Collective Action. Powerful Impact
When we launched LettsSafari.com and LettsSafari+ three and a half years ago we set a goal that our research, learnings and weekly updates about LettsSafari and smaller-scale rewilding would end up adding up to a book. Not in the traditional way, like most things LettsSafari, but a digital book that would be shared with our members, in weekly instalments. A book, that if it was done right, could become the essential guide to smaller-scale rewilding .
Well, we've finally finished it. Starting next week, we'll publish weekly instalments of the guide directly in LettsSafari+ and at your inbox - from the beginning, section after section, week after week. Packed with amazing photography and immersive videos straight from our parks. As a result, LettsSafari members will sometimes enjoy more than one weekly update! If you're not already a member of LettsSafari, subscribe today for the price of a cup of coffee a month.
Overview
Rewilding isn't just for vast landscapes and conservation projects - it can be done in your own backyard, community spaces, or even on a balcony. " Smaller-Scale Rewilding: A Practical Guide to Restoring Nature in Your Own Space" is an inspiring and accessible resource that empowers individuals to contribute to ecological restoration in meaningful ways. This guide demystifies rewilding and provides clear, actionable steps for anyone looking to create pockets of thriving biodiversity, regardless of space constraints.
Key Sections and Takeaways
1. The Philosophy of Smaller-Scale Rewilding
This section introduces the concept of smaller-scale rewilding, explaining why it is essential in combating biodiversity loss and climate change. It highlights the benefits of letting nature take its course and outlines the principles of working with, rather than against, ecological processes.
2. Understanding Your Space
Before beginning a small rewilding project, it’s important to assess the characteristics of your space. This section walks readers through soil health, native species identification, and microhabitats, helping them recognise opportunities for positive intervention.
3. Practical Rewilding Strategies
Here, the guide offers tangible steps, such as reducing lawn mowing, planting native flora, creating wildlife corridors, and reintroducing beneficial species. Each strategy is tailored to different scales, from urban balconies to larger rural plots. Each macro habitat essential to rewilding is considered and designed for gardens, small parks and other small green spaces.
4. The Role of Water in Rewilding
Water is essential for biodiversity. This section covers techniques for managing rainwater, creating small ponds, and fostering wetland environments, even in limited spaces.
5. Encouraging Wildlife and Natural Processes
From providing nesting sites to reducing artificial lighting, this section teaches ways to support birds, pollinators, and other wildlife, ensuring they thrive naturally.
6. Community and Urban Rewilding
Rewilding extends beyond private land. The book explores how collective efforts - like guerrilla gardening, green corridors, and public space restoration can create larger, interconnected ecosystems in urban areas.
7. Long-Term Success and Sustainability
Rewilding is an ongoing process. The guide discusses monitoring progress, adapting to changes, and educating others to foster a culture of coexistence with nature.
Why You Should Read It
This definitive guide, packed with examples from LettsSafari parks and gardens, is perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, and environmental enthusiasts eager to make a tangible difference. It blends science with real-world applications, making rewilding accessible to everyone. By following its principles, readers will not only create beautiful, biodiverse spaces but also contribute to a larger movement toward ecological restoration - and wild living.
Whether you have a mini park, a sprawling garden, a small yard, or just a few planters, Smaller-Scale Rewilding proves that every effort counts. Dive in and discover how you can be a part of nature’s revival - right where you are. To get your first instalment of this definitive guide, become a member of LettsSafari today.
"Smaller-Scale Rewilding: A Practical Guide to Restoring Nature in Your Own Space" will be available to LettsSafari members in weekly instalments starting from next week. To become a member go to LettsSafari.com.
Pollinators, especially bees, are facing a global decline, threatening ecosystems and food security. Bees pollinate 75% of global food crops and nearly 90% of flowering plants, making them essential to biodiversity and agriculture. Their disappearance would have devastating consequences.
The causes of decline are many, but include:
There are a number of solutions we can all consider to reverse the decline:
At Mamhead Park, LettsSafari’s rewilding efforts have restored pollinator habitats by eliminating pesticides, reintroducing native plants, and creating wildflower meadows. As a result, rare species have returned, and farms within a five-mile radius have seen improved pollination.
The pollinator crisis is urgent, but rewilding offers hope.
To read the full article and find out more join LettsSafari and help restore nature.
We love the "Letting the Light In" project at Chiswick House & Gardens in West London, funded by Rewild London and supported by the Mayor of London and the London Wildlife Trust. It aims to enhance biodiversity in approx 20 acres of the estate’s woodlands. Overgrown with invasive species like holly, cherry laurel, and rhododendron, the woodlands have become dense, limiting sunlight and reducing habitat variety. The initiative focuses on clearing overgrown areas, removing invasive plants, and allowing more light to promote healthier ecosystems for birds, insects, and mammals.
Over the next five years, the project aims to restore thriving woodlands with healthier trees and increased wildlife. This smaller-scale rewilding serves as an example of how urban spaces can prioritise biodiversity and environmental sustainability. It's a great example of the "smaller-scale" rewilding approach pioneered by LettsSafari.
Of course, the traditional view of rewilding often conjures images of vast wilderness reserves and extensive land restoration projects. However, projects like Letting The Light In and LettsSafari demonstrate that smaller-scale rewilding initiatives may hold the key to addressing biodiversity loss and climate change more effectively.
LettsSafari's innovative model focuses on transforming smaller parcels of land into thriving ecosystems such as those at Dawlish Park in Devon. This approach challenges the conventional wisdom that rewilding requires extensive land holdings to be effective. By working with areas ranging from several hundred down to a household backyard, LettsSafari has proven that significant ecological improvements can be achieved on a more modest scale.
Smaller-scale rewilding offers several distinct advantages over larger projects:
The genius of the smaller-scale approach lies in its potential for creating networks of rewilded spaces. When multiple smaller sites implement rewilding principles, they form ecological stepping stones that allow wildlife to move through landscapes, even in urban and suburban areas. This network effect amplifies the impact of each individual site, creating a more resilient and interconnected natural system.
Smaller-scale rewilding projects contribute significantly to climate change mitigation through:
The LettsSafari model demonstrates that rewilding need not be limited to large-scale wilderness areas. By making rewilding more accessible and achievable, this approach has the potential to transform conservation efforts globally. As more organisations and communities adopt these principles, we could see a mosaic of rewilded spaces emerging across urban and rural landscapes, creating a more biodiverse and climate-resilient future.
The success of smaller-scale rewilding initiatives proves that when it comes to environmental restoration, bigger isn't always better. Through strategic implementation of these principles at various scales, we can work towards a more sustainable and biodiverse planet, one small patch at a time.
Become a LettsSafari subscriber today! Support our work, get exclusive content on our projects and even receive expert tips to transform your garden into a wildlife haven. All for the price of a monthly cup of coffee.
🌱 For every 10 new subscribers we plant a tree a year.
🦔 For every 100, we release an endangered animal.
🌳 And for every 10,000 we create a new rewilding safari park a year!
Make A Difference: Together We Can Rewild To Tackle Climate Change.
LettsSafari is a pioneer and expert in smaller-scale rewilding. We have developed models for small gardens, medium and large gardens. We have also built models for small, medium and large parks. All are live and operating at our rewilding centre in Exeter, Devon. More across LettsSafari's Network of Parks.
Over the next few months we will show LettsSafari subscribers (sign up below!) to create their very own rewilding safari park - starting with a small park.
Creating a small rewilding safari park, ranging from 10 to 25 acres, offers a unique opportunity to restore natural ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and provide a sanctuary for wildlife. Such parks are designed primarily for walking and observing nature, as their size doesn't support larger herbivores within the perimeter. It's important to start with some initial considerations:
Purpose and Goals:
Define your objectives. Do you aim to create a peaceful retreat, focus on carbon sequestration, or prioritise wildlife conservation?
Land Assessment:
Evaluate the existing landscape, including soil type and health, natural tree cover, local wildlife species, topography, and water features. Understanding these elements will guide your design and planting decisions.
Accessibility and Boundaries:
Plan for boundary fencing to protect the area and establish access points and pathways for visitors. Consider the aspect and predominant wind directions to optimize plant growth and visitor comfort.
Design and Layout:
An ideal rewilding park balances various habitats to support diverse species. Aim for approximately 20-25% tree cover, interspersed with wild grasses and open scrub areas. Incorporating a water feature, such as a stream or pond, can significantly enhance biodiversity, though it's not always feasible.
Maintenance and Monitoring:
While rewilding emphasises natural processes, some management is necessary, especially in the early stages. Regularly monitor plant growth, soil health, and wildlife populations. Control invasive species to prevent them from outcompeting native flora. Over time, as the ecosystem becomes more self-sustaining, human intervention can be minimised.
Community Engagement:
Involving the local community can enhance the success of your rewilding project. Educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and collaborative events foster a sense of ownership and support for the park. Engaged communities are more likely to advocate for and protect natural spaces.
Long-Term Vision:
Establishing a small rewilding safari park is a commitment that yields long-term rewards. With thoughtful planning and dedication, significant progress can be made within five years. The journey of creating and nurturing such a space not only contributes to environmental conservation but also offers personal fulfilment and a lasting legacy for future generations.
For more detailed guidance and resources and to get the full series, sign up to LettsSafari for just £4.50 a month. Your subscription powers LettsSafari:
🌱 For every 10 new subscribers we plant a tree a year.
🦔 For every 100, we release an endangered animal.
🌳 And for every 10,000 we create a new rewilding safari park a year!
Make A Difference: Together We Can Rewild To Tackle Climate Change.
Sitting at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the island of Cyprus boasts a rich tapestry of biodiversity. Yet, like many regions globally, it faces environmental pressures that threaten its unique ecosystems. In response, rewilding initiatives have gained momentum, aiming to restore degraded habitats and reinstate natural processes.
Rewilding in Cyprus: A Mediterranean Perspective
Rewilding in Cyprus presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The island’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by very hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, shapes unique ecosystems. The Maquis shrubland is the dominant habitat in Cyprus. Its a dense, evergreen shrubland that has adapted to the nation's hot dry conditions. Then there are the Pine Forests which are found in higher elevations. The pine forests provide habitat for various species, play a crucial role in water regulation and produce diverse water-habitats important to many native species. Finally the island has numerous coastal wetlands and salt marshes that support migratory birds and diverse aquatic life.
Rewilding efforts in Cyprus focus on restoring these three rich existing habitats which are being increasingly lost to urbanisation and desertification across the island. These are issues caused by Cyprus' growing global position in the world as a crossroads between Asia, Russia and Europe. Many environmental projects on the island focus on habitat loss and degradation driven by pressures of urbanisation, unregulated agriculture, and increasing tourism. The overgrazing by livestock impacts vegetation and soil health. Invasive species now threaten native flora and fauna. And climate change has contributed to exacerbating water scarcity and increasing the risk of wildfires.
Key Rewilding Projects and Approaches in Cyprus:
Just as we do in LettsSafari's rewilding parks in the UK, rewilding efforts in Cyprus maintain the overarching goal of restoring natural ecosystems by arresting the decline in biodiverse animal life, plantlife, and soil quality.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:
As Cyprus' numerous projects reflect, there is potential for collaboration and knowledge sharing between organizations working on rewilding in different regions. Sharing best practices, research findings, and management techniques can benefit rewilding efforts globally. This is the goal of LettsSafari+ for the coming year, to share the best examples and workings of rewilding around the world.
Rewilding in Cyprus is a vital endeavor to protect the island’s unique natural heritage. By understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within the Mediterranean context, rewilders can implement effective strategies to restore ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for Cyprus’s biodiversity. It is in recognising our local contexts that we can understand the best ways to handle rewilding in our own local areas and become a crucial fabric to our communities.
In 2024, LettsSafari worked hard to promote rewilding and biodiversity restoration. Our efforts encompassed expanding our rewilding initiatives, engaging our community through educational projects and content, and participating in global environmental movements. And, of course, we were never happier than doing the work on the ground in our very own LettsSafari parks.
Our rewilding safari parks have been developing well, and are making quite an impact. The parks are carefully designed to restore natural habitats, support diverse wildlife populations, and combat climate change. We emphasise a collaborative approach, encouraging public participation in building the parks both physically and with LettsSafari subscriptions that fund tree planting, animal introductions, habitat development and brand new rewilding safari parks.
For every 10 subscribers we plant a 5 year old, naturally grown tree annually, every hundred subscribers support the introduction of new wild animals each year and every 10,000 subscribers we add a whole new safari park a year.
This year we planted more than thirty 5 year old trees across our parks - all grown naturally in LettsSafari's Capability Brown gardens. We created habitats for yet more diverse bird life with our extended waterways and further growth of natural hedgerows. This was the first year that we heard Nightingale in our parks and, at the same time, our birds of prey kept adding to their numbers. Our efforts to protect a resident herd of black fallow deer has been very successful.
One of our network of rewilding safari parks, Hill Crest , sent us their year end update: "All is well here in Devon's wildlands with the Pine Martens released back into our landscape, fledging barn owls and two more sites coming on board this winter, things are coming along nicely." They reminded us of the great words of Dr Seuss, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
Through our direct initiatives, the wider LettsSafari network of parks , our subscribers and our digital outreach, we have inspired hundreds of new rewilding parks and gardens in 2024. We know it because you tell us. Many in southwest England but also now a growing number across the country and even further afield.
Throughout the year, LettsSafari has provided valuable resources to educate the public on rewilding practices. Our "Creating Your Very Own Safari Garden" series offers practical advice for individuals to transform their gardens into wildlife havens, promoting urban biodiversity. Additionally, we've highlighted the importance of participating in initiatives like "No Mow May," encouraging people to let their lawns grow to support pollinators and other wildlife.
In celebration of Earth Day 2024, LettsSafari emphasised the significance of combating plastic pollution and embracing nature restoration. We provided guidance on how individuals can contribute to these efforts, reinforcing the idea that collective small actions can lead to substantial environmental benefits.
Sculptures installed at LettsSafari's Capability Brown gardens in Exeter underlined this - with a series of fascinating trees made by Robert Marshall MRSS from recycled plastic bottles.
Aligning with global environmental movements, LettsSafari participated in World Rewilding Day by showcasing some of the world's most significant rewilding projects. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about large-scale rewilding efforts and inspire individuals and communities to engage in similar activities locally.
LettsSafari was one of the first to develop the concept of urban rewilding. We're excited to see it starting to take off - and in 2024 we highlighted a great number of large institutional projects like the transformation of Derby's Allestree Park into Britain's largest urban rewilding space or the exciting transformation of the moat at the Tower of London. But also photos and description of the many small gardens owned by individuals who have pursued our techniques and created mini rewilded spaces in back gardens or front gardens that line London streets. By highlighting projects, large and small, our advocacy inspires evermore integration of natural habitats within urban settings. It's so important to promote biodiversity even in densely populated areas.
Looking ahead, LettsSafari plans to expand its reach by making its services more universally available. This expansion will involve an even broader audience in rewilding efforts, enabling more people to contribute and benefit from restored natural environments. You never know, we might even pop up in other countries helping them to discover the LettsSafari approach to mass market rewilding - one garden, one park, one plant, and one animal at a time.
Our activities in 2024 have significantly contributed to rewilding and biodiversity restoration - creating a strong platform for growth. Through expanding rewilding parks, providing educational content, and engaging in global environmental initiatives, we are making strides fostering a collaborative approach to environmental conservation, empowering individuals and communities to participate in creating a more biodiverse and sustainable future. We thank you for sharing our journey in 2024 and are excited about doing even more in 2025.
Help us build more rewilding safari parks together in 2025 - subscribe to LettsSafari today.
This year, LettsSafari has been at the forefront of a silent rewilding revolution, working to restore biodiversity, tackling climate change and inspiring communities globally. Here are 4 key highlights from an impactful year:
Looking ahead to 2025, we aim to expand our reach—spreading the LettsSafari approach to more communities, gardens, and even countries!
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LettsSafari is all about collective impact through low-cost subscriptions. For every 10 subscribers we plant a 5 year old, naturally grown tree annually, every hundred subscribers support the introduction of new wild animals each year and every 10,000 subscribers we add a whole new safari park a year.
Let’s continue rewilding together—one garden, one park, one animal at a time. Join us in creating a more biodiverse and sustainable future!
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Let's go WILD in 2025.
Create your very own LettsSafari. We'll show you how.
Happy holidays!
LettsSafari builds rewilding safari parks and gardens with its members. Subscribe and build your own at LettsSafari.com.
Who would have thought that a humble dormouse could rival history’s great landscape designers? The endangered hazel dormouse, with its precise habitat needs, provides a natural blueprint for rewilding efforts across the UK. These adorable creatures thrive in well-connected woodlands, hedgerows, and scrublands filled with native plants, offering food and shelter year-round.
Far more than a conservation effort, creating dormouse-friendly spaces at LettsSafari fosters biodiversity, from pollinators to birds and small mammals. Their reliance on continuous canopies and dense vegetation highlights the importance of habitat connectivity—not just for them but for entire ecosystems.
As a sensitive barometer of environmental health, the dormouse’s presence signals successful restoration, making them a symbol of nature’s recovery. Whether for large-scale rewilding or smaller projects, their story inspires us to embrace their ecological magic.
Discover how these tiny creatures are shaping landscapes and leading the charge for a wilder, greener future as part of LettsSafari's rewilding projects. To see the full article, and support LettsSafari subscribe TODAY!
This week is National Tree Week, the UK's largest annual tree celebration, and we're going to celebrate 4 trees that can make a big impact in your garden or small park. Planting native trees and shrubs is such a vital aspect of rewilding, especially in Britain, where local flora plays an integral role in sustaining the ecosystem.
So here's our fab 4. Each offer unique contributions that benefit birds, insects, and mammals, creating a thriving, interconnected habitat for wildlife:
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) or mountain ash . Known for its striking red berries that appear in late summer and early autumn. These berries are highly nutritious and attract a range of bird species, including fieldfares and waxwings, which rely on them for energy during migration. In addition to benefiting birds, the rowan’s blossoms support various pollinators, enhancing biodiversity. Its bright red berries are a welcome sight on a grey, misty Autumn morning.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). Another crucial native shrub that supports British wildlife. In spring, it produces clusters of white flowers rich in nectar, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. These pollinators are fundamental for the health of broader plant communities, aiding in the pollination of various native and garden plants.
The English oak (Quercus robur). Perhaps the most significant native tree in Britain. It serves as a keystone species, hosting more than 2,300 species of wildlife. LettsSafari parks boast dozens of large, ancient oak trees. We planted hundreds of diverse young oak trees in Dawlish Park alone - now they are fast growing, hormonal teenagers!
Hazel (Corylus avellana). A versatile native shrub that offers both food and habitat. Its catkins, appearing in early spring, are one of the first pollen sources for bees, giving them essential nourishment after winter. By late summer, hazelnuts provide a rich food supply for mammals such as dormice and red squirrels, which rely on these nuts for fat reserves. The dense, multi-stemmed growth of hazel also creates excellent nesting sites for birds.
The importance of planting native species lies in their evolved relationships with local wildlife. These plants are adapted to the local climate and soil, making them more resilient and beneficial compared to non-native species.
LettsSafari regularly reviews the various tree options available for smaller-scale rewilding to help you make the best choices. By incorporating native trees, shrubs and wild grasses into our gardens and parks, we help build a self-sustaining ecosystem where each species contributes to the overall health and balance. This practice is essential not only for enhancing biodiversity but also for maintaining ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and habitat creation.
Support our rewilding parks, get exclusive content of our projects and even receive expert tips to transform your garden into a wildlife haven.
🌱 For every 10 new subscribers we plant a tree a year.
🦔 For every 100, we release an endangered animal.
🌳 And for every 10,000 we create a new rewilding safari park a year!
Make A Difference: Together We Can Rewild To Tackle Climate Change.