Rewilding Success: How a Little Love at Larkrise Boosts Wildlife 2026

Rewilding at Larkrise has worked wonders for wildlife, transforming 10 acres of poorly drained land into a thriving ecosystem. This country diary explores the remarkable success of a rewilding project that has boosted biodiversity and created a haven for flora and fauna.

The Rewilding Journey at Larkrise

Nestled on the exposed northern edge of the parish, overlooked by Kit Hill and the distant blue haze of Dartmoor, Larkrise's rewilded 10 acres show ever more growth. The project began less than seven years ago, and already the land is teeming with life. The thorny boundary hedge, with purple sloes, blackberries, scarlet hips, and masses of haws, encroaches on planted trees, providing extra protection from predatory deer.

The mix of guarded trees are tall and vigorous, interspersed with open patches of seeding knapweed, grasses, plantains, and rattle. The guelder rose, spindle, holly, and buckthorn already produce berries, a testament to the project's success. Particularly sturdy are the seedling oaks, growing in-situ near their parent, a 200-year-old spreading oak tree. Formerly grazed off by livestock, rabbits, and deer, these strongly rooted saplings have been meticulously marked, staked, and guarded, and their leaves host spangle and silk-button galls.

Key Strategies for Rewilding Success

Rewilding is not simply about letting nature take over; it requires careful planning and management. At Larkrise, several strategies have contributed to the project's success:

• Protecting young trees: Staking and guarding saplings prevents browsing by deer and rabbits, allowing them to establish.
• Creating diverse habitats: Ponds, hedgerows, and open patches of wildflowers support a wide range of species.
• Encouraging natural regeneration: Allowing native trees to seed naturally ensures genetic diversity and resilience.
• Monitoring and adapting: Regular inspections, like checking water levels in the well, help guide management decisions.

Boosting Biodiversity: The Results

Despite the drought, none of the recently excavated ponds have dried up completely. Clayey sides and bottoms, and heaps of stony spoil are colonised with vegetation, providing habitat for amphibians, insects, and birds. The rewilded area now supports a rich tapestry of life, from gall wasps on oak leaves to blackberries and sloes in the hedgerows.

The project has also improved water retention on the land. The well, dug more than a century ago by the legendary "Diver/Diviner" Cullas of Metherell, reveals a water level better than feared, but the team remains cautious in their use. Proper rain has greened the scorched pastures and washed shrivelled leaves and nut husks along the narrow lanes, while springs dribble and streams remain low.

Comparison of Rewilding Outcomes

Lessons for Landowners

If you're considering rewilding, Larkrise offers valuable lessons. Start small, focus on native species, and be patient. Rewilding is a long-term investment in biodiversity. As the project shows, even a little love can work wonders for wildlife.

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