In its third Annual Review, Rewilding Europe reports back on its achievements in 2014. Building a sound base during the first three years of the initiative to create lasting results in the longer term, started to pay off in various ways. Significant milestones and tangible results were achieved within the three main pillars of Rewilding Europe: rewilding, enterprise and communication.

At its meeting on 16 April, the European Habitat Forum welcomed Rewilding Europe as new member. The European Habitats Forum assembles leading European nature conservation organisations to provide advice on the implementation and future development of EU biodiversity policy, including improving integration into sectoral policies.

Three fantastic wildlife trips in the June 2015 draw of the Rewilding Europe Travel Club are awaiting their lucky winners to bring them to Bulgaria, Poland or Sweden.

We have experienced that there is a lot of interest with students in topics that Rewilding Europe is addressing within its initiative.

The four European bison that were released into the wild in the Eastern Carpathians rewilding area in December 2014 are now free roaming in Poland and Slovakia. Tracking of these animals, carried out by the Carpathian Wildlife Research Station and our local team, again proves the importance of the transboundary movements for wildlife in the Bieszczady Mountains.

Rewilding Europe is looking for a new, passionate, dedicated and experienced colleague to fulfill the position of Regional Manager (maximum 1.0 fte).

Rewilding Europe is excited to announce that six enthusiasts have recently joined our rewilding team on a voluntary basis. After our announcement in February when we offered for two volunteer positions we were happily surprised by the response we received.

Eleven organisations from across Europe reconfirmed their ambition to make Europe a wilder place by signing the new edition of the “Vision for a Wilder Europe” in March 2015, which is just published.

During the fifth event of the European Rewilding Network, that took place March 27, attendants from several rewilding sites exchanged experiences on natural grazing. In specific, aspects were discussed on how to start and manage herds of cattle and horses in a more natural context meaning the animals are managed with less human intervention, in natural densities, and towards becoming self-sufficient.

Today, Rewilding Europe’s Facebook page reached 15,000 likes! We are pleased to see such interest in our efforts to make Europe a wilder place.