Wales Advances Rewilding Efforts with Major Land Acquisition

Tir Natur, a Welsh charity established in 2022, has acquired over 405 hectares (1,000 acres) in Ceredigion to initiate Wales's largest rewilding project. The site, located in Cwm Doethie within the Cambrian mountains, was purchased for £2.2 million, with half of the funds raised through a community-driven fundraising campaign. A philanthropic bridging loan facilitated the acquisition, and ongoing fundraising efforts aim to support early restoration work and community engagement activities.

The Guardian

The project seeks to restore the natural landscape of Cwm Doethie, which includes rivers, peat bogs, and ancient woodlands. It is designed to act as a carbon sink and mitigate flooding risks downstream. Tir Natur plans to reintroduce various species, including red squirrels, pine martens, and curlews, while employing traditional livestock grazing methods to promote ecological regeneration.

The Guardian

Tash Reilly, chair of Tir Natur, emphasized the charity's commitment to engaging with local farmers and communities as the project progresses. She acknowledged the differing opinions on rewilding and highlighted the urgency of addressing biodiversity decline in Wales, as indicated by recent reports from Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh government. Reilly stated, “We will improve this site’s ecological health while ensuring it is a working rural landscape.”

The Guardian

However, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has expressed concerns regarding the project's scale and transparency. Ian Rickman, FUW president, noted the need for clarity on how such a large area will be managed and funded, indicating a desire to collaborate with Tir Natur to ensure local voices are heard.

The Guardian

The Cwm Doethie project is part of a larger trend in the UK, where rewilding initiatives are gaining momentum. Notable projects include Cairngorms Connect, covering 60,703 hectares, and Rewilding Affric Highlands at 8,094 hectares. In contrast, Wales ranks 229th out of 240 nations in the Natural History Museum’s Biodiversity Intactness Index, underscoring the critical need for such initiatives.

The Guardian

In addition to Tir Natur's efforts, the Wilder Pentwyn Project, led by the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, recently concluded a two-year initiative focused on community involvement in nature restoration. This project restored 46.4 acres of grassland and created new habitats, demonstrating the potential for coexistence between nature and local agriculture.

North Wales Chronicle

Tir Natur's leadership has reiterated their commitment to a long-term vision for the rewilding project, emphasizing collaboration with local stakeholders. Reilly stated, “This site will demonstrate what’s possible when we allow nature to take the lead and work for people again.”

The Guardian

While Tir Natur aims to engage local communities, concerns from the FUW highlight potential conflicts regarding land management and funding transparency. The differing perspectives on rewilding's impact on local agriculture remain a critical area for ongoing dialogue.

The Guardian

• “I am hugely excited by their efforts to purchase land and showcase the benefits of rewilding, not only to wildlife and the physical environment, but to farming, Welsh communities and culture. Nature needs this.” — Iolo Williams, Naturalist and Broadcaster

The Guardian

• “Wilder Pentwyn was never just about restoring habitats, it was about bringing people together.” — Silvia Sivers, Head of Conservation, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust

North Wales Chronicle

• “Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re pleased to support Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s work at Pentwyn.” — Andrew White, Director for Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund

North Wales Chronicle