Questions by Ian Mowll.

 

 

In this conversation, we are reminded that rewilding need not be grand or complicated. It begins with small, intentional steps: a pond, a patch of wildflowers, a willingness to let Nature lead. From there, life returns – often more quickly and abundantly than we might expect. And in welcoming it back, we rediscover something essential in ourselves.

 

Ian: Piers, to begin, what inspired you to rewild part of your garden?

Piers: I’ve been interested in wildlife all my life, so it’s always felt natural to want to attract more of it into the spaces I live in. Even as a child – before I was ten – I was digging ponds in my parents’ garden and turning over stones to find toads and slow worms. That instinct never left me. Gardening, for me, has always been about doing as little harm as possible while creating conditions where wildlife can thrive. Rewilding is simply an extension of that lifelong relationship with Nature.

 

Ian: That sense of continuity is beautiful. So what have you actually done to rewild your current garden?

Piers: The first thing I did was create a pond. If there’s one feature that consistently brings life into a garden, it’s water. Even a modest pond can transform the ecological richness of a space. Alongside that, I removed part of the lawn and replaced it with a mini wildflower meadow. Each year, I expand it a little further – it’s a gradual, evolving process.

I’ve also avoided using any chemicals, which is crucial. Organic gardening isn’t just a preference; it’s fundamental if you want a healthy ecosystem. Chemicals don’t just target pests – they harm beneficial insects and disrupt the natural balance.

At the far end of the garden, I’ve allowed an area to grow wilder. Within that space, I’ve planted a mix of native species – Silver Birch, Hazel, Willow, Field Maple, Honeysuckle, among others. Even in a small patch, you can create a dense, diverse habitat. Native plants are especially important because they’ve evolved alongside local wildlife, so they offer the best support.

Ian: It sounds like a thoughtful blend of intention and letting go. How long has this transformation been unfolding?

Piers: About four years. When I first moved in, the garden was essentially rough grass and weeds – no real structure or care. It needed work, not just to make it productive for growing vegetables, but to shape it into a space that could support wildlife.

What’s been remarkable is how quickly things have changed. In just a few years, it’s come on in leaps and bounds. And yet, it still feels like a work in progress – which is part of the joy.

 

Ian: That sense of ongoing evolution is very much in the spirit of rewilding. What benefits have you noticed so far?

Piers: The pond has been extraordinary. Within days of filling it, dragonflies and damselflies appeared. Over time, more species arrived – pond skaters, freshwater shrimps, snails. Then, after a couple of years, frogs began to spawn. Last year, I was delighted to see toads joining them. Now they return each year, and the pond is full of life, from tadpoles to water boatmen.

Toad spawn strings with a frog tadpole

In the wilder part of the garden, I now regularly see slow worms basking on the compost heap – and they’re breeding too. The wildflowers attract bumblebees, hoverflies, and a wide range of insects, which in turn draw in birds.

To go from a relatively barren patch of ground to a thriving ecosystem in four years – it’s been genuinely amazing.

 

Ian: That’s incredibly encouraging for anyone starting out. Speaking of which, what advice would you give to someone considering rewilding their own garden?

Piers: Start with water. A pond doesn’t have to be large or elaborate. Even a washing-up bowl sunk into the ground can make a difference. There are also inexpensive containers you can use to create a small pond on a patio. Add a few aquatic plants, and you’ll quickly see life arriving.

Secondly, avoid chemicals entirely. They undermine everything you’re trying to achieve.

And then, allow some areas to grow a bit wild. You don’t have to abandon the whole garden – just leave a section unmown, or mow pathways through longer grass to create a sense of structure. It’s about balance: creating a space that works for both you and wildlife.

 

Ian: That balance seems key – honouring both human and ecological needs. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Piers: Yes – just to remember that rewilding isn’t only for the benefit of wildlife. It enriches our own lives too. A garden that’s alive – with frogs, dragonflies, butterflies – is endlessly fascinating. It invites curiosity, especially in children, and brings a kind of quiet joy.

There’s something deeply nourishing about being in a space that’s buzzing with life. It reconnects us to the natural world in a very immediate way. And in a time when so much biodiversity is under threat, even small actions like this can feel meaningful.

 

Ian: That’s a powerful note to end on. Thank you, Piers, for sharing your experience and insights.

Piers: Thank you – it’s been a pleasure.

 

Piers Warren

All photos © Piers Warren