Rewilding is a controversial topic. James Law of Stacks Property Search says, “The concept of restoring natural processes to large areas of the countryside would seem on the face of it hard to criticise, but some see it as anti-farming, and others simply maintain that it doesn’t make any difference.

“But numerous projects have attracted huge attention and rewilding is unquestionably here to stay. At Stacks Property Search we have found that there’s a big appetite for what we call rewilding-light. Homeowners and property buyers are attracted by the idea of letting the natural order return to anything from a large garden to a few acres of land.

“Purists would argue that rewilding anything up to 300 acres will have negligible impact, that scale is required for nature to be the driver for change and to reinstate natural processes. But rewilding-light is about embracing a more environmental way of life, rejecting the concepts of high productivity at the expense of organic growth, and rejecting the need for us to order the natural environment and landscape.

“If you take the core principle of rewilding as reinstating natural processes, allowing nature to go where it pleases, then this idea can be easily followed on a small scale. It may not have an affect on the movement of rivers or habitat succession, but it will be kind to our planet, and allow future generations to see the land being given a say in its future.”

So what does rewilding-light look like?

James Law says, “It can look somewhat scruffy! Allowing nature to take its course generally means an end to manicured lawns, pristine flowerbeds, and good weed control. And not everybody will share your joy for a less controlled environment.

“Home owners and buyers who are seeking a more environmental approach to managing their garden and land can quickly come up against resistance from neighbours who think that a paddock should contain sheep or ponies, that brambles are the enemy, that lawns should be weed-free and mown weekly, and moles are absolutely not welcome visitors.

“When buyers talk to us about their rewilding plans for a new plot, we do advise them to look carefully at the geography of their new home. If they are serious about an unmanaged approach, they should be conscious of neighbouring properties, and it might be advisable to do some local PR in advance, explaining their thinking and what they are looking to achieve.

“On a small scale, rewilding probably has to be more managed than it would be on hundreds of acres, but as with all things there can be a good balance. Allowing natural processes to occur, and rejecting the concept of micromanaging however small a plot we own, while recognising that our land is also part of a domestic environment should result in an effective environmental compromise.”

Stacks Property Search & Acquisition: 01594 842880 / www.stacks.co.uk

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• • For more information, jpgs and interviews, contact Amanda MacCaw, 01386 700068 / 07977 238175 / amanda@wildmaccaw.co.uk