Team Wilder Climate Resilience

The effects of climate change are visible all around us. More extreme weather poses a threat to nature and to people and becoming more climate resilient is key for us as individuals and for our landscapes. 

Climate resilience is our ability to adapt to the changing climate. To understand the risks that are applicable to us and take action as individuals and as communities to help reduce the damage that climate change will bring. 

Depending on where you live, the actions you might take to become more climate resilient will be different. For example, if you live in low-lying North Somerset, you may want to take action to help mitigate flooding. If you live in Bristol you might look at reducing the damaging heat that can occur in built up areas. 

With rainfall set to increase by as much as 47%, some areas could see more frequent and more damaging flooding. Gardens in the UK cover 1,670 square miles, so actions you take in your garden can not only help to protect your home but can also have an impact on the wider community, reducing the risks of surface water flooding. 

Tips for more flood resilient gardening

1. Reduce hard landscaping - The more soil, flower beds and lawn you have, the more surface area there will be to absorb water.
2. Plant Trees and shrubs - Large plants can help to reduce the risk of flooding by taking up water into their roots.
3. Think vertical - make every surface in your garden absorb water. Place hanging pots on fences adds extra space for soil to absorb water or add climbing plants to slow the flow of water.
4. Perfect ponds -  Ponds are not only excellent habitat for wildlife, but they store water, too! Even a small pond can hold water. Check out our ponds resource for a step-by-step guide.
5. Water management - Consider adding a water butt (or two!) if you don't have one already. They can store water during periods of heavy rain and help keep your garden watered during drier spells.
6. Build a bog garden - Some plants love water, why not try building a bog garden? It will store water, provide great habitat and they look wonderful. You can find a guide below.

More extreme weather doesn't just mean more rain, it also means that areas of the UK are more likely to experience heat waves. Projections predict three quarters of Wildlife Trust nature reserves will see a temperature increase of 1.5 degrees and almost half will be at extreme risk of wildfires. 

But it's not just nature reserves that will feel the effects of hotter weather. More frequent droughts and higher temperatures means we will all have to change how we garden, grow vegetables and use water. 

Paved over gardens and fake grass reduces water absorption and increases urban heating, especially during heatwaves. Combined with more concrete, asphalt and bricked surfaces, less greenery, tall buildings, cars, air conditioning and general industry – this means that temperatures are rising in built-up areas. 

This is known as the urban heat island (UHI) effect and is particularly noticeable at night and during heatwaves. Knock-on effects include disrupted ecosystems and biodiversity, altered seasonal patterns, reduced air quality, health risks to vulnerable populations and increased energy use through air conditioning.