The Somerset Levels were once a vast wild wetland. From pelicans to beavers they would have teemed with life. It is also a deeply historic place, whose ancient swamps once played a key role in emergence of England. Somerset Wildlands is making space for nature in this landscape through rewilding.
Categories
Beneficiaries
The UK's wildlife is in crisis. In the last 40 years more than 50% of species have declined with 15% threatened with extinction. Habitat has been destroyed by development, drainage, agriculture and climate change. The decline is continuing - despite the best efforts of conservation. At the same time people are increasingly disconnected from nature, with serious consequences. But it is not too late. We cannot turn back the clock but we can create wild, rich habitats through rewilding.
We're building a resilient future for nature by creating Wild Stepping Stones - acquiring patches of ordinary land which are set aside for nature to 'go wild' - forming a mosaic of wild spaces within the Somerset Levels. These serve as vital refuges for existing wildlife and future habitats for new or returning species. They store carbon and reduce water pollution. At the same time we are working to build a community of support and activity around rewilding in the area.
