Rewilding Your Garden

A simple guide to encouraging nature back into your outdoor space

In recent years, there’s been a growing movement towards rewilding – allowing nature to reclaim parts of our gardens to create a haven for wildlife. Here in Britain, where traditional cottage gardens once bustled with birds, bees, and butterflies, we have seen a decline in these native species in recent years and we now see increasing efforts to restore natural habitats. But rewilding doesn’t have to mean letting your garden become an overgrown jungle. Instead, it’s about making small, thoughtful changes that welcome back nature while keeping your space beautiful and manageable.

Why rewild your garden?

British gardens have long been a refuge for wildlife, providing much-needed shelter and food sources. However, modern landscaping trends and urbanisation have reduced the variety of habitats available. By rewilding even a small section of your garden, you can help support pollinators, birds, hedgehogs, and other creatures while creating a charming, naturalistic feel.

Simple steps to rewild your garden

1. Swap a manicured lawn for a wildflower patch

Lawns are high-maintenance and provide little benefit to wildlife. Try replacing part of your lawn with a wildflower meadow. Native wildflowers such as oxeye daisies, red campion, and knapweed will attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. You don’t have to go all out—simply allowing a small area to grow a little wilder and mowing less frequently can make a big difference. if you have not done it before try doing No Mow May this year. Join the No Mow May movement by leaving your lawn unmown throughout May. This simple action allows wildflowers like daisies, clover, and buttercups to bloom, providing an essential nectar source for pollinators. Even setting aside a small section of your lawn for the month can help bees, butterflies, and other insects thrive.

Like us when we did it for the first time , you'll be amazed at the results.

2. Plant for pollinators

Traditional cottage garden favourites such as hollyhocks, lavender, foxgloves, buddleia, valerian, and verbena are excellent nectar sources for bees and butterflies. Aim for a mix of plants that flower at different times of the year to provide a continuous food supply. Avoid double flowers and instead go for native wildflowers that are insect friendly and can all be grown easily from seeds.

3. Create a wildlife pond

Even a small pond or a sunken washing-up bowl filled with water can become a vital oasis for frogs, newts, and dragonflies. Add some native aquatic plants like water forget-me-not or marsh marigold, and place a few stones around the edge to allow easy access for wildlife.

4. Leave some areas undisturbed 

A slightly untidy corner with piles of logs, leaves, and stones provides shelter for insects, hedgehogs, and amphibians. Consider stacking logs in a shaded area to create a bug hotel or leaving hollow plant stems standing through winter for overwintering insects.

5. Ditch the chemicals

Pesticides and herbicides can harm the very creatures you’re trying to attract. Opt for organic gardening methods and let natural predators, such as ladybirds and hedgehogs, help control pests.

6. Encourage hedgehogs

Hedgehog numbers in Britain have declined drastically, but you can help by making small gaps (around 13cm) in fences to allow them to roam between gardens. Providing a hedgehog house and leaving out fresh water during periods of drought can also make your garden more inviting.

7. Grow native hedging instead of fences

Hedges provide much better shelter and nesting sites than fences. Opt for native species like hawthorn, blackthorn, and hazel, which offer berries and nuts for birds and small mammals. Plus, they make a lovely backdrop to a traditional British garden.

8. Let some plants go to seed

Many birds, such as goldfinches, love seed heads from plants like teasels and sunflowers. Instead of cutting everything back at the end of summer, let some plants stand through winter to provide food and shelter.

Rewilding: A balanced approach

Rewilding doesn’t mean abandoning structure altogether. You can blend wilder elements with well-kept pathways, seating areas, and flower beds to create a garden that’s both welcoming to nature and enjoyable for you. By making small, thoughtful changes, you can turn your garden into a thriving wildlife haven without sacrificing its charm.

So, whether you’re letting the grass grow a little longer, planting a pollinator-friendly flower bed, or simply putting out a dish of fresh water for the birds, every step towards rewilding makes a difference. Your garden will not only look beautiful but will also play a vital role in supporting Britain’s much-loved wildlife.

Looking to create a bee-friendly garden? Our Bee Friendly Cottage Garden Seed Collection is perfect for attracting pollinators to your outdoor space. Plus, we're offering free hollyhock seeds with every order! Visit our Cottage Garden Seeds Collection to explore our range and claim your free hollyhock seeds here. 

Have you tried rewilding parts of your garden? Share your experiences in the comments below!