Reconnect and restore nature
Wildlife-friendly, regenerative garden guidance and coaching in Cumbria
Reconnect and restore nature
Wildlife-friendly, regenerative garden guidance and coaching in Cumbria
About Close To The Earth
Creating thriving spaces
I work with people across Cumbria to create wildlife-friendly, wellbeing-focused gardens.
Using regenerative approaches, these spaces are not only beautiful, but alive—with pollinators, birds, and a natural sense of balance.
My work is rooted in a deep respect for nature and the belief that gardens should support both people and the wider ecosystem.
Whether you have a small garden or a larger piece of land, I work alongside you to make the process simple, enjoyable, and rewarding—helping you reconnect with nature in your own space while gently increasing biodiversity.
Clients often tell me they:
- feel more confident in their garden
- see more wildlife return
- enjoy their space in a completely new way
If you’re ready to create a garden that truly works with nature, get in touch.
Looking for inspiration and empowerment?
Growing your own veg!
Together, we’ll demystify growing vegetables, working with carefully chosen varieties suited to our Cumbrian climate. You'll leave with planted seeds and confidence to carry on!
To read more about Elizabeth and her garden see
https://frontiersmagazine.org/urban-regeneration-creating-paradise-by-your-back-door/
Bee kind
Close To The Earth - Wildlife friendly gardening
Close To The Earth is 100% chemical free and uses methods which mimick nature, creating habitats for all - through all seasons.
This creates a low-maintenance garden which nurtures you, cuts costs and brings you back into connection - our default stress&anxiety buster.
Close To The Earth Services
Public Speaking
Public Speaking
Public Speaking
New talks for 2026 include
- Gardening in a Changing Environment
- A Wealth of Weeds
- Planting for pollinators
These are perfect to follow on from
- Regenerative Gardening
- Attracting Wildlife to a New Build Garden
- Wildlife&Well-Being gardening
Consultancy
Public Speaking
Public Speaking
Working closely with you and the natural world, we will co-create your ideal space - a beautiful and functional garden to meet your specific needs. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to rejuvenate your existing garden, we'll bring your vision to life as makers of habitat - with right plant, right place, soil health and water conservation techniques.
1-1 coaching
Public Speaking
Growing Native
Want to know more about gardening in the privacy and safety of your own garden, then please get in touch for 1-1 gardening coaching.
Or maybe you need motivation and company to garden. Elizabeth can work alongside you.
Growing Native
Pond installation
Growing Native
We can assist with wildflower meadow creation, vegetable and fruit growing, and creating greater diversity on existing grassland or lawn with a perennial approach.
Pond installation
Pond installation
Pond installation
Water is the source of all life. We can install a bespoke pond and plant it up with native and wildlife friendly plants. Everyone says they wish they had been bolder and designed a bigger pond. Side-by-side can implement your vision.
Regenerative
Pond installation
Pond installation
We're preparing your garden for the changing seasons, using techniques to create a resilient space, so you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of your garden year-round. This is an organic, sustainable, recycling approach to maximise biodiversity and soil health.
Reconnect with yourself at Close To The Earth
Training
Close to the Earth was founded by Elizabeth Woodcock (MCIHort) while living off-grid in Portugal in 2011 with her daughter. Here, creating gardens and a community kindergarten, she envisaged working with individuals to reconnect them with their land, their gardens.
Returning to Cumbria in 2016, her birth place, she created Close To The Earth.
On individual projects she calls on collegues to bring their expertise.
Her training and experience includes:
- MCI (Hort)- Full member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture demonstrating a level of expertise, integrity and awareness
- Certificate in Social andTherapeutic Horticulture, Thrive.
- RHS Horticulture, Newton Rigg College
- MA (Cert ) in Environmental Values, UCLAN
- Master Composter, Garden Organic
- Regenerative Practises, Savory Institute
- Naturalistic Garden Design, Dan Pearson
- Forest Gardening, Agroforestry research Trust (Martin Crawford)
- Living and learning on permaculture projects in Europe
- 15 years gardening experience