Charlie Burrell, Knepp Estate
Led by a visionary landowner and supported by Sussex Wildlife Trust, this exciting re-wilding project will see the re-naturalisation of over 2,000 hectares in the Sussex Low Weald.
creating new habitats for important species
The vision is to create an Estate where natural processes predominate and long-term financial stability is achieved outside a conventional agricultural framework. This will be achieved through the reversion of arable land, tree planting, meadow seeding and the introduction of extensive grazing.
The restoration and creation of a diverse ecosystem network, including pasture woodland, floodplain woodland and other wetland areas, will create new habitats for important species such as otter, water vole and the rare barbastelle bat, as well as numerous birds, amphibians and reptiles.
What’s happening?
Some woodland planting and meadow seeding has already been completed and many miles of fencing have been erected for grazing livestock.
Pockets of existing habitat have been reconnected, enabling species to expand their ranges.
A programme of river restoration work is scheduled and the re-naturalisation of the upper river Adur is also expected to reduce flood risk in the lower catchment area.
Start date: 2001
Scheme area: 1,400 hectares
This scheme is helping species including...
Otter, water vole and the rare barbastelle bat
This scheme is also...
Helping wildlife adapt to climate change, improving water quality, reducing flood risk , storing carbon, providing habitat for pollinating insects, improving access for people, providing recreational opportunities, encouraging green tourism, providing environmental education, producing local food
Partners
Knepp Castle Estate, Natural England, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, National Trust, Woodland Trust, RSPB, British Trust for Ornithology, Imperial College, Fieldfare International Ecological Development Plc, Ancient Tree Forum, Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre, NERC, Large Herbivore Foundation, High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dragons Estate, SJM Ecology, European Centre for Nature Conservation, Flaxfield Nature.
To find out more
Send an email | Tel: 01273 492630 | Knepp Re-wildling
.jpg)
 Adam Cormack.JPG)