Writer and broadcaster Caitlin Moran has found a profound sense of happiness and a remedy for the anxieties of menopause and environmental concerns by cultivating a "wild garden." Moran described experiencing a significant midlife crisis in 2023, exacerbated by falling hormone levels and what she perceived as widespread environmental decline. This led to feelings of depression and sadness, particularly concerning the lack of wildlife in her garden.
“I’m sure this sounds familiar to many. Sweaty, anxious and sporadically furious, my unhappiness was particularly escalated by watching the news, and seeing reports of environmental decline,” Moran wrote. She recalled feeling distraught over the absence of sparrows and butterflies, even googling whether such creatures could be purchased to liven up her outdoor space.
The turning point came after a visit to the Knepp Estate in Sussex, a rewilding project. Moran was inspired by the estate's success in reintroducing diverse wildlife, including nightingales, Purple Emperor butterflies, and nesting storks—the first in England since 1416. This experience led her to a simple realization: "You can’t buy nature... You have to build a nature place – and then they come."
Upon returning home, Moran dedicated herself to transforming her London garden into a "nature place." She installed a pond, planted bushes for birds, and created log piles for insects. Her efforts proved successful, attracting a variety of wildlife, including blackcaps, firecrests, goldfinches, newts, frogs, dragonflies, and even a peregrine falcon. This engagement with nature significantly improved her mood.
"I can honestly say I’ve never been happier. The HRT has definitely helped – but then, so have the sparrows," she stated. "I have sparrows now! Nesting, in my new hedges! Because: I built it – and they came!"
Moran, who now co-hosts the gardening podcast "Outsiding" with Adam Frost, a fellow advocate for nature's therapeutic benefits, believes that gardening and the outdoors offer a powerful antidote to the overwhelming nature of modern news cycles and personal struggles. The podcast features celebrity guests discussing their appreciation for the outdoors, whether through gardening, hiking, or other nature-based activities.
She highlighted an episode with comedian Bob Mortimer, who found solace in nature after undergoing heart bypass surgery. Mortimer shared a poignant story of revisiting a river where he fished with his late father as a child, finding a sense of connection to his past. Moran noted that Mortimer, like many others, uses nature as an "excuse to sit and look at how lovely the world is."
"Outsiding" aims to provide a weekly reminder of the world's beauty, encouraging listeners to step outside and appreciate simple moments. Moran added that the podcast also offers personal benefits, such as receiving gardening advice from Adam Frost on issues like dahlia failures and tomato cultivation.