About us

Wilder exists to try to halt biodiversity decline in our cities, and to change mind sets. We want to challenge urban gardening practices that rely on fossil-fuel powered machinery and spraying, to show that cities can become both friendlier towards wildlife and more liveable for people.

Our projects demonstrate the cooling and carbon-storing properties of urban planting. And food sovereignty is a central part of our work, engaging people with permaculture practices that reduce dependency on imported and packaged food.

Wilder was set up by Leanne Werner and Helena Smith, who met when Leanne was chairing Southwark Council's climate emergency scrutiny commission. Leanne put out a call for a videographer to document the drop in pollution during the 2020 lockdown. Helena filmed Southwark Voices in response.

Website and photo portraits by Helena Smith

Director and advisory board

Leanne Werner, director

Leanne is co-founder and director of Wilder. With a background in policy, horticulture, design and fundraising Leanne's expertise and passion for urban greening are driving policy change and expanding green spaces across UK cities. In 2023 she was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to research how urban agriculture increases biodiversity and tackles social inequality.
Anthony Iles, eco gardener

Anthony is an experienced community gardener and food grower. As a Wilder gardener, he facilitates workshops for new gardeners, and is especially knowledgeable about wildflower meadows and fruit trees. He has participated in the creation of several new community gardens and habitats in East London, where he co-founded the E1 Community Gardeners association.
Karin, eco gardener

Karin joined Wilder in 2024 as a freelance eco gardener, and is working at a number of sites as part of the Thames Tideway grant. She graduated from Future Gardeners program in July 2024 and this is her first role within horticulture. Karin lives in Southwark and enjoys walking and spending time admiring the natural world in our local green spaces and public gardens and parks within our beautiful city.
Sophie Dissanayake, advisory board

Sophie is a qualified permaculturalist and is a member of the UK Permaculture Association. Sophie works in healthcare education and has a professional background as an occupational therapist. Sophie is particularly interested in regenerative food-growing, education and incorporating permaculture principles in the workplace.
Joolz Perry, advisory board

Joolz Perry is a horticulturist and environmental campaigner, and nature enthusiast. RHS-qualified, and with experience of working both in urban parks and rural community gardens, Joolz brings a wealth of knowledge to Wilder. She's all about making green spaces buzz and bloom, and Joolz is on a mission to inspire others to connect with nature for a healthier, happier life.
Phoenix Fry, advisory board

Phoenix is a lecturer at Goldsmiths' Institute for Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship, and a consultant in cultural leadership & management. He grew up on a chicken farm, and has a background in education, marketing communications, and film programming. As an artist, he explores the way humans connect with the natural world.