A new app backed by conservationists and environmentalists aims to reconnect people with nature by mapping the UK’s wild spaces — from city parks to remote coastlines
We all know that getting out in nature is good for us. Whether wandering through a forest,
strolling along the coast or watching birds on a lake, time in the great outdoors has been shown to benefit both body and mind. Studies suggest that contact with nature can help reduce stress and
anxiety, lower blood pressure and even cut the risk of heart disease. Yet despite its proven power,
nature often gets squeezed out of busy modern lives.
A new, free mobile app called Wildling hopes to change that, helping people discover and explore
wild spaces on their doorstep or while travelling. Created by entrepreneur Ant Rawlins, Wildling
brings together the UK’s wild spaces and hidden green spots in one digital map. The aim is to make nature more accessible while encouraging people to feel part of their local environment. It also hopes to address two of the UK’s biggest challenges: the growing mental health crisis and the
urgent need to care for the natural world.
The app is supported by leading conservation groups, including the RSPB (Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds), the Marine Conservation Society and Forestry England. It is also backed by
advisors and environmentalists such as Dragon’s Den investor Deborah Meaden, financier Ben
Goldsmith and Eden Project founder Tim Smit.
“In this day and age, when everyone can be glued to their computers and phones, getting out into
nature is so important,” says Meaden. “It can be a great reset for your mind and body. But
sometimes it can be hard to find nature, especially when you’re in a new place, or even to get to
know hidden gems on your doorstep. That’s when Wildling comes in. It sits on your device, so it’s
not just easy to access but also a reminder, breaking down the barriers to finding nature spots, so
you can head out on your lunch break, enjoy a leisurely stroll after dinner or find somewhere
beautiful for the kids to run around during a long car drive.”
Currently featuring more than 1,500 locations across the UK, Wildling covers everything from
coastlines and woodlands to nature reserves and urban escapes. A built-in content hub offers
practical advice and inspiration, including tips for getting children outdoors and making the most
of time in nature — with guides like ‘how to build a den’ or ‘how to go rock pooling’.
“Getting out into nature is very important to me, so I make sure it’s something that I incorporate
into my daily life,” adds Meaden. “I like to start every day by going out barefoot into the garden.
It’s a way to connect to the earth and calm myself before taking on the business of the day. I’m
very lucky that where I live has lots of places where you can go to see trees and be in nature, so I
get out and go for a walk when I can. When I’m in Somerset, I also block out time to enjoy being
on horseback and the great outdoors. When I’m working away from home, Wildling makes it
easier for me to find those quiet spaces to connect with nature, wherever I am.”
The app also includes a voluntary donation feature, allowing users to support Wildling’s charitable
partners or sign up for local volunteering opportunities. The goal, says its founder, is not just to
help people enjoy nature, but to inspire them to protect it too.
Find out more at wildling.app
Main image: Milos Stankovic
