European bison are roaming freely in UK woodland for the first time in over 10,000 years. It is one of the most important rewilding projects in the UK. But what really is rewilding?

Our sustainability expert Sarah Walkley takes a walk on the wild side.

What is rewilding?

However, wild or rugged a landscape looks, there are very few areas in the UK that are untouched by humans. Rewilding seeks to reverse that process and give nature a helping hand to the point where it can take care of itself.

Rewilding aims to restore natural conditions to the point where ‘keystone species’ can be reintroduced. These are missing species that are natural environmental engineers. They help to shape the landscape and create homes for other plants and animals.

Keystone species

The reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park has helped to control the number of deer. Fewer deer has allowed small trees to take hold alongside the park’s rivers, creating the material that beaver need to create their dams. In turn this helps to control the flow of water through the park and create watering holes for other animals.

Bison are another keystone species, creating clearings and routes through dense forest, opening up the forest floor to more light and letting native plants to thrive. Grazing and stripping bark from trees creates standing deadwood that can become home for bugs and insects, creating food for birds. Birds have also been found to collect bison fur to line their nests. Keeping their chicks warm has ensured many more birds make it through the first few months.

Increasing biodiversity

Rewilding helps to increase biodiversity. In the UK, over half of species are in decline. By allowing diverse habitats to re-establish themselves, nature can bounce back.

Properly functioning ecosystems absorb carbon, create clean air and purify our water. They are also good for us, creating natural landscapes for us to experience and enjoy with our little eco-heroes.

It is important that we look after nature, but successful rewilding will take us beyond protection to the point where nature looks after itself.

Sarah Walkley is a freelance writer and researcher on a mission to empower everyone to play their part in addressing climate change and nature loss.

She set up Purplefully to help organisations develop their sustainability strategy and communication.