Help things to grow wild in the forest (6)

I believe the answer is:

foster

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'help' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'to grow wild in the forest' is the wordplay.
'forest' anagrams to 'FOSTER'.
But, I am not clear how this is indicated.

'things' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for foster that I've seen before include "Promote, nurture" , "Promote, cherish" , "Promote growth and development of, say child" , "Look after" , "Nurture, bring up" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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