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. Charlie grew up in South Devon where the coast and the rivers shaped the rhythm of his early life. He spent his childhood swimming in cold water exploring coves climbing trees and finding a quiet sense of belonging outdoors. That early connection with wild water stayed with him and it showed him how deeply people benefit from swimming in clean natural places. It also taught him how fragile these spaces can be and how quickly they disappear when they are not cared for.
The Wild Swimscapes ethos
At Wild Swimscapes we believe swimming should be a natural immersive experience that connects people with water land and wildlife. Every project is guided by principles that support nature and create lasting joy.
Using local & sustainable materials
We prioritise recycled, reclaimed and low-impact materials that work in harmony with the landscape. Every choice is made to reduce environmental impact and support longevity..
Enhancing biodiversity
Native planting, gentle biological filtration and wetland habitats help attract and sustain wildlife. Each pond becomes a living ecosystem that benefits the garden and the wider environment.
Crafting unique, bespoke designs
Every pond is designed to fit the land and the client’s vision. Shapes, planting and features are tailored so the space feels as if it has always been part of the garden.
Sustainability at the core
The pools are chemical-free, low-energy and self-sustaining. They evolve naturally over time and require minimal intervention while providing a healthy and restorative swimming experience.
A Different Approach
Many companies create pools that are designed to look natural but rely on heavy engineering and complex machinery. We take a different approach. We design ponds that grow from the land rather than rest on top of it. Every plant has a purpose and every contour supports the flow of water. The result is a swimming space that belongs to the landscape and feels as if it has always been part of it.
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.
A background rooted in restoration
For more than ten years
Charlie has managed and restored land at Pondfield and within the Living Projects community. His work included peatland repair wetland creation and hands on habitat restoration for species that have been pushed to the edge. He taught volunteers and community groups how to work with land in a way that encourages recovery and witnessed how quickly damaged environments can return to life when given the chance.
Through this work he came across a fact that stayed with him. The United Kingdom has lost almost all of its small natural ponds with about ninety percent removed over the last century. This loss has mirrored a sharp decline in wildlife. Restoring ponds means restoring life. That understanding became one of the foundations of Wild Swimscapes.
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
Natural swimming ponds bring together two things Charlie has always cared about, restoring lost habitats and creating a way for people to experience the clarity and calm of wild swimming at home. The water is alive, shaped by plants and natural systems that work together to stay balanced, much like a river or a clear tidal pool. With a background in bespoke timber construction and a lifelong connection to the outdoors, Charlie approaches each project with a practical understanding of how to work with the land rather than against it. When he’s not building ponds, he’s usually in the water or out in the elements, surfing, skateboarding or snowboarding, pursuits that reflect the same instinct to move with nature, read the landscape and stay connected to it.
Time to take the plunge…
If you dream of a pond that feels wild, alive and truly natural, we would love to hear your story. Share your ideas, tell us about your land and your hopes for the space. Together we can create a pool that is not only a beautiful place to swim but also a living, evolving part of the landscape.
P: 07518 459128
