Can we let mother nature take care of herself more often? with a little support, we think so, as these successful rewilding projects show!

Rewilding, the movement that supports the large-scale restoration of ecosystems so that they can regenerate independently, often receives negative press.

There’s a worry that the reintroduction of native species could harm existing species and habitats. Farmers and gamekeepers alike worry that it will affect their already hard-to-earn income and traditions. However, it doesn’t have to!

For rewilding to be successful, we need more consultation with stakeholders – and more examples of success!

So, here are seven rewilding projects that are already successfully restoring natural spaces back to their full vigour in Scotland and beyond:

Highlands rewilding

The Highlands Rewilding project is rewilding and re-peopling the Highlands in a way that increases carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and contributes to a green economy where profit has a purpose.

They manage three sites, including Bunloit Estate, a self-proclaimed ‘open-air laboratory’ where scientists, locals, and conservationists research sustainable land management practices.

Alladale lodge & wilderness reserve

Just an hour from Inverness, the Alladale Lodge & Wilderness Reserve is a 23,000 acre project that’s restoring Scotland’s ancient forests and peatlands, and reviving red squirrels and the Scottish wildcat.

Nestled amid colourful hills, abundant rivers, and several lochs, the reserve offers hiking, cycling, educational activities, swimming, and much more.

Scotland: the big picture

Working with the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture initiative supports land managers in committing more land and water to rewilding, the return of missing species to their original habitat, and the circulation of nature-based products to make rewilding economically viable.

Affric highlands

In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, an hour-and-a-half’s drive east of Loch Ness, you’ll find the Affric Highlands. This is a Trees for Life project in partnership with Rewilding Europe that plans to create a rewilding landscape with a long-term difference. 

This 30-year initiative aims to bring together rural communities, businesses, and landowners to restore woodland, peatland, and riverside habitats. The goal is that not only will biodiversity be restored but also more jobs and opportunities for local people.

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/Mlp7NirYxq4

Glenfeshie estate

Located at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, Glenfeshie Estate is home to over 5,000 species, 20% of which are considered ‘nationally rare’ or ‘scarce.’

Knepp estate

A couple of decades in, the 3,500-acre rewilding project known as Knepp Estate in West Sussex has restored several endangered species like nightingales and turtle doves to their natural habitat.

Organic produce from their onsite market garden and meat from the rewilding project is available at their Rewilding Kitchen, which helps further fund natural recovery.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JpilefdeBc

Rewilding britain

Connecting rewilders from across the UK, Rewilding Britain oversees over 150,000 hectares of land and over 500km2 of seabed in recovery. The initiative has brought together 935 members and funded over 35 projects that support rewilding.

Eoghan daltun

Over the last 14 years, Irish farmer and activist Eoghan Daltun has turned 30 acres of rugged hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Beara, Cork into a hotspot of biodiversity and inspiration for climate action.

Last year Daltun published a book, An Irish Atlantic Rainforest: a Personal Journey into the Magic of Rewilding.

Do you know any other rewilding projects in your local area? Let us know – we’d love to hear more!