Rewilding is spreading throughout the land

Rewilding seems to be the subject of the moment. A rewilding themed garden won a top gold prize at the recent Chelsea Flower Show. Then, there is the Mayor of London's plan to rewild the capital. This initiative focuses on eight core areas around London, including Hainault Forest and Rainham Marshes. There are also smaller projects, such as pocket parks and new nature reserves. There is also the role of individuals bringing rewilding into their gardens and places of work. It is an exciting initiative that draws on other major rewilding projects, such as the Knepp estate in Sussex. The idea is to let nature reclaim it's natural state, rather than be pushed into false constructs at the behest of human kind. The government has committed to 30% of land being given over to nature by 2030. Some though have raised concerns about food production, the need to feed ourselves with locally produced produce. James Rebanks is someone who has really taken on this challenge, seeking on his hill farm in Cumbria, to increase biodiversity whilst farming in the most sustainable way. Jame's outlines his journey in his fascinating book English Pastoral - an inheritance. Well worth a read. The owners of the Knepp estate are now trying to do a similar thing with a new farming development. This is clearly the right direction in of travel. In our own area, there have been efforts to rewild, with the Growzones developed in Redbridge. Among these are parts of George and Christchurch Greens plus Roding Valley Park at the end of Elmcroft Avenue. There are plans to extend these wild areas out further across the borough, as part of the Green Urban Landscape plan. The need to develop the green corridors of connectivity has to be central to this development. Epping Forest have also embraced rewilding with the introduction of the Longhorn cattle to parts of Wanstead Park, as well as developing wetlands. The work of Thames 21 on the River Riding fits into the rewilding jigsaw. The growing movement that is no mow May also fits into the ethos of rewilding. It has been great to see the wild flowers and grasses looking resplendent along the road sides and rivers. It is possible to go no mow for May in our own gardens. I have done so for the last few years. It is fascinating to see the insect life develop, when you just leave the grass alone. The role of everyone as mini- rewilders is important as part of the overall effort to improve biodiversity. Allotment sites can also adopt the principles of rewilding. This brings together food production and improvement of biodiversity in a smaller way to the farms mentioned earlier but the principle is the same. The allotment sites also contribute significantly to the development of green corridors. So there is much going on internationally, nationally and locally to extend rewilding. Long may it continue. The future has to see humankind operating much more in accordance with rather than against nature. Then everyone will be able to enjoy a more sustainable future.