Behind The Brand: Wildlife Garden

What inspired you to start your business/brand?

I have always loved animals, plants, and artisanship. But Wildlife Garden started in an unexpected way. After an accident that required a long recovery, I found myself inspired to create birdhouses that were both decorative and functional. Together with my husband, Robert, who’s a devoted birdwatcher, we started developing and testing our ideas at home, with the birds in our garden as our first test pilots. In 2005, Multiholk Torpet reached the market.

What are your brand’s values?

At Wildlife Garden, our mission is simple: to spread joy in people's everyday lives through nature-inspired, handcrafted products. Achieving this mission rests on six pillars: trust, ingenuity, grit, authenticity, playfulness, and sustainability.

Trust is the foundation of everything we do. Trust in our team nurtures responsibility, while trust with customers builds lasting relationships. Partnering with suppliers that we trust ensures that our high standards are maintained and that we produce quality products with sound practices.

Ingenuity drives us forward. At Wildlife Garden, we foster creativity and problem-solving at all levels, continually seeking innovative ways to streamline processes and deliver even better products to our customers.

Grit keeps us going. We are relentless in pursuing our goals, persevering with passion, and trying again when challenges arise, always aiming for long-term success.

Authenticity is at the heart of who we are. We approach every decision and action with transparency and integrity, whether working with products, colleagues, customers, or suppliers.

Playfulness fuels our creativity and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. By embracing a playful approach, we foster a culture that is both innovative and enjoyable.

Sustainability shapes our choices for both the planet and the people on it. We prioritise natural materials, make considered economic decisions, and are committed to supporting the physical and mental well-being of everyone involved in our journey.

What is your biggest motivation?

Our biggest motivation is seeing the joy our products bring to people's lives. When we attend trade shows across Europe, the smiles and enthusiasm we witness as people interact with our nature-inspired designs remind us why we do what we do. These moments are a testament to our goal of spreading joy in people's everyday lives. This response fuels our passion for creativity and drives us to continue crafting new, inspiring items that connect people to nature.

Where did the inspiration for your product(s) come from?

The inspiration for our products came during my recovery from an accident. I spent hours strolling through my neighbourhood, admiring the beautiful gardens and noticing how many people had bird feeders or birdhouses. Yet, despite the care given to the gardens, most of these birdhouses and feeders felt out of place, often lacking charm and beauty. That's when the idea for the Multiholk was born—a birdhouse and feeder that would not only benefit the birds but also bring joy to those who see it, harmonising with the beauty of its surroundings. The Multiholk was a hit, and two years later, we introduced our much-loved DecoBirds, continuing our mission to create nature-inspired designs that enhance both our homes and our connection with the natural world.

What has been a highlight whilst creating and building your brand?

A true highlight in building Wildlife Garden has been the chance to do what I love every day—designing handcrafted products that bring joy to people's lives. Each new creation is a labour of love, rooted in our mission to inspire happiness and a connection with nature. Another incredible aspect has been working alongside talented colleagues who share this passion, as well as collaborating with skilled artisans and partners from around the world. Together, we exchange ideas, learn from each other, and continuously evolve our production. This collective dedication and diverse perspective have strengthened our brand and made the journey deeply fulfilling.

What advice would you give to business owners, creators, designers, and brand owners just starting out?

Stick to your vision and trust your instincts. Don't chase trends—do what feels right for you. Take pride in your work, stay authentic, and let your passion shine through. Building something meaningful takes time, but it's worth it.

At the Spring/Summer edition of Top Drawer, did you launch any new collections? 

Yes. Our familiar product groups are expanding this spring with several new additions: DecoBirds, keyrings, kitchen roll holders, hooks, and wooden sculptures. On top of that, we introduced a brand-new product group within our collection of small storage items - handcrafted cherrywood key cabinets.

What is your personal favorite from your new collection?

My personal favourite from our new collection is the cherrywood key cabinet. The cabinets are a beautiful blend of function and artistry, with either a chip-carved or hand-carved bird on the door, each painted by hand in water-based paint. Each piece captures our signature playful, nature-inspired design, while also expanding our range of small storage solutions.

What I love most is how we let the natural beauty of the cherrywood take centre stage. Most of the cabinet is left unpainted, showcasing the rich grain variations and the darker resin pockets that add depth and character. It's a design that brings out the unique qualities of the wood, making it not only functional but also a timeless piece of natural artisanship.

If applicable, how do you operate your brand sustainably?

Sustainability is a cornerstone of our design process, guiding our choices from materials to production. Our design guide includes several key principles, among them Sustainability, Quality, and Responsibility.

Sustainability: We conscientiously select materials that can be recycled and reused, using processes that help minimise our environmental impact. Each material is carefully assessed for energy efficiency, recyclability, and any harmful byproducts, ensuring it aligns with our commitment to thoughtful design.

Quality: Durability is central to our designs. We create products built to stand the test of time, offering spare parts to extend their lifespan, reduce waste, and provide lasting value.

Responsibility: We believe in taking full responsibility for each product. This includes ensuring traceability in materials and prioritising fair, safe working conditions for our producers, supported by a code of conduct. Every decision is made with care for both people and the environment, ensuring that our practices align with our commitment to integrity.

These principles are evident in every choice we make—from using non-toxic, water-based paints for interior products to striving for 100% plastic-free packaging with durable cardboard. By following this design guide, we create products that are beautiful, functional, and thoughtfully crafted for both people and the planet.

 

Any additional information you want us to know?

In 2025, we’re thrilled to celebrate our 20th anniversary! For two decades, we’ve had the joy of sharing nature-inspired designs that bring happiness into everyday life. Our customers have been at the heart of this journey, helping us grow and shape our brand, and we couldn’t be more grateful. We love that we've been able to continue this journey with you and build amazing connections with everyone at Top Drawer!