Hey rebels,
Every day, we bring you the latest from the front lines of ecology, energy, conservation, and the people fighting for a better world – delivered straight-up, with no corporate fluff and zero ego.
Today we're spotlighting WildKingdom, an ambitious expansion of the WildEast initiative that began in 2020 and that is transforming the landscape of UK conservation.
Founded by three farmers - Hugh Somerleyton, Argus Hardy, and Olly Birkbeck - who channeled their eco-anxiety into action, the project started with a mission to return 20% of East Anglia to nature. Now, they're challenging the entire United Kingdom to join this revolutionary approach to environmental restoration.
WildEast's success stems from its democratic, community-driven approach, inspired by the American Prairie Reserves model. What began as a focused effort to connect wildlife corridors along traditional hedgerows (dubbed "WildEdges") has blossomed into a comprehensive conservation movement. The initiative has successfully united farmers, schools, community groups, and individual citizens in a shared mission of ecological restoration.
The cornerstone of WildKingdom's national expansion is the innovative "Map of Dreams," an interactive digital platform that serves as a living record of conservation commitments. This map collects "witness statements" from thousands of participants, creating a visual representation of Britain's growing environmental restoration network. The platform democratizes conservation by welcoming contributions of all sizes, from large-scale farm projects to urban window boxes, emphasizing that every action counts toward the collective goal.
The initiative's target of returning 20% of land to nature is grounded in scientific research. Studies indicate this proportion as a critical threshold where ecosystems begin to demonstrate significant recovery in biodiversity, resilience, and connectivity. This benchmark provides an achievable yet meaningful goal for participants, though it's viewed as a starting point rather than a ceiling for conservation efforts.
The Somerleyton Estate stands as a compelling proof of concept for WildKingdom's approach. Through twenty years of regenerative management and five years of dedicated rewilding, this 5,000-acre property has achieved remarkable results. The estate now manages 25% of its land primarily for biodiversity while maintaining productive agriculture. Their achievements include producing carbon-negative wheat, growing faba beans that sequester 400kg CO₂ per ton, and reducing nitrogen fertiliser use by 13%. The property supports diverse wildlife, including cattle, sheep, Exmoor ponies, and black pigs in natural grazing patterns.
The estate's biodiversity metrics are equally impressive, with documented presence of 904 moth species, 33 Red List birds, and 6 priority amphibian species. As Farm Manager Rob Raven emphasizes, this success demonstrates how food production, biodiversity, and business can thrive together in a well-managed system.
WildKingdom's timing is particularly crucial, launching amid intensifying climate and nature crises and reduced government environmental protections. The initiative offers a practical response to growing climate anxiety by providing tangible ways for people to contribute to environmental recovery. As co-founder Argus Hardy describes it, the movement is "going fungal" rather than viral, creating an interconnected network of environmental stewardship that grows naturally from the ground up.
The initiative provides various entry points for participation, from restoring hedgerows and ponds to planting wildflower verges and rethinking garden spaces. Through the Map of Dreams, participants can connect with others in their area, share best practices, and access community support. This collaborative approach transforms individual actions into a collective narrative of national restoration, making WildKingdom a powerful catalyst for environmental change in the UK.
The success at Somerleyton Estate and the broader WildEast initiative demonstrates that significant environmental restoration is possible while maintaining productive land use. As WildKingdom scales these principles nationally, it offers a blueprint for how local actions can contribute to meaningful ecological recovery across the entire United Kingdom.