Local Rewilding Networks
People-powered rewilding, rooted in place.
Across Britain, a quiet transformation is taking place – led not only by large landowners, but by farmers, community groups, volunteers and nature enthusiasts of all kinds. Local Rewilding Networks bring together these people at the county level, helping rewilding take root from the ground up.
Whether you’re managing a few hectares or just want to connect with others passionate about nature, local networks are a powerful way to get involved in restoring ecosystems, reviving wildlife and reimagining our relationship with the land.
“The network is so supportive, provides great literature, webinars, events and connections to other rewilders. We are so grateful to be a member.”
Yolanda
Project Manager (part of the Devon Rewilding Network)
A grassroots movement with real impact
We support a growing network of independent, county-level rewilding groups – each one driven by local people and shaped by local landscapes. These networks connect landowners, conservationists, volunteers and everyday nature lovers. You don’t need to own land to make a difference. What matters is your commitment to bringing nature back.
Through local collaboration, these groups are already making an impact:
- Sharing knowledge and practical skills
- Running community events and workshops
- Supporting small-scale rewilding projects
- Connecting people to opportunities to volunteer or visit sites
- Inspiring each other with what’s possible
View the Local Networks map
See if there’s a local rewilding network where you live, connecting communities and landowners.
Supporting communities on the ground
Whilst each local rewilding network is independent, Rewilding Britain provides support through knowledge exchange, funding opportunities and shared learning.
“Local networks are extremely important to bring together people who are rewilding land. In particular, we have seen community hubs established to bring together people who don’t own land, as well as knowledge exchange amongst smallholders. These are so important for the rewilding movement.”
Sara King
Rewilding Manager, Rewilding Britain
Join the Rewilding Network
Spotlight: Local networks in action
From rewilding valleys in Cumbria to restoring rivers in Yorkshire, local rewilding networks are sparking change across the country. Here are just a few examples of what Local Networks are up to.
Devon
Devon Rewilding Network are showcasing rewilding initiatives through site visits, and connecting up initiatives. We have supported the to engage with landowners using AI visualisation.
Yorkshire
Yorkshire Rewilding Network has seen a rapid increase in interest. Their Rewilding Festival in 2023 brought hundreds of people together to connect with nature and rewilding through the arts, debate, discussion and networking.
North East
We’ve supported the North East Rewilding Network to become established, including funding a series of Community Rewilding Roadshows to grow local awareness, as well as to set up a marine branch of the network.
Wye Valley
We supported the Wye Valley Wilding Network to engage landowners, rewild catchment land, tackle barriers and build local partnerships through an inspiring events programme.
View the Local Networks map
See if there’s a local rewilding network where you live, connecting communities and landowners.
The Rewilding Innovation Fund
Designed to support fresh thinking and new ideas to help remove barriers to rewilding, we’ve been thrilled to support a number of Local Network projects through the Rewilding Innovation Fund.
