rehabilitating spaces for
human x nature
collaborations
We live in an un-natural world.
Look around: you might see trees, fields or waterways and imagine that nature must be thriving… but in Scotland and the rest of the UK, very little of this is actually natural. Our countryside is ‘artificial’, our highlands have been stripped of trees, and our cities are hostile to most native wildlife.
We cannot truly return the landscape to its original state, but we can rehabilitate it to help foster and support the wildlife we have left.
At WANDER LANDS, we believe our cities, towns, farms and buildings are filled with possibilities to create Human X Nature collaboration spaces. By removing invasive plant species and replacing them with local flora, and by collaborating with artists, designers and makers to create habitable spaces for local wildlife, we can create a better future for all.
WANDER LANDS transforms spaces such as private gardens, disused land and public areas, turning them into something that reflects and supports what is natural for the area. We create an ecosystem in which the land needs very little management or maintenance, putting nature back in the driving seat.
We also want to include a ‘human’ element to these spaces by collaborating with local creatives to make sculptures, objects and wildlife ‘homes’ that provide an eye-catching focal point to these spaces, where Human X Nature come together.
rewilding areas to create space for
public art and wild habitats
the power of nature
photo by @gwilliamsphoto
Scientific studies consistently show that being immersed in nature is inherently good for us, both psychologically and physically. Whether investigating the Japanese art of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) or E.O. Wilson’s theory of biophilia, scientists continue to make compelling discoveries that reveal how our connection with nature can have profound positive effects on our blood pressure, mental health, concentration, and even our recovery time from injury/hospitalisation.
Most of us now live in urban areas, and that figure continues to soar; some estimates predict 70% of the human population will live in cities by 2050. So now more than ever, it’s vital that we optimise how we create and design these urban spaces – both for our own health, and for the biodiversity of the planet.
collaborate with wander lands
WANDER LANDS is in the initial states of developing areas in Edinburgh. Our aim throughout 2025 is to take on a select number of further sites in order to rehabilitate them, and to collaborate with local artists, designers and makers.
If you’re interested in working with WANDER LANDS and being a part of a growing network of wild art spaces in Edinburgh, please get in touch!
Garden and Land Owners
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Garden and Land Owners 〰️
The goal of our project is to create an outdoor ecosystem that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and which provides a sanctuary for wildlife. The process is simple:
Removing invasive or unhelpful plant species
Introducing a balance of plants/seeds of native species
Not using pesticides or chemicals
Creating habitat areas for local fauna
Time to forget the lawnmower, leave the rake in the shed, and enjoy how magical outdoor spaces can be when we leave nature in the driving seat!
The WANDER LANDS gardening team examines the space and creates a plan that works with what you have, and which can include additional features such as ponds. We will do some check-ins for the first year to make sure the balance of flora in the space is just right.
The Human Collaboration element gives you the option to add a locally-made object, sculpture or ‘habitat’ for wildlife, providing a unique focal point to the space, and an additional habitat for local creatures.
Artists, designers and makers
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Artists, designers and makers 〰️
Our concept is a collaboration with nature: we cannot truly return things to the way they were, especially in cities and urban areas, so why not work with nature to create something new for people and wildlife alike? We see the future network of WANDER LANDS as nature corridors, but also as an art trail, – a series of public exhibitions that showcase the work of local people.
At this stage of the project, we are looking to connect with local artists, designers and makers who might be interested in creating projects for our rehabilitated spaces. Some examples of what we imagine seeing in these spaces are:
Bird, insect, hedgehog and bee houses
Sculptures
Water features (bowl/pot ponds)
These projects do not need to be functional solely for wildlife – having a sculpture in a public space that inspires or encourages conversation on the topics of nature and rewilding is also important for raising awareness and nurturing future plans.
get in touch!
Do you have a garden or outdoor space you would like to develop? Or are you an artist or maker working in Scotland who’s looking for a new, unique opportunity? Or are you a gardener looking to connect and work with us on these exciting projects?
If any of these apply to you, get in touch with WANDER LANDS!
You can also email us at wanderlands.art@gmail.com