Rewilding our future

When we launched Wilder Doddington, our mission was to restore the landscape, creating a place where people and nature can thrive together.

For us, that means expanding and connecting woodlands, creating ponds and wetlands and allowing grazing animals to help shape the landscape. As nature is given space to recover and evolve, new habitats are created and wildlife begins to thrive.

These changes will support greater biodiversity and more abundant wildlife, lower greenhouse gas emissions and store more carbon in soils and vegetation. More resilient soils will be better able to withstand extreme weather, reducing flood risk and improving water quality.

Signs of hope

Drone footage shows that the infiltration rate of our soils has greatly improved, with little to no standing water after heavy downpours. This suggests that the roots of pioneer plants, alongside soil-dwelling creatures, are helping to improve soil structure.

We are also seeing exciting changes in the vegetation, with some surprising new plants, scrub and tree saplings beginning to emerge. Our hedgerows are brimming with wildlife and wildflowers are buzzing with bees.

These changes are attracting an incredible array of birds and insects to the estate, including both familiar wildlife and less commonly seen species. Every season brings something new and our volunteers are helping to record these wildlife sightings.