The historical channelisation of rivers in northern Sweden harmed populations of brown trout. Today, with the support of Rewilding Europe’s European Wildlife Comeback Fund, rewilding efforts are helping this important species make a return, with benefits for nature and people.

Supported by a grant from Rewilding Europe’s European Wildlife Comeback Fund, four male European bison have been translocated from Poland to Dutch rewilding sites. By enhancing the genetic diversity of bison populations in the Netherlands, the animals will help to secure a healthy future for this iconic and ecologically important species across the continent.

Over 2,000 Mediterranean trout have just been released in a tributary of the Liri River in the Central Apennines. A leap forward in the restoration of this important native species, the release will also benefit a wide range of other wildlife and help to heal this living waterway.

With the support of the European Wildlife Comeback Fund, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds is reintroducing fallow deer in the Sakar Mountains. Restoring populations of this species will support the recovery of predators and scavengers and lead to a wilder, healthier landscape.

With support from Rewilding Europe’s European Wildlife Comeback Fund, four beautiful Bonelli’s eagles have just been released on Sardinia. Re-establishing a thriving population of these iconic birds on the Italian island will benefit nature and help turn the tide for this threatened species in Europe.

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.

A herd of eight European bison have just arrived at the Herdade do Vale Feitoso Estate in Portugal. Managed in cooperation with the Rewilding Portugal team, they will enhance carbon sequestration, boost biodiversity, and support the growth of nature-based tourism.

Rewilding Europe is supporting the release of bearded vultures by the French NGO Vautours en Baronnies, which is working to restore populations of all four European vulture species in the Dauphiné Alps in southeast France.

A herd of 10 red deer have just been released in the Velebit Mountains rewilding landscape in Croatia. As part of an ongoing restocking programme, the release will help to restore the population across the landscape to a more healthy level, with benefits for wild nature and local communities.

A second group of cinereous vultures has just been released in the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria. Reinforcing the population already present in the area, the birds will strengthen the local circle of life, help to restore wild nature, and deliver benefits to communities in and around the rewilding landscape.