In the heart of Portugal’s Greater Côa Valley, Paul de Toirões was once a heavily scarred mine. Today, through a blend of natural regeneration and targeted interventions, the rewilding site’s lakes, ponds, and surrounding areas are evolving into a wildlife-rich oasis.
A new film by award-winning French videographer Emmanuel Rondeau will premiere online on World Rewilding Day 2026. “The Danube Delta and the Healing Power of Nature” tells the story of how rewilding is helping one of Europe’s most remarkable landscapes recover, while offering hope and renewal to Ukrainian people living through the impacts of war.
Rewilding Europe’s European Rewilding Network unites a growing number of initiatives who share a vision for a wilder continent. With two new members from Türkiye and Greece joining the community, the network continues to expand — strengthening collaboration and amplifying its positive impact for nature and people.
A 40,000-euro loan from Rewilding Europe Capital will support the expansion of nature-based tourism company Ambieduca in Portugal’s Greater Côa Valley. By enabling the renovation of new visitor accommodation, the investment will contribute to the region’s flourishing nature-based economy.
Located in the Scottish Highlands, Ballintean Mountain Lodge has given nature the space and freedom to recover for three decades, demonstrating the transformative power of rewilding. Complemented by a strong commitment to communication and knowledge exchange, the lodge now brings inspiration, insight, and long-standing expertise to the network.
In the Ukrainian part of the Danube Delta, rewilding efforts have reconnected the life-giving waters of the River Danube with Lake Kartal. The lake’s rapid comeback — and the growing benefits this is delivering to nature and local communities — shows how powerful wetland restoration can be.
Across Europe, community leaders such as mayors play a vital role supporting nature recovery by helping people and wildlife share space. Launched at a well-attended webinar, new guidance will equip these leaders with the knowledge and solutions to enhance coexistence and unlock the benefits of wildlife comeback.
Based in the Normandy region of France, the PRELE initiative is breathing new life into forests, wetlands, and farmland by letting nature lead its own recovery. Its pioneering role in advancing French rewilding makes it a highly valued new member of the network.
In a historic step for rewilding in Spain, nine European bison have been released for the first time in the Iberian Highlands. As part of an international study, they will help unlock vital insights into how bison can restore ecosystems across Europe, while also bringing renewed hope and opportunity to the local community of El Recuenco.
To grow the European rewilding movement we must first reignite the bond between people and nature. From award-winning films and a powerful hip-hop track to bold collaborations with influential voices, Rewilding Europe’s landscape teams are forging emotional connections in innovative ways.
