Charity Wakefield on her garden and environmental activism

In this episode, Catherine Mansley from BBC Gardeners World Magazine speaks with actress and environmentalist Charity Wakefield about her passion for gardening and nature conservation. Wakefield begins by sharing a humorous story about participating in a march for nature, where she dressed as a tree to raise awareness for the Woodland Trust, highlighting the importance of collective action for environmental protection.

Wakefield reflects on her childhood in East Sussex, where she was introduced to gardening by her mother. She discusses the joy of cultivating plants with her four-year-old son, emphasizing the connection between children, food, and nature. They converse about the challenges of gardening in a space with limited sunlight and the long journey of learning she has undertaken as an amateur gardener.

Through her experiences, Wakefield has developed a keen interest in the history of women in gardening and the ecological importance of plants. She shares insights from attending the Beth Chateau symposium, which transformed her understanding of gardening. Wakefield emphasizes the importance of planting native species and the relationship between health, soil, and plant growth, learning that nature has its own systems that encourage resilience and biodiversity in gardens.

As they discuss the importance of nature in urban settings like London, Wakefield conveys her passion for supporting local green spaces and engaging with the community in conservation efforts. The episode touches on the importance of ancient trees and the critical role they play in ecosystems, as well as the activism surrounding rights of nature that seeks legal protection for these vital natural resources. Wakefield advocates for greater awareness and action to coexist with nature, challenging listeners to contribute positively to their environments. Through her work, she strives to merge her creative pursuits in acting with her passion for the environment, hoping to inspire others to find their own connection with nature.