Nature in the UK is in crisis from years of intensive agriculture, destruction of important habitats, lack of investment in conservation, pollution and urbanisation. We are now living in a landscape which not only can't protect us from the effects of flooding, drought and pollution, but has left many animal and plant species on the brink of disappearing from our shores altogether.
Although it may seem a rural idyll, West Dorset is no different from many other parts of the UK and its 'biodiversity' - the variety of life - has been hugely depleted over the last 70+ years. We have set up this charity now because we understand the problems facing nature, how this impacts on all of us, and how, as custodians of the land, we can start to make a difference on our doorstep
Low intensity cattle grazing in the rewilding area at Mapperton Wildlands.
Photo: (c) Sam Rose 2021
Marbled White butterflies love the flower of thistles that grow in scrubby rewilding landscapes
Photo: (c) Sam Rose 2021
We are focusing our attention initially on the wider Brit River catchment, which includes the areas around the Symene, the Asker, the Brit and the Mangerton rivers. Within this area we aim to bring together landowners and farmers into a coalition of the willing to improve nature at a catchment scale. The Brit Valley Project began in 2024.
Also within the wider Brit, we will also be asking whether the area is suitable for a wild release of beavers. These large and cute vegetarians, now once again recognised as a native and protected species, have so much potential to improve nature, but they are controversial because the can cause flooding and fell trees.
Click the button below, and the events list above, to find out more about these projects.
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