THE JOURNAL
Lioness in Gorongosa National Park. Photograph by Mr Brett Kuxhausen, courtesy of Gorongosa National Park
Given that Cop environmental meetings so often end in deadlock, it is almost astounding when some sort of agreement is reached. So, you could have knocked many environmentalists down with a feather when it was reported from the Cop15 in Montreal that – deep breath – 200 countries had signed an agreement to halt the loss of biodiversity around the globe. Which is handy, since wildlife populations are estimated to have fallen by 68 per cent between 1970 and 2018, and a million species are now at risk of extinction.
“We’ve backed nature into a corner,” noted the UN’s environment chief, Ms Inger Andersen. “We also know it is a remarkable thing and nature is very forgiving. If we give it half a chance, it will bounce back.”
One of the best ways to give nature a helping hand is the process of rewilding. What that means in practice is restoring ecosystems so nature can then do the rest. To do that, we need to restore natural flood management – the natural processes – and also the native species of flora and fauna which are missing.
Below is list of the five most interesting rewilding projects around and where you might stay if you fancy checking them out.
01.
Knepp Estate, UK
Tamworth Hut on The Knepp Estate, West Sussex. Photograph courtesy of The Knepp Estate
In 2000, Sir Charlie Burrell took a surprising decision regarding the 3,500-acre estate he had inherited from his grandparents in 1983. He would stop farming in the traditional manner of his forebears and instead introduce “a process-led, non-goal-orientated project where, as far as possible, nature takes the driving seat”. He introduced many native species – including longhorn cattle and deer – and just let them roam. The results are astounding. Everything from rare invertebrates, 200 types of worms, bats and an array of birds, from storks to turtle doves, that would warm the heart of any twitcher now call it home. And because the grounds are left to grow as nature intends the soil also sequesters loads of carbon. Not bad seeing as it is a mere 15 miles from Heathrow.
Where to stay: stay in a bothy by Knepp Castle with its log-burning fire and view across the park.
02.
Iberá Wetlands, Argentina
Lodges overlooking the Paraná River at Puerto Valle Hotel, Iberá National Park. Photograph courtesy of Puerto Valle Hotel de Estero
By 1990, the 13,000sq km Iberá Wetlands were in mortal danger. Illegal ranching and forestry had nearly done for its formerly rich biodiversity. There were cows and that was just about it. An initial group of scientists arrived with the plan to defend and solidify the area with what species were there. But it wasn’t enough. Enter Mr Doug Tompkins, former CEO of Patagonia, who, struck by the beauty of the place, started buying up land. They soon worked together to introduce key species such as macaws, giant otters and jaguar. Today, it is home to 4,000 species. Saying it has been a success is a bit like saying Ms Kate Moss is not bad looking.
Where to stay: Puerto Valle is the only hotel with exclusive access to the wetlands. It also happens to be very chic with a fine gourmet restaurant.
03.
Côa Valley, Portugal
Greater Côa Valley, Portugal. Photograph by Mr Ricardo Ferreira, courtesy of Rewilding Europe
Fancy seeing an Iberian wolf and an ibex, all thriving in natural densities alongside red deer and roe deer? Well, roll up to the 100,000 hectare Côa Valley reserve, one of Europe’s greatest examples of rewilding in action. The programme here comprises of creating zones – either wild or buffer zones – to help animals thrive. They have also worked hand-in-hand with local communities to make the land profitable, thus ending the spiral of land abandonment and wildfires that so plagued this northern Portuguese area for so long.
Where to stay: Longroiva Hotel is an architect’s dream. This place combines ice-cool design with good food and a thermal spa to retreat to after a day in the valley.
04.
Gorongosa, Mozambique
Gorongosa National Park. Photograph by Mr Piotr Naskrecki, courtesy of Gorongosa National Park
When the 15-year civil war ended in 1992, poaching and war had destroyed much of the biodiversity in Mozambique. Hope was reignited though in 2006 with the launch of the Gorongosa project. Some 300 rangers were brought in to protect the wildlife and what wildlife they added: African wild dogs, six leopards, a heard of buffalo, a sprinkling of wildebeest and a crowd of zebras. Also, crucially, hyenas, which scavenge dead animals, thus preventing disease. Local farmers were also encouraged to move away from slash-and-burn techniques. The result: the last aerial survey noted 100,000 large animals.
Where to stay: Chitengo Camp is an upmarket encampment of safari tents. It has a library and “mess tent”, aka a restaurant, but it mainly has endless views across Mozambique.
05.
American Prairie, US
Lewis & Clark Hut above the Missouri River, American Prairie, Montana. Photograph courtesy of American Prairie
Non-profit conservation project American Prairie takes a unique three-pronged approach to restoring the wildlife of this jewel in Montana’s crown. First it approaches state agencies to find out which populations are at risk, then sets about restoring those species on its own land. It then works with the ranching operations that surround the park to increase tolerance to wildlife. So far, it has restored black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, cougars and bison, which had disappeared 150 years ago.
Where to stay: take one of the Myers family huts – which, contrary to their name, are not very hutty – and know the true meaning of being in the wilderness.