In 2024, the global rewilding movement reached a remarkable milestone. Nearly 1,000 projects around the world actively restored over 155,000 hectares of land and 506 square kilometers of seabed—an area even larger than the North York Moors National Park. This incredible momentum reflects a growing understanding of something simple yet profound: when we step back and give nature the space it needs, it knows how to heal itself.
Not long ago, rewilding was seen as a fringe idea—a dream for a few passionate conservationists. Today, it’s at the heart of how we fight biodiversity loss, climate change, and the degradation of our ecosystems. From European bison roaming free again in Romania to wetlands springing back to life in the UK, real-world examples show just how powerful it can be when we trust natural processes to take the lead.
Now is the time to give nature space—and let the wild return. It’s not only about protecting the planet; it’s about restoring resilience, beauty, and life itself.
What Is Rewilding?
Rewilding is about giving nature the space and freedom to heal itself. It’s a conservation approach that focuses on restoring ecosystems to their natural state, allowing wildlife and natural processes to thrive without human interference. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines rewilding as the process of rebuilding natural ecosystems by restoring natural processes and the food-web at all trophic levels as a self-sustaining and resilient ecosystem using species that would have been present if the disturbance had not occurred.
The concept of rewilding was first popularized in the 1990s by conservation biologists Michael Soulé and Reed Noss. They advocated for a continental-scale approach to biodiversity preservation, emphasizing the importance of large, connected landscapes where nature can operate with minimal human interference.
Rewilding focuses on creating core wilderness areas, establishing connectivity through wildlife corridors, reintroducing keystone species like wolves, beavers, or bison, and allowing nature to take the lead once initial conditions are set.
Origins and Evolution of the Concept
The roots of rewilding trace back to the 1960s with the development of island biogeography theory by Robert MacArthur and E.O. Wilson, which highlighted the importance of large, connected habitats for species survival. Building on this, Soulé and Noss introduced the idea of rewilding in the 1990s, proposing the “Three C’s”: cores, corridors, and carnivores, as essential components for ecological restoration.
Initially considered radical, rewilding has gained traction across Europe, North America, Africa, and parts of Asia and South America. In Europe, for instance, a study identified that one-quarter of the continent is suitable for rewilding projects, with Scotland, Scandinavia, and the Baltic states showing significant potential.
Rewilding is not without its challenges. Misunderstandings and misapplications of the concept can harm communities and biodiversity, potentially undermining their conservation potential. However, when applied thoughtfully, rewilding can restore ecosystems at a landscape scale, help mitigate climate change, and provide socio-economic opportunities for communities.
Today, rewilding represents a hopeful path forward in conservation, aiming to rebuild the natural processes that provide humanity with clean air, water, food, shelter, and medicine.
Why Is Rewilding Important?
1. Restoring Ecosystem Functions
Healthy ecosystems are like well-oiled machines, where everything works together to clean our air and water, enrich our soils, regulate pests, and store carbon. But when we remove key species or convert diverse landscapes into monocultures, these systems break down.
A powerful example of ecosystem restoration comes from Yellowstone National Park in the United States. In the 1990s, gray wolves were reintroduced after being absent for decades. Their return triggered a “trophic cascade“: Elk populations, previously unchecked, began to decline, allowing overgrazed vegetation like willows and aspens to recover. This, in turn, improved habitats for birds and beavers, which further enhanced the ecosystem by building dams that created wetlands. This chain reaction revitalized the park’s ecological balance.
Rewilding efforts in Europe have also shown success. In the Iberian Highlands of Spain, the reintroduction of Przewalski’s horses has helped manage overgrown vegetation, reducing wildfire risks and promoting biodiversity.
2. Combating Climate Change
Nature is one of our strongest allies in the fight against climate change. Forests, wetlands, and grasslands act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Rewilding enhances these natural processes by restoring degraded ecosystems.
For instance, the Steart Marshes in Somerset, UK, have been transformed into thriving wetlands that store significant amounts of carbon. Over four years, these restored marshes have sequestered more than 18,000 tonnes of carbon, demonstrating the potential of rewilding in climate mitigation.
Moreover, rewilding can help prevent climate-induced disasters. In the Iberian Highlands, the grazing patterns of reintroduced wild horses help maintain open landscapes, reducing the accumulation of flammable vegetation and thereby lowering the risk of wildfires.
3. Boosting Biodiversity
We’re living through a biodiversity crisis, with species disappearing at an alarming rate. Rewilding offers a lifeline by restoring habitats and reintroducing native species.
In Argentina’s El Impenetrable National Park, rewilding efforts have led to the successful reintroduction of jaguars, a keystone predator. Their presence helps regulate prey populations and maintain ecological balance, showcasing how rewilding can revive entire ecosystems.
Similarly, in the Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria, rewilding initiatives have focused on restoring populations of vultures by increasing the availability of wild herbivore carcasses. This not only supports scavenger species but also contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.
4. Enhancing Human Well-being
Rewilding isn’t just about nature—it’s about people too. Exposure to natural environments has been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress, and promote physical activity, according to a study.
The Sharpham Estate in South Devon, UK, is an example of this. Once a traditional farm, it has been transformed into a rewilded landscape that hosts mindfulness retreats and nature therapy sessions. Participants, including NHS staff, have reported reduced stress and a renewed sense of purpose, highlighting the profound impact of nature on human well-being.
Urban green spaces also play a crucial role. A 2021 study found that children living near woodlands in urban areas exhibited better cognitive development and mental health compared to those without such access.
Global Examples of Rewilding Projects
1. Knepp Estate, England
In West Sussex, the Knepp Estate was once a struggling 3,500-acre farm. Faced with poor soil and financial difficulties, owners Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree made a bold decision in 2000: they stopped intensive farming and let nature take the lead. They introduced free-roaming animals like English Longhorn cattle, Exmoor ponies, Tamworth pigs, and deer to mimic natural grazing patterns. Over time, this approach transformed the landscape into a thriving ecosystem
Today, Knepp is a safe and thriving place for wildlife. Endangered species such as nightingales, turtle doves, and purple emperor butterflies have returned in significant numbers. Remarkably, white storks bred there successfully for the first time in over 600 years. The estate has become a model for rewilding, demonstrating how letting nature take its course can lead to ecological and economic benefits.
2. Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria
The Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria are part of a significant rewilding effort led by Rewilding Europe. This project focuses on restoring natural food webs and habitats in the region. Key initiatives include reintroducing native herbivores like red and fallow deer, European bison, and wild horses. These animals help maintain open landscapes, which are crucial for the survival of species like the black and griffon vultures.
Efforts also involve insulating power lines to prevent bird electrocutions and deploying anti-poison dog units to protect wildlife from illegal poisoning. The project not only benefits biodiversity but also supports local communities through eco-tourism and sustainable development.
3. Oostvaardersplassen, Netherlands
Oostvaardersplassen is a unique rewilding experiment in the Netherlands. Created on reclaimed land, this reserve aimed to emulate a prehistoric ecosystem. Large herbivores like Heck cattle, Konik horses, and red deer were introduced to manage vegetation and maintain open landscapes.
While the project faced challenges, including controversies over animal welfare during harsh winters, it succeeded in creating a rich wetland habitat that supports diverse bird species. Oostvaardersplassen has sparked discussions on land management and the role of human intervention in nature conservation.
4. American Prairie, USA
In Montana, the American Prairie initiative is working to restore a vast expanse of the grassland ecosystem. This ambitious project aims to reconnect fragmented habitats and reintroduce native species like bison, prairie dogs, and, eventually, predators such as wolves and grizzly bears.
Since reintroducing bison in 2005, the population has grown, and the animals now roam freely across the prairie. The project emphasizes collaboration with local communities and Indigenous groups, ensuring that conservation efforts respect cultural values and support sustainable livelihoods
5. Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
After years of civil conflict decimated wildlife populations, concerted rewilding efforts have led to the return of elephants, lions, and other key species in Gorongosa National Park. The park’s revival has not only restored ecological functions but also provided economic opportunities for local communities, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of rewilding.
Challenges and Controversies
1. Land Use Conflicts
One of the most pressing challenges in rewilding is land use. Rewilding initiatives often overlap or compete with agriculture, forestry, and urban development—sectors that are vital to local economies. This can create friction, especially when landowners fear restrictions or the return of predators that may threaten livestock.
Take Zimbabwe’s Lowveld as a case in point. This biodiverse region hosts a mosaic of national parks, private conservancies, and farmland. Conservation initiatives here have sometimes clashed with local communities, who worry about losing access to ancestral lands or seeing their crops and cattle at risk. According to a report by Zimbabwe Situation, disputes over land rights and land use remain a source of tension between conservationists and rural farmers.
Dr. Nathalie Pettorelli, a senior scientist at the Zoological Society of London, stresses that rewilding must be inclusive. “Without meaningful community engagement,” she explains, “rewilding projects risk alienating the very people who live closest to the land.” For rewilding to succeed long term, it must support—not supplant—local livelihoods.
2. Ecological Uncertainty
Nature is complex, and reintroducing even a single species can set off a chain of unexpected consequences. Not all rewilding efforts go as planned, and some can unintentionally do more harm than good.
A notable example is India’s ambitious Project Cheetah. In an effort to reintroduce cheetahs, extinct in the country since 1952, eight individuals were translocated from Namibia to Kuno National Park. Despite meticulous planning, the project faced significant setbacks: nine out of twenty cheetahs, including three cubs, died due to various causes such as medical issues and insufficient expert management.
To make rewilding truly effective and responsible, it’s essential to carry out thorough ecological assessments, commit to long-term monitoring, and be ready to adapt. With the right strategies in place, we can better navigate the complexities of nature and ensure rewilding delivers real, lasting benefits.
3. Ethical Considerations
Rewilding initiatives prompt significant ethical considerations, particularly regarding human intervention in nature and the potential displacement or harm to existing wildlife populations. Thulin and Röcklinsberg (2020) address these concerns by proposing ten ethical guidelines for wildlife reintroductions and rewilding efforts. These guidelines emphasize thorough ecological assessments, animal welfare during translocation, and active engagement with local communities to ensure that rewilding projects are both ethically sound and ecologically effective.
For a more comprehensive exploration of the ethical dimensions of rewilding, the article “A Roadmap for Rewilding Ethics in the Anthropocene” offers a philosophical toolkit for identifying and mitigating ethical conflicts in rewilding practices. This resource looks into the moral challenges associated with returning wildlife to their natural habitats and provides reflections to minimize potential conflicts.
Additionally, the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics discusses the broader ethical implications of rewilding, emphasizing the importance of considering animal welfare and the moral responsibilities humans have when reintroducing species into the wild.
4. Human-Wildlife Conflicts
As wildlife returns to areas near human settlements, conflicts can arise. In Kenya’s Chyulu Hills, for example, rewilding efforts have led to increased encounters between humans and animals like elephants and lions, sometimes resulting in property damage or threats to human safety.
Actionable Ways to Support Rewilding
1. Support Rewilding Organizations
Backing groups like Rewilding Britain, Rewilding Europe, and The Wildlands Project is a powerful way to make a difference. These organizations work tirelessly to restore ecosystems, reintroduce native species, and advocate for policies that protect wild spaces. For example, Rewilding Europe has helped reintroduce European bison to Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, where they now roam free after centuries of absence.
2. Practice “Backyard Rewilding”
You don’t need acres of land to make an impact. Letting a corner of your garden grow wild, planting native flowers, or building a small pond can create vital habitats for pollinators, birds, and amphibians. Even a balcony can host a mini wildflower patch or insect hotel. According to experts, rewilding your garden is one of the most low-maintenance and rewarding ways to support biodiversity .
3. Advocate for Policy Change
Your voice matters. Writing to your local representatives or supporting campaigns that push for habitat restoration, species protection, and sustainable land use can lead to significant change. Rewilding Britain’s manifesto calls for 30% of land and sea to be rewilded by 2030—a goal that needs public backing to become reality.
4. Participate in Citizen Science
Getting involved in local conservation projects is a hands-on way to contribute. Whether it’s tracking wildlife populations, monitoring water quality, or restoring habitats, citizen science projects rely on volunteers to collect data that drives real conservation outcomes. These activities not only support research but also deepen your connection to the natural world.
Conclusion
Rewilding offers more than ecological restoration—it presents a new way to coexist with nature. As urbanization and climate change accelerate, it invites us to step back and trust in nature’s ability to heal. The benefits ripple out: healthier ecosystems, vibrant communities, and renewed hope.
To borrow the words of environmentalist George Monbiot: “Rewilding is not just about animals; it is about rewilding our own lives.”
Now is the time to give nature space—and let the wild return.
