Working with nature.
Our relationship with nature has been based on control and material gain. Because of this, our health and wellbeing has suffered and the natural world has been depleted. But there are ways in which we can each play a part in repairing this.
The way we have planted our gardens, forests and crops has started to change for the benefit of nature, which it turns out is for our benefit also. It is restorative and mutually rewarding for our ecosystem and us.
Examples of the ways people are working with nature is changing and here are a collection of those people bringing this together in various ways but with one thing in common. That of letting nature take the lead.
Our senses are intertwined with nature. The smell of roses warms your reactions and reduces aggression. The smell of lemon skin can lower inflammation and being in the countryside has been scientifically proven to improve mental health and creativity
Enabling nature to lead the way
Gerald Durrell was an early inspiration for many, with his commitment to reversing biodiversity loss and reintroducing native species.
It was Dutch biologist and conservationist, Frans Vera who came up with the principle of "rewilding" and that it should be to change conservation away from preservation and towards the restoration of natural processes, by letting the landscape with its plants and animals run wild.
Individuals from around the globe have studied the insects, animals, flora and fauna. Working up from the soil and mycelium to highlight the interdependency of each species on another
A great example of working with nature is in the tree replanting after the rebuilding of Notre Dame cathedral. 2,000 Oaks were felled to supply the timber. Through research it was found that 60% of Oak trees were planted by Jays. So it turns out, the best way to plant the new Oak’s was to leave barrels of Acorns at regular intervals to assist the Jays.
Farming with nature
There are many inspiring individuals finding ways to find a balance. Knepp Estate is a wonderful example of changing the way we think about the land. Rewinding a traditional farm began here over 20 years ago. Nature is quick to bounce back if we tune into its rhythm. Here 3,500-acres embraces wild meadows, scrubland, woods and wetland. Rare birds and insects are returning as the soil and ecosystem has been enriched.
In Devon, Derek Gow has turned his 300 acre farm into a haven for wildlife. Gow urges conservationists to embrace ambitious goals, including the reintroduction of controversial species like wolves.
Supporting wildlife
A rare environment on these lands is that of temperate rainforest, so it’s particularly important to conserve what is left. Eoghan Daltun is working to turn things around on the Beara peninsula by nurturing its wildflowers, ferns, mosses and fungi. He has restored this unique ecosystem by working to allow it to regenerate itself naturally.
Another example is Heartwood, the largest new native forest that has been created. Situated in Hertfordshire, it consists of thriving woodland, wildflower meadows and open grassland. Populations of Birds, mammals and insects have more than doubled here.
The Wildwood project in Carrifran is a fantastic Wildwood project that relies on volunteers, BFT staff and donations. The area will increasingly provide a haven for a rich array of native plants and animals, that have disappeared from these hills. The main species planted include Downy Birch, Ash, Rowan, Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, Sessile Oak, Alder, Aspen, and Willow, which are ideal for a rich woodland.
Colin Stafford-Johnson has created a wild oasis in Wicklow, using no fertilisers, no pesticides, no herbicides, no fungicides. As Colin describes it he ‘grew up in a traditional gardening family where we waged war on the natives’. He has started over again by making a home for all those things that are struggling. Building ponds, meadows, hedgerows and woods.
Another one of the converted is Mary Reynolds, winner of the gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2002. Even back then, her winning garden, 'Celtic Sanctuary', included common weeds in the mix.
In her garden and her writing she has been advocating "re-wilding" gardens rather than creating tidy, conventional spaces.
She calls herself ‘a reformed landscape designer’ because she realised that gardening was a huge part of the unravelling. The global movement she started is ‘We Are the ARK – or Acts of Restorative Kindness’. With the aim of restoring native ecosystems, rewilding and bringing nature together, whatever size the space is.
You don't need acres
With 50% of our species in decline they really need our support. Window boxes, wild corners and nature-friendly gardening really helps. Double the area of nature reserves are contained within our gardens, so we can make a difference.
The abundance of life that we share this blue-green marble with, now depends on us. To maintain the ecosystem that supports life, we each need to work to allow them a foothold.
The biggest mistake we can make is to think that someone else will do it.
