A TWO-DAY CONFERENCE OF IDEAS
University of Manchester | 15-16 January 2026
The first Wilding Gardens conference took place over two memorable days at the University of Manchester in January 2026 – with world-leading experts in gardening, rewilding, design, horticulture, biodiversity and climate change examining how we can garden to save wildlife and resources, create resilience and combat climate change.
In partnership with Crocus.
Over 2 days, 550 attendees listened to 26 inspirational talks from 29 SPEAKERS, and 6 performances from 9 artists.
We are delighted that 25% of tickets were either Concessions or free tickets to students, made possible by our higher Company Ticket rate, and our partnership with Crocus.
SESSIONS
DAY 1
Session 1 - GARDENING FOR THE PLANET - The huge potentials of gardens to create global change
Craig Bennett on Wilder gardens for nature, people and planet
Isabella Tree on What does a wilder world look like?
Watch the recording HERE
Session 2 – WHAT IS WILDING A GARDEN? - A step beyond ‘sustainable’ and ‘nature friendly’
Tom Stuart-Smith on Wilding the garden – a designer’s perspective
Charlie Harpur on Gardeners as keystone species – how to garden with a rewilding mindset
Lulu Urquhart & Adam Hunt on Gardens – a way to connect our fragmented landscape
Chaired by Leigh Morris
Watch the recording HERE
Session 3 – DARWIN’S TANGLED BANK – The foodwebs and habitats of a garden
Erica McAlister on Metamorphosis – changing lives, changing attitudes
Dr Katherine Baldock on Conservation opportunities for pollinators in cities and gardens
Mike Edwards on Soundscapes of life – deep listening to the world around us!
Chaired by Adam Hunt
Watch the recording HERE
Session 4 – THE ENEMY AT THE GATE – Horticultural peat, pesticides and vested interests
Dave Goulson on The hidden pesticides
John V Willshire on Knowing our place
Sheila Das on Comfort, control and complacency in the garden and beyond
Chaired by Charlie Burrell
Watch the recording HERE
DAY 2
Session 1 – WILDING GREY SPACES - Schoolyards, balconies, green walls and roofs, urban parks and green corridors
John Little on Urban cornerstones – gardening forces that can change our world
Anna Gilchrist on Nurturing the next generation of Wildlings – exploring principals for rewilding schools
Jason Williams, The Cloud Gardener on How do we make our cities greener?
Chaired by James Hitchmough
Watch the recording HERE
Session 2 – ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE - Water, ecology and soil
James Hitchmough on Water and watering thoughts in wilder gardens
Joshua Sparkes on Fertility in natural farming
Wendy Allen on Making the invisible visible – defining rain gardens
Chaired by Sheila Das
Watch the recording HERE
Session 3 – THIS STUFF WORKS – Inspiring examples from activists and communities on the ground who are greening our world
Kate Bradbury on What works in an urban garden
Philippa Reece and Joe Perkins on Garden for the future
Richard Scott on One step beyond
Libby Drew on Stepping stones and service stations – how Sussex gardens are creating corridors
Steve Connor on Walking our way to more resilient cities, through nature
Chaired by Charlie Harpur
Watch the recording HERE
Session 4 – SUMMING UP – A nationwide movement
Fergus Garrett on Great Dixter: how gardens can play their part
Andy Burnham on The importance of green spaces to Greater Manchester
James Hitchmough on Yesterday, today and tomorrow
With a thank you from Charlie Burrell
Watch the recording HERE