A keystone species in freshwater ecosystems, the white-clawed crayfish is in decline across much of Europe. The opening of a second crayfish breeding centre in Italy’s Central Apennines will enhance reintroduction efforts by the local rewilding team and contribute to the wider restoration of rivers in the landscape.
The Rewilding Europe Award celebrates some of the best rewilding-related imagery from across Europe. This year’s award-winning photo, shot by Swedish photographer Staffan Widstrand, emphasises the importance of restoring natural processes and predator-prey dynamics.
As Rewilding Europe’s enterprise loan facility, Rewilding Europe Capital has supported the growth of European nature-based businesses since 2014. A new strategy and set of targets will see this support scaled up through till 2030, amplifying the benefits for people and nature.
The Rewilding Ukraine team are engaged in long-term efforts to create a wilder and healthier Tarutino Steppe. The ongoing reintroduction of European hamsters will help to restore local food webs, enhance biodiversity, and boost nature-based tourism.
Rewilding Europe has just moved to a new head office on the outskirts of Nijmegen, which has fittingly been named “Wild Quarters”. Surrounded by nature, this new and inspiring space is the start of a new chapter for Rewilding Europe, positioning us well to accelerate the scaling up of rewilding across Europe.
Two groups of steppe marmots have just been released on Ukraine’s Tarutino Steppe, which is part of the extended Danube Delta rewilding landscape. Boosting the thriving population of marmots already here, the 18 animals will help to create a healthier, more functional steppe environment.
An ongoing study in the Affric Highlands rewilding landscape in Scotland has found that rewilding is having a positive impact on black grouse numbers. Collaborative efforts between local volunteers, estates, and other organisations offers hope that this iconic bird can bounce back after years of decline.
Supported by Rewilding Europe, nature-based tourism company Wildlife Adventures has grown spectacularly over the last nine years, with burgeoning benefits for nature and communities in Italy’s Central Apennines. Such support can help similar European businesses follow in the company’s footsteps.
This July, educational camps were organised in the Danube Delta and Southern Carpathians rewilding landscapes in Romania. A wide range of engaging activities, complemented by memorable wildlife encounters, immersed the children in nature and gave them an appreciation for rewilding and its benefits.
Encouraging and enabling people to live alongside bears and other wildlife in the Central Apennines of Italy is critical to the recovery of local nature. By fostering dialogue and collaborative solutions, bear-smart community committees will help to promote such coexistences across the landscape.