WHY REWILD?
Rewilding is the fastest, cheapest and most effective tool at our disposal to reverse the unprecedented loss of nature that is currently being experienced around the world. It is particularly relevant in Ireland which is among the most nature depleted countries on Earth and where healthy natural ecosystems are virtually non-existent.
What is rewilding?
Rewilding is globally recognised by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services as an effective means for bringing back nature. It is not the only means and is not meant to replace more established methods of nature conservation or ecological restoration. Rewilding is led by nature itself, it recognises that nature is dynamic and needs space and time to evolve and aims to ensure that all the plants and animals that are needed for a healthy natural ecosystem to function are present.
Rewild! follows the principles that have been developed by Rewilding Europe.
Why do we need natural ecosystems?
The stable climate and incredibly rich diversity of life that has existed until recently is the product of natural ecosystems. The burning of fossil fuels along with the destruction of ecosystems, including forests, peatlands, rivers and oceans is placing human civilisation and much of the natural world at risk of extinction.
Sustainable forms of farming, fishing and forestry are desperately needed to provide food and materials for human societies while many of these activities are also important in their own right as parts of our culture and traditions. Bringing nature into our cities and towns, planting trees and not mowing the grass in our gardens can be greatly beneficial to wildlife and people.
However, these actions will not be enough to reverse the loss of biodiversity and breakdown in our climate that is underway. We need healthy natural ecosystems alongside these other, nature-friendly forms of land use, and this is where rewilding becomes essential.
Is rewilding for me?
If you own or are in a position to manage land over the long-term then rewilding could be an option for you. If you are eligible for our programme we will survey your land and talk to you about the options which are available. Together we will develop a plan that is tailored to you and your land. You will remain in the driving seat! Rewilding is a long-term endeavour; when you pledge your land for rewilding there is no ‘end point’. However, this is not a legal arrangement and you will always be free to change your mind.
Is rewilding just doing nothing on my land?
Not necessarily! There are cases where very little, or nothing at all, needs to be done to allow for nature to recover. However, it is more likely that nature will need a helping hand to allow for natural processes to get going. This may include the eradication of invasive species, the blocking of drains, planting trees where there are no nearby trees that might provide a source of seeds, or removal of barriers along rivers.
