Explore the World of Rewilding: History, Science, and Success Stories

Join us for an immersive two-day course at Derek Gow’s Rewilding Coombeshead in Devon to gain in-depth insights into rewilding, from its origins and challenges to the science behind its growing success in conservation. This short course is ideal for anyone eager to understand the principles of rewilding and how it’s transforming landscapes and ecosystems across the UK and beyond.

Course Highlights

• Evening Beaver-Watching Experience.
• Guided Rewilding Tours of Coombeshead and the Keep it Wild Species Recovery Centre.
• Opportunity to observe key rewilding species like beavers, wild pigs, ponies, and water buffalo.
• Hands-on look at the innovative rewilding techniques used to restore biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Set in the heart of rewilding innovation, this course takes place at Rewilding Coombeshead, a 400-acre rewilding site led by one of the UK’s foremost experts on beavers and species reintroduction – Derek Gow. Derek’s efforts have been pivotal in the reintroduction of the beaver, water vole, white stork, and future wild cat populations in the UK.

Photos from Our Recent Courses at Rewilding Coombeshead

Course Location

Rewilding Coombsehead, Upcott Grange, Broadwoodwidger, Lifton, Devon, PL16 0JS.

Course Overview

Rewilding aims to create resilient, self-sustaining landscapes with minimal human intervention, rebuilding ecosystems through the reintroduction of key species. This process has demonstrated numerous benefits, including carbon capture, biodiversity recovery, climate resilience, and enhanced well-being. In this course, we’ll explore:

• What rewilding is and its historical roots
• The rewilding movement across America and Europe
• UK projects and their outcomes in biodiversity and ecosystem restoration
• The future of rewilding and complementary solutions like regenerative farming
• Ways to participate in and support rewilding efforts

Who Should Attend? This course is ideal for conservationists, ecologists (especially those involved in Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat offsetting), landowners, environmentalists, and anyone interested in nature recovery.

Course Programme

This course is primarily field-based and involves walking over uneven terrain. Participants should be prepared to walk distances of up to 8 miles in a day. Sturdy, supportive walking footwear is essential, and a reasonable level of fitness is recommended to ensure you can participate safely and comfortably.

Day 1

• 10:30 am: Arrival and introductions
• 10:45 am: Short talk on rewilding – background, key principles
• 12:00 pm: Tour of the rewilding site at Coombeshead (west side), including the beaver wetland and wild beaver territory. Take packed lunch. 
• 3:30 pm: Return to classroom. Rewilding discussion 
• 5:00 – 6:00 pm: Evening meal – bring something to eat. We have a microwave and kettle
• 7:00 pm: Evening beaver-watching experience (time depends on time of year) 

Day 2

• 9:30 am: Meet at the classroom
• 9:45 am: Tour of the Species Recovery Centre
• 11:30 am: Tour of the rewilding site at Coombeshead (east side) – bring a packed lunch
• 2.30 pm: Back to the classroom for final discussion and case studies
• 4:00 pm: Depart

What to Bring

• Snacks and water bottle
• Notebook
• Wellies
• Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear for a variety of farm conditions.
• Camera

A complete kit list will be provided after you book the course.

Extend Your Stay

Accommodation is not included and must be booked separately.

Enjoy the full experience by booking an overnight stay in the charming Shepherd huts or campsite at Coombeshead, which overlooks the rewilding landscape. Extend your stay to soak up the peaceful surroundings and explore the local area. Contact: [email protected] directly to arrange your accommodation. We will provide a list of local accommodation providers and directions to the venue after you book.

Prepare to be inspired and become a part of the movement to restore nature through rewilding!

Did you know we also have other rewilding course options? 

1. Rewilding – online course – CLICK HERE for details
2. Species Reintroductions and Recovery – online course – CLICK HERE for details
3. Certificate in Practical Rewilding and Species Recovery – CLICK HERE to find out more

The Certificate in Practical Rewilding and Species Recovery includes:

Online Courses (self-paced – study at home at your own pace): Explore essential topics like rewilding, habitat and countryside management, and species reintroduction strategies. Core online courses include: 

• Introduction to Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Rewilding
• Habitat management
• Habitat Restoration
• Countryside Management
• Species Reintroductions and Recovery 

Also:

• Two optional online courses
• A three-day field course at Derek Gow’s Coombeshead Rewilding 
• One assignment: write a management plan for a rewilding site
• An Intro Webinar and two optional webinars: Funding Rewilding Projects and How to Write a Management Plan
  

£1900 including VAT. Instalment options available.