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How two sisters rewilded their Sussex garden—and welcomed Sir David Attenborough

A garden left to nature became a haven for wildlife—and a film set for a legend. Their story proves rewilding isn’t just for experts, but for anyone willing to embrace the wild.

The image shows a garden filled with lots of plants and trees in the middle of it, surrounded by...
The image shows a garden filled with lots of plants and trees in the middle of it, surrounded by grass and dry leaves on the ground. On the left side of the image there is a walkway, and in the background there are trees, poles, a fence, a building and the sky. This garden is located in London, England, and is part of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How two sisters rewilded their Sussex garden—and welcomed Sir David Attenborough

Suzi and Moy have transformed their garden into a rewilded space, calling it a journey of discovery. Their approach to gardening has been shaped by challenges like unpredictable weather and the influence of professional women gardeners in Sussex. Along the way, they’ve celebrated remarkable moments, including a visit from Sir David Attenborough.

The sisters credit two Sussex gardeners, Rachel de Thame and Sarah Raven, as key inspirations for their work. Their own garden at Knepp now embraces a wilder philosophy, where so-called weeds are simply plants that have arrived naturally. This shift has been both rewarding and demanding.

Among their most memorable experiences were Sir David Attenborough filming in their garden and the arrival of the first pair of beavers as part of the rewilding project. These moments felt almost surreal to them. For those looking to garden more sustainably, they recommend repurposing materials, connecting with the wider landscape, and creating corridors that link nature, people, and resources. Their favourite garden remains the Old Vicarage in Firle, East Sussex, originally designed by Lanning Roper. Despite the challenges, particularly the unpredictable climate, the sisters continue to find joy in their evolving approach to gardening.

Their rewilded garden now stands as a testament to their commitment to sustainability and natural processes. By rethinking traditional gardening methods, they’ve created a space that supports wildlife and adapts to changing conditions. The project also highlights the importance of community and shared knowledge among gardeners.

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