‘Rewilding’, ‘wilding’, ‘re-naturing’, and ‘ecological restoration’ are all terms used for a journey that has the same goal, creating and restoring species abundance. This is at the very heart of our Species Survival Fund project. We’ve been granted funding from Defra delivered through the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore and create species rich habitats.

Theres a common perception that rewilding means leaving land to heal by itself, while this can be true and can yield good results, most rewilding projects have some level of human intervention to kick start and nurture the natural processes. Our historic restructuring of the land by mechanical interventions such as filling ponds, creating ditches, flattening for land use has scarred the land and it often needs a nudge to get it back on track to support a thriving ecosystem.

Nature has done an amazing job over millions of years of refining its natural processes. For example, plants developing various ways to disperse their seeds. Elder trees produce berries containing seeds that can withstand being ingested so they can be deposited elsewhere by birds. Willowherbs produce lightweight seeds that a whisper of wind can carry to bare soil made by a rootling pig. Species have always relied on each other to survive.

Rewilding seeks to restore the natural processes of an ecosystem. This typically involves reducing human activity and the reintroduction of keystone species. For many of our newly acquired sites that have low biodiversity, we plan to implement grazing using various livestock such as cattle, pigs and ponies. Each of these species has a unique way in which they disturb the land, creating bare soil for seed germination and keeping plants that could easily take over an area under control.

Another effective way to support nature's recovery is by restoring and creating wetlands and ponds. This process starts by carrying out hydrological surveys to gain insight into how water historically moved through the landscape. These surveys uncover the natural routes that water followed prior to human alterations, such as rivers that flowed freely rather than being restricted to a single channel, or wetlands that were not drained into ditches for agricultural purposes. By identifying these former water passages, we can work to reestablish them, allowing water to flow more naturally across the landscape. This restoration not only helps recreate lost habitats but also improves water management and supports biodiversity. Encouraging the revival of these former waterways and wetlands is a crucial step in giving nature the opportunity to thrive and lead the way in ecosystem recovery. Pond creation at our newly acquired land at Kingcombe Meadows nature reserve will see a vital habitat being made. When we think of ponds, we often overlook the transient species that don’t reside there but rely on these habitats for essential activities such as hunting, drinking, and bathing.

The Species Survival Fund project takes a proactive approach to ecological restoration, blending strategic interventions with natural processes. By reintroducing grazing animals and creating wetlands the initiative aims to restore diverse ecosystems. This project highlights how human-guided restoration can harmonize with nature’s resilience to foster thriving, self-sustaining landscapes rich in species abundance.

This project is funded by the Government's Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.