Rewilding is a powerful way to restore land or sea to a more natural state. 

It involves undoing changes humans have made to the environment, supporting natural systems that are struggling, and bringing back animals or plants that have disappeared. By doing so, we help revive ecosystems and enhance biodiversity

Traditionally, rewilding has focused on large-scale projects such as restoring vast areas of land, returning rivers to their natural, winding paths, or reintroducing animals like beavers or wolves. 

Rewilding Britain defines it as the effort to "reinstate natural processes and, where appropriate, missing species – allowing them to shape the landscape and the habitats within."

However, rewilding isn’t limited to large areas. It can also thrive on a smaller scale, a concept known as community rewilding.

Here we demystify what community rewilding is, the benefits, and how to get involved.

What is community rewilding?

Community rewilding takes the principles of rewilding and applies them to smaller, more manageable areas within urban and rural settings. It engages businesses, schools, residents, and organisations turning rewilding into a community-driven effort that is accessible to everyone. From gardens and yards to business areas and parks, community rewilding can transform these environments into thriving habitats for local wildlife.

Here’s how it can work in different settings. 

Gardens and yards

Planting a variety of native wildflowers and plants will provide essential food and shelter for local wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and birds.

Adding bird feeders and boxes, insect hotels, and small ponds can create a diverse environment that attracts and supports wildlife. Even the smallest spaces, like balconies, can be enhanced with pots, planters, and hanging baskets.

Local parks and community gardens

Transform grassy areas into small wildflower meadows, organise community tree-planting events, and incorporate natural water features. This will all provide essential food and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

Informative signage can also educate visitors on the ecological benefits of these changes.

Business and retail parks

Businesses can integrate nature into their outdoor spaces with pollinator-friendly gardens, natural water features, green roofs, and bird and bat boxes.

Creating these green spaces around office buildings serves as habitats for local wildlife and provides a pleasant environment for employees and visitors.

Initiatives like Climate Action North’s Pollinator Parks show how outdoor spaces on business and retail parks can be turned into ecological oases, supporting local wildlife and repairing ecosystems.

School grounds

Schools can play a role in community rewilding by using their grounds for educational and ecological purposes by transforming parts of their grounds into habitats that support local wildlife. 

These rewilded areas can also be used as outdoor classrooms where students can learn about ecology, conservation, and natural processes. Hands-on activities in these spaces can enhance pupils’ understanding and appreciation of nature and helps foster a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment.

Community rewilding benefits

While large-scale projects are vital, community rewilding makes ecological restoration relevant and accessible to everyone, allowing more people to engage with and appreciate nature.

Smaller changes across many areas, such as parks, gardens, and school grounds as listed above, can collectively have a significant positive impact on biodiversity and, importantly, improve connectivity and enable a network of “hop spots” for pollinators, insects, birds, and all wildlife.  

This boost in biodiversity supports healthier ecosystems, which are essential for climate resilience.

Access to green spaces improves mental and physical health by offering places to connect with nature and reducing stress. It fosters community spirit by bringing people together to work on shared projects and creates educational opportunities for all ages. 

Green spaces also bring economic benefits such as an increase property values, attracts businesses, and creates job opportunities such as landscaping, conservation, and environmental education.

How to get involved

Transform a space

Reduce lawn areas with small wildflower meadows, shrubs, or trees that provide food and shelter for wildlife. Introduce bird feeders, bat boxes, insect hotels, or small ponds to attract and support various wildlife.

The Climate Action North Pollinator Parks initiative helps business and retail parks across the North of England create pollinator friendly areas and wildlife habitats. 

Building on the 30/30 target of organisations such as Rewilding Britain and The Wildlife Trust, it aims to see 30 percent of business parks rewilded by 2030. Pollinator Parks include the Darlington Denes, Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors, Sunderland Enterprise Park, and The BIC in Sunderland.

Join the North East Rewilding Network

The North East Rewilding Network is a supportive community dedicated to expanding rewilding efforts on land and sea. It’s a great way to learn, share experiences, and collaborate on rewilding projects of all types from land, allotments, community gardens, schools, or even a window box.  

Conclusion

Community rewilding is a powerful, hands-on way to restore nature, support biodiversity, and create healthier ecosystems. It’s a movement anyone can join, whether you’re greening a small balcony or transforming a park. By getting involved, you will help make a meaningful difference to the environment, your community, and future generations.

The time for talking is over, today we need to act.

illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.