Rewilding in Practice

The Experience

This guided tour captures a moment in time: Wild Ken Hill in the early stages of its rewilding journey, asking what rewilding really means on the ground.

Intended as a deeper dive into ‘rewilding’, we will explore its impact in lowland England, how returning land to nature works in practice, and the array of benefits that occur when Nature is allowed to follow its own course.

Your guide will explain how this marginal land was managed historically and how it is now making way for Nature’s own structure. As the area enters its 4th Spring, you’ll observe scrubby, thorny vegetation marching out from the hedgerows and regenerating in the fields, understanding its importance to birds, insects, and other wildlife, as well as to carbon capture.

You’ll understand the balance between this natural regeneration of vegetation, and the opposing force of natural grazing, provided by the Wild Ken Hill “Big Three” – Exmoor ponies, Red Poll cattle and Tamworth pigs. You’ll hopefully bump into these roaming wild herbivores along the way, and see and understand the phenomenal and different impacts they have on the rewilded landscape.

You’ll also visit the home of Norfolk’s first pair of Beavers, reviewing the tangible benefits from this keystone species. Wandering through the Wild Ken Hill woods, your guide will explain the value of the rare habitats present here – glorious woodland pasture, and the adjacent, open heathland – and how the rewilding process fits in here.

Photos

Timing

AM/PM: Rewilding in Practice takes place in the morning or afternoon

Start Time: 09:30 or 13:30

Duration: Around 2 and a half hours

Other Details

1. Tour typically on foot. Possible vehicle use in bad weather.
2. Moderate walking pace with frequent stops. Moderate fitness is best to cope with walking on uneven ground. There are a small number of hilly slopes with gradients no steeper than 20%.
3. Walking distance: 2-4 km
4. Tour will go ahead in almost all weathers, so please dress accordingly. Trousers, sleeve-length tops and robust shoes are required in all weathers, as the ground is uneven and the long grass can be wet or scratchy. In wet or cold weather, a warm waterproof coat and wellington boots are required.
5. Suitable for Children 12 and over. For little legs and impatient enthusiasts please see The Big Picture - Families
6. Covid-19 secure