Rewilding Europe and WWF Romania are thrilled to announce the second release of European bison to take place in the Southern Carpathians rewilding area on 12 and 13 June 2015. The herd brought into the acclimatisation area last year will be released into the wild, becoming the first bison to roam freely in the Southern Carpathians for over 200 years. In addition, a new herd of 18 European bison, originating from six different wildlife centres in Europe will arrive in Romania to be brought into the acclimatization area.

On Tuesday 19th May, the release of a herd counting 23 Bosnian mountain horses marked the start of an exciting natural grazing pilot in 500 hectares of the spectacular Lika Plains in the Velebit rewilding area. Guests from Adessium Foundation, Rogier van der Weerd and Floris van Hest together with Frans Schepers, Managing Director of Rewilding Europe, jointly cut the Croatian coloured ribbon, symbolising the opening of the site and releasing the animals.

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.