A two-day conference of ideas

Gardening for nature, ourselves and the planet

Manchester University, 15-16 January 2026

Over two days we’re gathering together some of the most inspiring gardeners, designers and practitioners to show how gardens can play a crucial role in tackling the crisis that threatens us all.

We’re shifting the dial beyond ‘nature-friendly’ to show how applying a rewilding mindset to a garden or green space can create a deeper, more dynamic habitat for wildlife, greater resilience to climate change, and absorb more carbon. While at the same time providing a place of beauty, peace and recovery for us all.

Wilding Gardens is a Conference for anyone with a garden, schoolyard, balcony or window box, who manages or has access to a park in a city, a verge in a village or an orchard in the country.

at a time of struggling wildlife and rising temperatures, What can we do?

Join us at a conference of evidence, ideas and collaborations - and above all, hope.