rewilder

A rewilder is an individual or organization that advocates for or actively engages in rewilding. Rewilding is a process of ecological restoration where nature is allowed to reclaim land and ecosystems with minimal human intervention. It involves reintroducing native species, particularly keystone species, to restore natural processes and habitats. Rewilders believe that by stepping back and allowing natural systems to function, we can create more resilient and biodiverse landscapes.

The goals of rewilding can vary, but often include increasing biodiversity, restoring natural ecological processes, enhancing carbon sequestration, and creating opportunities for people to connect with nature. Rewilders may work on a variety of scales, from small urban green spaces to large wilderness areas. Their activities can involve scientific research, land management, community engagement, and policy advocacy.

Common practices associated with rewilding include removing artificial structures, ceasing intensive land management like mowing or grazing, and reintroducing animals that have been lost from an ecosystem. The reintroduction of apex predators, for example, can have cascading effects throughout the food web, influencing herbivore behavior and vegetation structure. Rewilders often emphasize the long-term vision of letting nature take the lead in shaping the landscape.