Five centuries after they were last recorded around Loch Ness, beavers are returning to Scotland’s most famous lake. Supported by a grant from Rewilding Europe’s European Wildlife Comeback Fund, their reintroduction will help restore freshwater habitats, boost biodiversity, and create healthier, more resilient landscapes for people and nature.
From wildlife comeback and coexistence to marine restoration and nature-based tourism, rewilders across Europe face many of the same challenges and opportunities. The first European Rewilding Network Community Days saw practitioners from across the network come together to share expertise and strengthen efforts to bring back nature.
Healthy peatlands are among our most important natural allies in tackling climate change, safeguarding water resources and supporting biodiversity. Yet many have been degraded. At Isosuo in southern Finland, rewilding is bringing a drained peatland back to life, demonstrating why large-scale recovery of these vital ecosystems is increasingly essential.
Two inspiring rewilding initiatives based in Poland and Slovakia have joined Rewilding Europe’s European Rewilding Network. Their addition will strengthen the network in Central Europe and create new opportunities to amplify nature recovery through collaboration, shared learning, and practical action.
Rewilding Europe’s European Rewilding Network unites a growing number of initiatives who share a vision for a wilder continent. With two new members from Türkiye and Greece joining the community, the network continues to expand — strengthening collaboration and amplifying its positive impact for nature and people.
Located in the Scottish Highlands, Ballintean Mountain Lodge has given nature the space and freedom to recover for three decades, demonstrating the transformative power of rewilding. Complemented by a strong commitment to communication and knowledge exchange, the lodge now brings inspiration, insight, and long-standing expertise to the network.
The partners of the Rewilding Dogger Bank coalition are working to protect and restore Dogger Bank as the ecological beating heart of the North Sea. Their efforts to raise the profile of marine rewilding in Europe make the initiative a highly valued new member of the European Rewilding Network.
The South Cumbria Pine Marten Recovery Project is bringing back one of Britain’s most elusive mammals to northwest England. Joining the European Rewilding Network will enable the team to tap into a community of over 100 rewilding initiatives, with the exchange of experience and expertise helping to advance the comeback of this important species.
Over the last three years, grants from Rewilding Europe’s European Wildlife Comeback Fund have supported the release of over 35 wildcats in the Highlands of Scotland. With animals from this restored population already breeding, the future of the iconic Scottish wildcat looks more optimistic.
The CERM Endangered Raptors Centre Association is playing a key role in the comeback of Egyptian vultures in southern Italy. With a pioneering track record in supporting the recovery of this important species, the centre brings valuable experience and ambition to a growing network of rewilding practitioners across Europe.
