Around the UK, many counties are experiencing a huge decline in biodiversity. Some of this decline may soon be irreversible, with the 2019 State of Nature Report confirming that 15% of species in Great Britain are sadly facing extinction. A further 56% of species are in decline. This lack of biodiversity not only threatens the existence of our natural species, it’s also damaging to the environment and can impact human health.
Rewilding is one of the best tools we have to stem the tide of declining biodiversity by safeguarding more natural habitats and restoring depleted ecosystems. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it work in practice?
What is Rewilding Exactly?
At its heart, rewilding is about giving nature the space and conditions to recover on its own. Rewilding Britain defines it as “the large-scale restoration of ecosystems to the point where nature is allowed to take care of itself.” And it’s this emphasis, letting nature take the lead, that sets rewilding apart from traditional conservation.
In practical terms, rewilding can take many forms. It might mean reintroducing a native species that has disappeared from a region. It might mean restoring natural wetlands that had previously been drained, removing dams to allow rivers to flow freely again, or expanding and connecting woodland areas so wildlife can move and thrive. Even something as simple as leaving grass verges uncut can be part of a broader rewilding effort, as we’re seeing right here in Surrey.
How does Rewilding Work?
Rewilding isn’t about turning back time or creating a museum version of nature. It’s about building a future where ecosystems are resilient, self-sustaining, and rich in life. Here are some of the main approaches:
- Species Reintroduction: In some cases, rewilding includes bringing back animals that were once native to the area, such as beavers or wildcats. These keystone species play vital roles in shaping and balancing ecosystems.
- Habitat Restoration: This involves repairing damaged habitats like bogs, heathlands, meadows, and rivers. When habitats are allowed to regenerate naturally, they quickly become home to a wide range of plants, insects, birds, and mammals.
- Removing Barriers: Structures like dams, weirs, or roads often disrupt wildlife movement. Rewilding projects may include removing these barriers or adding features like wildlife bridges to reconnect fragmented landscapes.
Each action supports a wider web of life, helping to bring balance back to nature.
What are the Benefits of Rewilding?
Rewilding is known to be hugely beneficial to the natural environment. One of its primary strengths lies in its ability to restore ecosystems previously damaged by human activity. Because rewilding encourages nature to take the lead, recovery tends to be organic and long-lasting.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Rewilding also plays a growing role in the fight against climate change. According to Rewilding Britain, restoring six million hectares of natural landscapes, such as healthy bogs, grasslands, and woodlands, could remove an estimated 47 million tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere. That’s a huge contribution to reducing greenhouse gas levels.
There are practical benefits for people, too. A healthy natural landscape improves soil quality, which enhances our food systems. Natural flood defences are stronger where wetlands and woodland are intact. And there’s a growing body of evidence showing that access to wild, green spaces has measurable benefits for mental health and wellbeing.
In short, rewilding doesn’t just help nature, it helps us live better, more balanced lives alongside it.
Rewilding in Surrey
Here in Surrey, we’re already seeing steps being taken to support local biodiversity. One encouraging initiative comes from Surrey County Council, which has pledged to increase biodiversity along the region’s grass verges, those often overlooked patches of land running alongside our roads. With around 3,000 miles of road verges in the county, this is no small gesture.
By simply reducing how often these verges are cut back, we give native plants the chance to flower and set seed, which in turn provides food and habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies. It’s a small shift, but one that shows how even modest changes can yield outsized ecological benefits.
Other efforts across Surrey include wildlife corridor planning, hedgerow restoration, and community-supported wildflower meadows. Organisations like Surrey Wildlife Trust are leading the way, with projects designed to restore nature-rich habitats and engage local communities in hands-on conservation.
What Can You Do?
Rewilding isn’t only about vast landscapes or national-scale projects, there’s a role for each of us in helping nature bounce back.
- In your garden: Let a patch of your lawn grow wild, plant native wildflowers, or build a small pond to support frogs, insects and birds.
- In your community: Join local groups that are protecting green spaces, restoring rivers or planting hedgerows.
- As a landowner or farmer: Explore how even small changes in land use, such as creating buffer strips or rewetting fields, can support biodiversity.
- As a citizen: Support policies and campaigns that prioritise nature-based solutions.
Every action counts. The more we work with nature, the more resilient and vibrant our future will be.
A Final Thought
Rewilding isn’t about stepping back in time, it’s about stepping forward with nature as an ally. When we allow ecosystems to recover and reconnect, we don’t just save species. We create a world that’s more balanced, more beautiful, and better for everyone who lives in it.
