Let nature in

Rewild your garden by adding ponds and native plants

“I can’t save the world with just my patch of nettle and thorns, but I can feed the birds that live and visit here, year after year after year.” This recent Twitter comment by farmer Cat Frampton hit home with me. Individually, we can’t tackle climate change or reverse the environmental damage we see around us. But, as Cat says, we can – and should – make a difference to what happens on our own plot, whether it be a garden, windowbox or even our local park.

This month, we invited gardener Colin Stafford-Johnson to talk about how he transformed his own plot in Ireland to make the most wonderful wildlife haven. He offers some straightforward gardening advice that all of us who love wildlife should follow. And while the value for local birds, bees and butterflies is enormous, wilding our lives is very empowering and a huge boost to our own wellbeing.

Of course, we are about finding that joy in the wider countryside and April is truly the greatest month for sheer wild exuberance. From the first chicks appearing and the marvellous hedgerow frothing of blackthorn to the appearance of young rabbits every walk you take will be rewarded with memorable moments. I wish you all the joys of spring – and may your garden buzz with beautiful life.

Fergus Collins, editor@countryfile.com

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THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS

Adele Brand
“I call it the fragrant frost. It arrives with a shiver at winter’s end when a cruel wind blows – so the legends say, but folklore has never seen the best in blackthorn.”

Colin Stafford-Johnson
“What was to happen in a few short months was nothing short of miraculous. My land quite simply came to life. It literally began to hum.”

Amy-Jane Beer
“Not only are rabbits survivors and opportunists with complex societies, but our countryside and culture would not be the same without them.”

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