Appreciating the many benefits of growing wild

Rewilding is a far more complex process than simply not mowing the grass, although one can see why cash-strapped local authorities might latch on to this approach (The meadow mutiny: why a rewilding scheme sparked a residents’ revolt, 10 September). Neither is rewilding about scattering handfuls of wildflower seed about. There has to be an understanding of the ecology of the area undergoing rewilding.

In the past, wild grazing animals, which we have all but eradicated, would have kept the grasses down, allowing herbaceous and other flowering plants to flourish, supporting diverse animal populations. Without large herbivores (or specialised, selective mowing), grasses will always come to dominate a “meadow” ecosystem, reducing the diversity of the flora and consequently of the fauna. This is what happened in the “meadow mutiny” example of rewilding.

Rewilding is just a fancy new name for ecosystem restoration. But restoration, and indeed conservation, is an active process involving management and intervention. Conservation is often misunderstood as just keeping humans out and letting nature run riot. Because of the lack of grazing animals and of active management, an attempt to restore a small area of woodland in suburban Hastings failed as fast-growing tree species, such as birches, came to dominate the woodland, just as grasses will come to dominate a meadow ecosystem. The custodians would not allow young birch trees to be cut down even though natural grazing of saplings would have reduced their number.
David Gomm
Witney, Oxfordshire

• What a shame Ilkeston residents are objecting to the new mowing regime. North Northamptonshire council is adopting a similar approach and as chairman of the local group Natural-Ise, I drew up a plan for mowing a 20-acre area with paths and swathes, as a balance between encouraging wildlife and allowing for locals to walk their dogs, play football etc. The area looks great, in my opinion.

The council and I have received some complaints, similar to those in the article, but many love the new layout. People don’t like change but we can’t afford to allow our insect population to continue to decline. Wildflowers and long grass are vital for them. With farms so depleted of wildlife, these grassed areas in town are key.

People who dislike something will complain, but those who like it tend to keep quiet. If you like such environmentally friendly approaches, make sure that you tell your council grounds team and local councillor. Our experience is that wealthier areas get the most complaints. However, it is important to listen. I admit communication is very important where change takes place, and hard to get right.
Martin Toms
Kettering, Northamptonshire

• Having worked for a short time on a rewilding project in Devon, I’ve experienced the perplexity that neighbours can experience when seeing a natural environment that doesn’t match their own preference for neatly trimmed lawns and sharp borders. Communication is absolutely key. Running sessions where locals can ask questions and having proper signage up explaining the initiative and the long-term benefits can be invaluable in ensuring a project’s success.
Luke Davis
Barrington, Cambridgeshire

• Your rewilding article was summed up for me by one woman’s comment: “It’s devaluing our properties. We don’t want that in this area.” I am of an age when I can recall spending blissful childhood summers playing in shoulder-height unmown fields and watching the wildlife – just as beneficial to today’s kids as using a shorn play area for football? The selfishness of this group of self-satisfied mature folk has put paid to a potentially beautiful oasis that would benefit the minds and bodies of those with the good fortune to live nearby. I despair.
Christine Lock
Crowthorne, Berkshire

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