Britain's Rewilding Vision: 5% Land to Boost Biodiversity
Rewilding, a concept gaining traction in Great Britain, aims to restore large-scale ecosystems by reducing human influence and allowing nature to reclaim balance. This involves stopping land production, reducing sheep numbers, and reintroducing native species like beavers. The goal is to create resilient, self-sustaining habitats that boost biodiversity and offer benefits such as flood mitigation and carbon sequestration.
Rewilding Britain envisions at least 5% of the country rewilded, with 25% returned to nature-friendly land and marine uses. Their 12-step program guides individuals wanting to rewild their land, encouraging them to gather information, mimic natural processes, and engage with the local community. Rewilding a garden can make it more wildlife-friendly, benefiting both the garden and the local ecosystem.
Beavers have been reintroduced as part of rewilding projects to help prevent flooding and restore wetlands. Reintroducing 'keystone' species, often predators like wolves or lynx, is another key aspect. However, rewilding is controversial due to concerns about wild animals impacting other people's land and the belief that land should be used for food production and housing.
Rewilding Britain's vision is to have at least 5% of the country rewilded, with 25% returned to broader mosaics of nature-friendly land and marine uses. By reducing human influence and allowing nature to reclaim balance, rewilding aims to create resilient natural systems that reverse the decline in biodiversity and offer benefits like flood mitigation and carbon sequestration. Despite controversies, rewilding projects continue to gain interest and support.
