These ecological projects serve as reminders that the wild, once given a sliver of space, can return with astonishing resilience. And many of these havens aren’t just for wildlife; they are open to the public, allowing us to witness the quiet magic of a wilder world – one bramble, beaver and birdcall at a time. Simply, this slow, steady work of restoration has the power to be quietly transformative in its outcome.
Here, we spotlight five of the UK’s most inspiring rewilding projects, each a beacon of biodiversity and beauty. And, while we may not have the land ourselves to put such ambitious schemes in train, these new wildernesses are a reminder – and a particularly apt one during #NoMowMay – that together we can create make powerful change.
Knepp Estate, West Sussex
@kneppwilding
Perhaps the most celebrated name in British rewilding, Knepp is the poster child for what happens when you stop controlling land and let it heal itself. Once an intensively farmed estate, the 3,500 acres of Knepp are now a riot of biodiversity. Free-roaming longhorn cattle, Exmoor ponies and Tamworth pigs mimic the movements of ancient wild grazers, shaping the land as they go. Nightingales, turtle doves, purple emperor butterflies and even white storks –hitherto absent for centuries – have returned. Visitors can explore the landscape via guided safaris or overnight in treehouses, shepherds’ huts and wildflower-surrounded yurts. A reminder that sometimes, the best intervention is to step back and let nature lead.
Visit: Year-round, various tours and accommodation available.
Wild Ken Hill, Norfolk
@wildkenhill_norfolk
Tucked between the north Norfolk coast and the Sandringham Estate, Wild Ken Hill is a beautiful blend of past and future. Its 4,000 acres are divided between traditional regenerative farming, managed conservation, and rewilding. The approach is thoughtful and layered – and the result is a haven for biodiversity. Here, you’ll find beavers hard at work (their dam-building is helping to reduce flooding), birds of prey patrolling the skies, and the return of wildflowers to once-depleted meadows. It’s also one of the filming locations for BBC’s Springwatch – a sure sign of its natural credentials.
Visit: Bookable tours and wildlife safaris, including twilight beaver watching.
Wilder Doddington, Lincolnshire
@wilderdoddington
This family owned estate in Lincolnshire has ambitious plans with a 400-year project to return nature squarely into its surroundings, turning arable fields, grasslands and woodlands into a haven for nature. The project is in its infancy (started in 2021), but already the project is helping visitors, both young and old, to learn more about the natural world in this ever changing landscape.
Visit: Book a guided walk, known as a Wilder Safari, where you can explore the land beyond public footpaths and see roaming rare breed cattle, wild Exmoor ponies and curly coated pigs.
Cambrian Wildwood, Wales
@coetiranian_cambrianwildwood
Rewilding in the rugged heart of Wales, Cambrian Wildwood is an ambitious project that seeks not only to restore nature but to reconnect people – especially young people – with it. The land here, all 150 hectares, is elemental: ancient, raw, and ringed by the misty Cambrian Mountains. The project is focused on native forest regeneration, reintroducing species like pine martens, and inviting communities to rediscover nature through immersive experiences. Educational workshops, wild camping, school visits and cultural events are part of the mission, weaving social renewal into ecological restoration.
Visit: Volunteering days, nature experiences, and forest camps available.
Trees for Life & Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, Scottish Highlands
@treesforlifeuk
High in the ancient Caledonian forest, Trees for Life has spent three decades bringing the Highlands back to life. The charity recently opened its Dundreggan Rewilding Centre – a beautifully designed hub that offers everything from guided walks to nature-inspired art exhibitions. Their vision is sweeping: to restore a vast landscape once dominated by Scots pine, juniper, and birch, and bring back species such as red squirrels, golden eagles, and lynx. What’s most inspiring is the deep sense of stewardship—the belief that rewilding is a gift we give future generations.
Visit: The centre is open to the public, free to enter, do-friendly, and offers guided trails and workshops.
Bamff Wildland, Perthshire, Scotland
@bamffeco
Small but mighty, Bamff is a family-run estate in Perthshire that has become known for its pioneering beaver reintroduction – the first in the UK for centuries. Over the past two decades, these charismatic creatures have transformed the wetlands, creating a mosaic of pools, dams and rich biodiversity. The estate is also part of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and offers low-impact stays in eco-lodges and yurts, giving visitors a front-row seat to a quietly radical project.
Visit: Stays and tours available, with beaver watching at its heart.
