Meet Charlie…
…the vision behind Wild Swimscapes
Wild Swimscapes is the creation of Charlie Burls, a designer, builder, and environmental specialist with a deep-rooted passion for nature, wildlife, and craftsmanship. With years of experience across environmental restoration, ecological design, and bespoke carpentry, Charlie brings a unique perspective to wild swim pool design—one that prioritises sustainability, biodiversity, and natural beauty.
The Wild Swimscapes ethos
At Wild Swimscapes, we believe that swimming should be a natural, immersive experience—one that connects people to water, land, and wildlife. Our designs focus on:
Using local & sustainable materials
Sourcing recycled and low-impact materials for construction.
Enhancing biodiversity
Encouraging wildlife with native plants, eco-friendly filtration, and wetland habitats.
Crafting unique, bespoke designs
Tailoring every project to the landscape and the client’s vision.
Sustainability at the core
Creating low-energy, chemical-free swimming environments that evolve with nature.
More Than Just a Swimming Pond…
Every project we take on is about more than just creating a place to swim—it’s about building an ecosystem that thrives for years to come. Whether designing a private swim retreat, a wildlife pond, or a community water space, Charlie and the Wild Swimscapes team bring expertise, passion, and environmental commitment to every project.
Every project we take on is about more than just creating a place to swim—it’s about building an ecosystem that thrives for years to come. Whether designing a private swim retreat, a wildlife pond, or a community water space, Charlie and the Wild Swimscapes team bring expertise, passion, and environmental commitment to every project.
Dartmoor peat bogs
A background in environmental restoration
Wild Swimscapes is the creation of Charlie Burls, a designer, builder, and environmental specialist with a deep-rooted passion for nature, wildlife, and craftsmanship. With years of experience across environmental restoration, ecological design, and bespoke carpentry, Charlie brings a unique perspective to wild swim pool design—one that prioritises sustainability, biodiversity, and natural beauty.
Community spaces
Bringing people closer to nature
Beyond his work in landscape and water restoration, Charlie also runs several Community Interest Companies (CICs) focused on creating community and nature spaces. His projects aim to bring people closer to nature, whether through community gardens, conservation projects, or accessible wild swimming environments.
A natural connection
A passion for water, boards & the wild outdoors
Charlie’s journey into wild swim pool design stems from a lifelong love of the outdoors and a background in bespoke timber construction. When he’s not designing natural swim ponds, you’ll find him surfing, skateboarding, or snowboarding—pursuits that reflect his deep connection to movement, water, and wild landscapes. His passion for these board sports ties into his philosophy of working with nature, not against it—whether it’s reading the waves, carving through snow, or shaping a swimming pond to flow naturally with the land.
