The news is full of worrying and even frightening stories and facts about climate change, biodiversity extinction, extreme weather, and increasingly, threats to our health.

This illustrated lecture will take a new look at our gardens and how we can rewild them for both people and for nature – between us to make a positive difference to all these. Our individual gardens and those which are community owned or managed are those natural green spaces where we can take ownership and take action for the better.

The talk looks at the issues of why, where, and how we can do this; and who can take part. Touching nature in local greenspaces brings enormous benefits. However large or small your garden is, then you can help by rewilding it for nature and at the same time, enhancing your own mental and physical wellbeing. 

Ian Rotherham is Emeritus Professor at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University. Former Principal City Ecologist, Ian has lectured at the Sheffield universities since the 1980s and is an authority on aspects of landscape history, urban ecology, and issues of adapting to climate change. Along with his academic writing, Ian has written and contributed to over 50 books, 100s of academic papers, and 1,000+ popular articles; he contributes to numerous newspapers and magazines, and to both radio and television. 

He is increasingly involved in social media too through his blog, website, and Twitter

This talk and all our lectures are FREE for Friends of the Botanical Gardens to attend. Members of the public are also welcome to join us on payment of £5 at the door on the day. Live talks are held in the Education Centre in the grounds of the Botanical Gardens - easily accessed via the Thompson Road Entrance.