Re-Wilding Britain: Is It Too Late?

In recent years, rewinding has emerged as a pressing issue among horticulturists. But can we make an impact on wild spaces within our cities and towns? We must consider the damage already done by activities in rural areas: farm equipment and chemical herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers may have increased food production, but they've had detrimental effects on wildlife. Can we have a meaningful impact in our own gardens?

How Our Landscape Has Been Sculpted by Farming

World War II left an undeniable mark on Britain's flora and fauna. Due to the necessity of producing more food, not just for sustenance but also for security, Britons were called upon by their Ministry of Agriculture in 1939 with a mission: Dig for Britain! These collective efforts transformed untapped grounds into lush farms teeming with crops. Fields that blossomed thanks to these valiant efforts were a testament to sustainability during wartime conditions.

Through creative use of land and intensive farming practices, what was once thought to be impassable terrain is now used for cultivating crops or livestock. Hillsides are no longer undisturbed; forests have given way to fields as native plants and grasslands dwindle almost beyond recognition. Isabella Tree describes this change to Britain’s countryside beautifully in her 2018 book "Wilding."

Our relationship with nature has been drastically altered due to the introduction of chemicals. Farmers can now more easily eradicate non-crop species from their fields, and, in some cases, specially bred crops can withstand direct application of glyphosate, known best as the active ingredient in the well-known weed killer Roundup. Every successful farm needs an effective way to rid the soil of unwanted, unproductive plants. Herbicides provide a convenient solution for farmers; however, this remedy comes with drawbacks as it can leave some harvested crops coated in a toxic residue. I can't say with certainty that this same chemical arrives on our plates, but I now see the value in organic produce.

How Wildlife Has Lost a Home in Our Towns and Cities

As our cities become increasingly metropolitan, wild grass verges and hedging have been replaced by wide roads and tarmac cycling lanes. Streets that were once dark now remain lit all night, confusing insects that rely on moonlight to navigate. What was once intended as a haven for pollinators is gone, leaving them with far fewer safe havens within urban confines. There's no denying life has grown more perilous over time for wildlife in our towns and cities.

How Pockets of Land Become Less Connected

Over time, our modification of the natural environment has disrupted wildlife ecosystems. We've created shrinking pockets of land cut off from one another by roads and cultivated fields. In Peter Wohlleben's book "The Hidden Life of Trees," he reveals that trees are not merely objects but communal beings - possessing the capacity to nourish others through their interconnectedness with fungi. Symbiotic relationships allow different species to support each other nutritionally and access essential resources across wide distances for a combined benefit greater than one tree alone could ever provide. Our environment is an intricate web of life, reliant on the diverse range of flora and fauna that inhabit it. As we inch closer to patchworking wild areas together by knocking down barriers - both physical and biological - for creatures looking to migrate, there are fewer places for these travelers, such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, or plants, to settle safely.

What is Rewilding?

Rewilding has become a popular term over the past few years as more people seek ways to reconnect with nature and restore balance in their local ecosystems. Broadly speaking, rewilding involves restoring ecosystems and improving biodiversity by supporting the reintroduction of certain species or facilitating natural processes. It has been credited with bringing significant social and ecological benefits. Since rewilding is still relatively new and not always easy to define, having detailed answers to questions like these can be an important step in understanding.

Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a concept that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before a development took place. It involves quantifying the biodiversity impact of a project and ensuring that, by the end of the project, the biodiversity value is greater than it was initially. Incorporating BNG in rewilding efforts means creating habitats that not only replace what was lost but enhance it, fostering a richer variety of species and more resilient ecosystems.

Can We Make a Difference in Our Own Gardens?

We can all make a positive contribution to our environment and support the wildlife around us. Every tiny space, be it urban or rural, offers sanctuary for nature - no matter how small! We need commitment from local governments to create and maintain greenways; while they are vital in creating sustainable havens, we must also do what we can individually. Together with collective efforts large and small, everyone has an opportunity to help build better civil habitats that will benefit both people and animals. Whatever we do in our towns and cities, the effect is going to be small compared to our open spaces, but any action to provide wild areas in the UK, no matter how small, is positive.

Conclusion

For centuries, Britain has been known for its lush fields and idyllic countryside. However, in 2013, George Monbiot's book "Feral" made a plea to the British public, understanding that many of us crave a deeper connection with our environment. Nowadays, much of Britain has begun resembling a desert - devoid of complexity and diversity, becoming increasingly simplified. Something drastic needs to happen, and soon, if we are to reverse the damage. It is now time we take action to rewild as much land as possible.