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‘Hold your nerve and trust nature’: birds, bats and butterflies rebound at Somerset rewilding farm
Letting nature take over at a former dairy farm has resulted in a surge of species in just three years
TL;DR
- Rewilding a 190-hectare farm in east Somerset has led to a surge in wildlife populations.
- Bird species increased from 67 to 94, and butterfly species from 11 to 24 in three years.
- Small mammal numbers also grew, with five species found compared to three on a nearby organic farm.
- The rewilding process relies on natural processes rather than targeting specific species.
- The project involves stream restoration, leaving dead wood, and encouraging natural regeneration.
- Introduced animals include beavers, tamworth pigs, and plans for cattle and ponies.
- Over 250 volunteers and partnerships with underserved groups support the rewilding efforts.
- Visitors report experiencing a sense of natural abundance and returning childhood memories.
- Heal Rewilding aims to provide robust data to support rewilding's recognition in national nature recovery strategies.