Rewilding…

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards rewilding our gardens. Rewilding is the process of restoring natural ecosystems and allowing them to function without human intervention. This concept has gained popularity due to its potential benefits for the environment and our own health. In this article, we will explore why we should consider rewilding our gardens and the many benefits that come with it.
Benefits for Nature
Rewilding our gardens can provide a crucial habitat for wildlife, particularly insects, birds and small mammals. With the decline of natural habitats, urban gardens can play an important role in supporting the survival of these vital species. By creating an environment that is more hospitable, we can help them thrive and maintain the important role they play in our ecosystem.

Insects: By planting native species of flowers, shrubs and trees, gardeners can attract a diverse range of insects to their gardens. This can include butterflies such as the small tortoiseshell, red admiral and peacock, as well as bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators.

Birds: By creating habitats such as bird boxes, feeders, and water sources, gardeners can attract a wide range of bird species to their gardens. In Ireland, this can include birds such as the blue tit, great tit, robin, blackbird, and goldfinch, among many others.

Mammals: By allowing areas of the garden to grow wild, gardeners can provide habitats for a variety of mammals, including hedgehogs, shrews, mice, and even bats.

Amphibians and reptiles: By creating a pond, gardeners can provide a home for amphibians such as frogs and toads, as well as reptiles such as the common lizard.

Benefits for Climate
Gardens that have been rewilded can also help mitigate the effects of climate change. By allowing natural vegetation to flourish, we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and store it in their tissues. By allowing natural vegetation to grow, we can help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the soil.
Benefits for Our Health
In addition to its environmental benefits, rewilding our gardens can also have positive impacts on our own health. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments can have a positive effect on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety levels. In addition, gardening itself has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
What can we do?
Gardeners can play a crucial role in supporting local biodiversity and protecting the environment by rewilding their gardens.

Here are some ways that gardeners can contribute:
Plant native species: Gardeners can support local ecosystems by planting native species of plants, which are adapted to local conditions and provide important food sources for native insects and birds.
Create habitats for wildlife: Gardeners can create habitats for wildlife by incorporating features such as log piles, bird boxes, and bee hotels. This can provide homes for a variety of creatures, including insects, birds, and small mammals.