant existing species into other suitable areas.

• How do you encouraging people to learn about biodiversity?

Visit buynative.co.uk or howtorewild.co.uk

• Where does wild flowering work best?

In degraded landscapes, where our food webs have deteriorated.

• How should it be used?

With an eye on environmental conditions, native plant range and suitability of habitat.

Tips for a wildflower garden: Maximise the 3 D’s – create DIVERSITY of height in vegetation, DISTURB the soil, grass and uniformity, creating messiness, and allow DISPERSAL by connecting your garden to neighbours’ with hedges, gaps in fences, adding ponds etc.

Tips for a wildflower rewilding: Look at what is already present in wild areas near you. Gather seeds. Plant those, then search for missing species suitable for your soils on Buy Native.