The European rewilding movement has come a long way since Rewilding Europe was founded in 2011. A series of features will examine how the impact of rewilding has grown over the last decade, starting with a look at European bison.
Rewilding Weeks are immersive, five-day experiences which see participants accompany a field officer in the Central Apennines rewilding area in Italy. The aim is to reconnect professionals and businesses with nature, with a focus on rewilding and human-wildlife coexistence.
The UK-based A Hop of Hope initiative is working to reintroduce the large marsh grasshopper in restored wetlands, helping this colourful insect reassume its valuable role in nature. Membership of the European Rewilding Network will enhance rewilding efforts.
The Wilder Blean initiative is working to create a wilder woodland landscape by boosting natural grazing, including the introduction of the UK’s first European bison herd. European Rewilding Network membership will help the initiative realise its rewilding vision.
Engaging local people and businesses is critical to the success of rewilding efforts. In the Central Apennines rewilding area in Italy, two recent community events helped to spread the word about rewilding and connect residents with the wild nature on their doorstep.
Young people are the future of rewilding. The aim of the European Young Rewilders – which officially launches today – is to engage and empower young nature lovers in the creation of a wilder Europe.
Europe’s first all-male bison translocation has seen seven bulls arrive in the Southern Carpathians rewilding area in Romania. Their release into the wild will boost the genetic diversity of the population already roaming free here and ensure its beneficial impact continues to grow.
Rewilding Europe’s tenth anniversary celebrations have seen five Dutch rewilding sites simultaneously receive official European Rewilding Network certification. Paying testament to their efforts and expertise, this milestone occasion highlights the huge progress made in Dutch rewilding.
Both Rewilding Europe and the rewilding movement have come a long way since 2011. With Rewilding Europe’s tenth anniversary celebrations kicking off on June 29, now is the time to reflect on progress and look to the future.
A mosaic of forest, scrub, grassland and heath is being restored in the Netherlands to boost biodiversity. The reserve’s firm focus on natural grazing and natural processes is a valuable addition to the ongoing knowledge exchange between members of the European Rewilding Network.