Wilder Open Gardens

Elephant hawkmoth on flowers

WildNet - Tom Marshall

Be the voice for nature

Wilder Open Gardens

...and Mini Wilder Open Gardens!

Tea, cake and Wilder Open Gardens to raise funds for wildlife

No matter what size of outdoor space, from tiny gardens and window boxes to large estates and everything in between, take part our wilder alternative to a coffee morning fundraiser, whilst spreading the word about gardening for wildlife. 

With an estimated 124,500 private gardens in Somerset, plus burial grounds, school grounds and other community spaces, these areas are vital for nature, acting as stepping stones for wildlife across the county. 

We believe that if at least 1 in 4 people take visible action for wildlife locally, we can transform Somerset. This is where we need your help. 

No matter how far along your wildlife gardening journey, we need YOU to be the voice for nature and invite your friends, family, neighbours and local community to your Wilder Garden, to inspire others to welcome wildlife too. 

Thank you so much to everyone who took part this year. Keep your eyes peeled for news coming soon about Wilder Open Gardens 2026!

Joe Swift

Joe Swift - Garden designer, writer and TV presenter 

“Wilder Open Gardens is a fantastic initiative by Somerset Wildlife Trust, to help spread the word about how easy it is, with just a few tweaks, private gardens can easily become a haven for insects, birds and a whole host of other creatures.

I wholeheartedly support this scheme and encourage everyone to host a Wilder Open Garden, whist sharing a cup of tea and scrumptious cake (what’s not to love!). Together we can raise important funds to support the Trust’s vital work for wildlife in the county.” 

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