Letting manicured domestic gardens get back to nature through rewilding has become increasingly popular over the last few years – but gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh has warned the trend could be “catastrophic” for biodiversity.
The concept of rewilding, as defined by Rewilding Britain, aims to restore ecosystems and allow nature to thrive, striking a balance between humans and the natural world.
It’s a trend which has gained significant support, with a recent poll by Rewilding Britain revealing that 81 percent of Britons are in favour of rewilding.
However, Alan Titchmarsh, former presenter of Gardeners’ World, has expressed concerns about the impact of rewilding on domestic gardens.
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While he acknowledges the importance of rewilding in various environments such as farms, woodlands, and riverbanks, Alan believes domestic gardens play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity. He argues rewilded gardens, with their focus on native plants, may offer limited sustenance and shelter for wildlife, particularly during the winter months. He said gardens with a diverse range of plants provide nourishment and habitat for insects and birds throughout the year.
Alan, who himself has a two-acre wildflower meadow and garden at his Hampshire home, also raises concerns about the misconception only native plants are valuable for wildlife and the environment. He said he found it worrying “misleading propaganda” suggests only native plants are of value to wildlife and the environment.
Alan said: “The garden is patently far richer – and for far longer – in the variety of insect and bird species it sustains…
“As custodians of the botanical riches of our gardens, domestic gardeners have a duty – and a glorious one at that – to ensure the survival of this unparalleled resource. Should a current fashionable – and ill-considered – trend deplete our gardens of their botanical riches then we have presided over a diminution in biodiversity of catastrophic proportions.”
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While the former Gardeners’ World presenter’s concerns are valid, the definition of rewilding can vary among individuals. Professor Alistair Griffiths, director of science and collections for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), highlights the need for clarity on what constitutes “wild” and which aspects of nature are prioritised.
He said: “The word rewilding means many different things to different people.
“What’s the definition of wild, and what kinds of wild nature do we value over others? Can wild nature and people coexist, and what does native mean in the changing climate world? This is why there are different opinions on it.”
So, what does rewilding a domestic garden actually entail, and how can you boost biodiversity in your own patch of green?
According to Rewilding Britain spokesman Richard Bunting, rewilding a domestic garden can involve simple actions such as creating messy areas, installing a pond, allowing wildflowers to flourish, and adopting a more relaxed approach to lawn mowing.
He said: “They can make a big difference, and can work well alongside traditional gardening.
“Rewilding offers much-needed hope. If people want to play their part by creating wilder gardens, and enjoy the benefits of bringing more nature into their lives, that should be welcomed.”
When it comes to plant choices, Professor Griffiths explained a combination of native and non-native species can work harmoniously in a garden. The key is to provide plants and flowers which attract wildlife, such as pollinators. The RHS Plants for Pollinators website offers a comprehensive list of suitable plants, including lavender, hollyhock, cosmos, and hellebore.
“Plant perennials,” Professor Griffiths advised. “Trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials can help with food and shelter for wildlife.”
In terms of lawn maintenance, a balance between short and long grass can be beneficial for wildlife. Professor Griffiths suggests incorporating a water feature, whether it’s a small bowl or a larger pond, can significantly enhance the garden’s appeal to wildlife.
When it comes to pesticides, the RHS advises minimising their use in gardens. Instead, using peat-free mulch and composting can provide nutrients for plants while creating a favourable environment for a diverse range of insects and other organisms.
The decision to scatter wildflower seeds depends on the available space and personal preferences. Professor Griffiths mentions birdsfoot trefoil, a yellow-flowering wildflower which attracts bees and butterflies, as an example of a versatile plant that can thrive in various locations.
He said: “What we’re really doing is looking at how can we best garden and manage land for increased wildlife and biodiversity, with the challenges of a changing climate. There are many different ways to do that.”
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