In a nutshell, rewilding means the reinstating of natural processes to create diverse and wildlife-rich habitats and landscapes. It is still in its infancy here in our three counties, with opportunities to reinstate keystone species still to come. 

These species, such as the Eurasian beaver, have a large impact on their environment, so that other species are dependent on their presence. Their loss causes major disruption to the ecosystem. British Beavers were driven to extinction in the 16th century, and with it their famous dams.

The upper reaches of the Thames tributaries may be suitable for the reintroduction of beavers, which could help to smooth the peaks of flood events further downstream by damming the shallow streams that flow into the river. This in turn would create wetland habitat for hundreds of species.

Natural colonisation will play its part. The patchwork of woodland in the Chilterns is already seeing slow but steady recolonisation by goshawks, which prey on grey squirrels, pigeons and crows, helping to restore balance. Otters are increasingly spotted on the Thames, even moving into Oxford city.

Landowners with a yearning to rewild their fields are finding ways to encourage a more natural landscape to evolve. Allowing hedges to spread and scrub to develop in fields is a good start. Coupled with seasonal grazing by cattle this can develop into a diverse habitat with many more niches for wild flowers, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and bats.

Adding a few ponds, hills and hollows created by digger further increases opportunities. These activities may not seem very natural but will set the stage for natural processes to take over. The outcome will change as the years pass.

One farm taking steps in this direction is Sheepdrove Farm near Wantage, who have been monitoring species on their organic farm for years and working to enhance chances for wildlife. Their aim now is to allow a more natural habitat to develop by using a variety of livestock, including cattle, sheep and pigs to create a wild heart among the farmed landscape.

New ideas to farm for soil health, to support crop production with a reduced environmental impact, are increasingly known as ‘regenerative’ farming. This involves farming practices that reduce the impact of food production on the environment, for example reduced ploughing, more diverse crop rotations, and fewer pesticides.

The fields still grow crops and look worlds away from our visions of rewilding, but the explosion of life invisible to us beneath the ground should surely be counted as part of the rewilding movement. Soil life may well turn out to be the most important recovery of all.

What you can do

• Support initiatives: You can do your bit by helping others understand the benefits of rewilding.
• Rewild you garden: Create more opportunities for wildlife in your garden. Ban chemicals, mow less often and allow a few corners to grow a little wilder. For more ideas visit bbowt.org.uk/actions
• Get in touch: If you own or manage a farm or estate and are considering rewilding in any form, BBOWT would love to help you deliver your aspirations. Please contact the Land Advice Service or email landadvice@bbowt.org.uk

Read the first in our series on rewilding