Practical Rewilding: 

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

Join us for an immersive two-day course at 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 Tour 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 Hosted by Derek Gow’s team, this course takes place at Coombeshead Farm, a 400-acre rewilding site led by one of the UK’s foremost experts on beavers and species reintroduction. Derek’s efforts have been pivotal in the reintroduction of the beaver, water vole, white stork, and future wild cat populations in the UK.

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.

Schedule

• Day 1
  • 12:30 pm: Arrival, meet and greet (please bring a packed lunch)
  • 2:00 pm: Classroom and field session
  • 7:00 pm: Evening beaver-watching experience
• Day 2
  • 9:00 am: Classroom and field session
  • 11:30 am: Guided rewilding tour
  • 1:00 pm: Pasty lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available)
  • Departure

Extend Your Stay 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.

What to Bring

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

Lunch & Accommodation A hearty lunch will be provided on the second day after the tour to fuel you for your journey home. Overnight accommodation can be booked separately (see above).

Important Information Please inform us of any medical conditions or specific needs before the course.

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