Alan Titchmarsh, the renowned gardener and former Gardeners' World host, has issued a stark warning against the popular trend of rewilding domestic gardens. Speaking to a House of Lords Horticultural Committee on Tuesday, the 74-year-old described the movement as 'misleading propaganda' that could lead to a 'catastrophic' loss of biodiversity.
Titchmarsh argued that traditional gardens, with their diverse mix of plants, provide food and shelter for wildlife for up to nine months of the year. In contrast, he claimed a rewilded garden offers only 'straw and hay' from August to March, with a typical flowering season of just four months. 'The garden is patently far richer – and for far longer – in the variety of insect and bird species it sustains,' he said.
However, other experts have offered a more nuanced view. Professor Alistair Griffiths, director of science and collections for the Royal Horticultural Society, noted that the term 'rewilding' means different things to different people. 'What's the definition of wild, and what kinds of wild nature do we value over others?' he asked. He suggested that native and non-native plants can work together to support biodiversity.
Richard Bunting, a spokesman for Rewilding Britain, welcomed the trend, saying it offers 'much-needed hope' and can work alongside traditional gardening. He encouraged simple steps such as installing a pond, letting wildflowers grow, and reducing lawn mowing.
Professor Griffiths advised gardeners to focus on planting perennials, trees, and shrubs to provide food and shelter for wildlife. He also emphasised that a mix of short and long grass can benefit different species. 'It's really about what you do in your garden as to how you manage biodiversity and improve wildlife,' he concluded.
