“A restored fenland landscape providing a rich variety of habitats

for people and wildlife, now and in the future.”

Nature reserves isolated in intensive countryside.

Peat is disappearing and this will result in changes to the profitability of farms

Ancient fen some of the most biodiverse habitat in the UK.

Darlow’s Farm. Small area so still intensively managedShowing signs of success

Grazing reintroduced to the project area for the first time in 150 years.

British Whites and White Park Cattle – belong to a local grazier who is benefiting from the project

Can the Fens be wild again?

Yes – but a long journey from intensive to extensive to wild

Especially if climate change happens and EA don’t improve coastal defences.

WILDER TAMER

Fewer co-producers More co-producers

Less democratic More democratic

Fewer ecosystem services

More ecosystem services

Exclusive audience Inclusive audience

Intuitive Less intuitive

Target-free (ish?) Target-led

Cheaper More expensive

Rewildling lessons

• Need a framework of definitions

• Ecological and cultural references are important

• Most rewilding is extensification

• Rewilding is beguiling

• Short-term success but long-term view

• Wild biodiversity not necessarily better than managed biodiversity.

No intervention – MG1 grassland and scrub. Good to an extent but little value to the wetland NNRs we are trying to benefit

From Ecos

Conservation at a crossroads in the UK.