A grant from the Open Rivers Programme has enabled the removal of a number of small dams in the catchment of the Vindel River, in the Nordic Taiga rewilding landscape. By enabling the free flow of water, this will help to revitalise waterscapes and the wildlife populations they support.
Five eagle owls have just been released in the Danube Delta rewilding landscape in Ukraine, as part of an ongoing reintroduction programme. The releases represent a significant step forward in the programme, which aims to re-establish a viable population of the birds in the landscape and enhance the overall health of the delta ecosystem.
Rewilding Europe’s Natural Grazing Facility works to scale up natural grazing by wild and semi-wild herbivores in European landscapes. The first translocation organised through the facility has seen a group of Exmoor ponies released in Denmark’s Saksfjed Vildmark rewilding initiative.
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.