Words by Smiley Team
Rewilding is the way forward – so we're pretty chuffed that more councils are doing so.
For those who don't know, rewilding is the process of protecting an environment and returning it to its natural state, for example by bringing back wild animals that used to live there. This can include leaving your grass and weeds to grow out or reintroducing keystone species.
The aim is to allow wilderness to take back over. Studies have found that rewilding aids in climate action, both by aiding the growth of plants which absorb carbon and by encouraging wildlife to perform their natural behaviours.
Now, a joint investigation between The Guardian and Inkcap Journal shows 43 county councils across Great Britain are, or soon will be, moving forward with rewilding projects.
[Sign up here to receive a weekly dose of positive news in your inbox]
“There’s no doubt that local authorities can, directly and indirectly, contribute significantly to rewilding, particularly around urban fringes where people can walk out into truly wild or wilding countryside,” Alastair Driver, head of the NGO Rewilding Britain, told The Guardian.
It was Alastair’s belief that the involvement of the county councils across the nation could make a significant dent in their goal to rewild 5% of Great Britain.
The rewilding projects undertaken by councils range from re-naturalising river channels (Enfield County Council) to rewilding golf courses (Brighton County Council). But to get involved you don’t need to take it that far – rewilding can begin at home, in your own back garden.
VOLUNTEER: Join Rewilding Britain’s ‘rewilding network’ and get involved with rewilding projects across Great Britain.
GET INVOLVED: Follow Rewilding Britain’s ‘12 steps to rewilding’ guide and rewild the spaces around you.
SUPPORT: If grass stains aren’t your cup of tea, donate to Rewilding Britain to help them restore nature - from the comfort of your sofa.
