About the reserve

In just three years since acquiring Wild Woodbury and the start of this pioneering community rewilding project, over 1,900 species have been recorded—an increase of 600 since the first year. Harvest mice and field voles are thriving, while the newly created wetlands have provided water shrews opportunities to hunt caddisfly and mayfly larvae. This abundance has attracted predators, including four of the UK’s six native reptiles: slow worm, common lizard, adder, and grass snake. Birds of prey are also flourishing, with buzzards, kestrels, red kites, sparrow-hawks, hobbies, short-eared owls, and whitetailed eagles all spotted at the site.

Work to remove internal fences and replacing boundary fences has made it possible for a neighbouring farmer to help graze the site with a small herd of Hereford cattle, ponies and pigs. By allowing natural processes to take the lead and undertaking Stage-0 river restoration, the landscape has been transformed and wildlife is thriving. Wild Woodbury is the perfect place for nature walks and offers abundant wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Find out more about the Wild Woodbury rewilding project