Wilding is the process of restoring natural ecosystems by allowing nature to take its course, often by reintroducing native species, planting native flora, and reducing human control over landscapes. As climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline continue to threaten the planet, wilding is becoming an essential tool in both urban and rural environments.
In cities, wilding helps counteract the negative effects of urbanization. Green spaces with native plants support pollinators, reduce air pollution, manage stormwater, and cool urban areas. These natural pockets also improve mental well-being and help to keep residents connected to nature, thought to be an important factor in mental well-being contributing to lower anxiety and depression levels in some studies.
In rural areas, wilding supports ecosystem resilience by restoring degraded land, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing soil and water health. It also provides habitats for wildlife, promotes sustainable agriculture through natural pest control, and helps sequester carbon. So wilding all across the District is important and there is plenty of excellent work taking place to help this effort.
Want to get involved in this effort and find out more? Check out these local organisations:
- Wilderhood Watch
- Batford Springs Volunteers
- Wilder St Albans
- The Ver Valley Society
- Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary
- Hertfordshire and Middlesex Butterfly Conservation
- The Woodland Trust – Heartwood Forest
- Local Friends Groups – Bernards Heath, Greenway Spinney, the Nickey Line and the Wick.
- Wild About Redbourn
- Wheathampstead Preservation Society