Exploring the implementation of rewilding in a British local authority: Overcoming challenges and maximising opportunities for landscape-scale management

Abstract

Rewilding is increasingly viewed as a process-driven approach to land management that offers an alternative to traditional nature conservation, supports nature recovery, and responds to climate change. However, implementing rewilding in British local authorities can be challenging. This qualitative study explores the challenges and opportunities of implementing rewilding in a British local authority setting, focusing on a local authority in Hampshire. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with professional officers and councillors who influence land management in the council, to understand their understanding of rewilding and the opportunities and barriers to implementing it.The study found that the local authority favoured rewilding as an option for land management. However, there was a need to develop greater consistency in definition and research-based understanding. The study presents a framework outlining how rewilding could contribute to the delivery of ecosystem services, including combating climate change, positive carbon sequestration, connecting spaces, and increasing the functional and biological quality of land through the adoption of twelve key principles. The research outcomes provide insights into how rewilding could be embraced by other local authorities and offer recommendations for further research at a policy and practice level, with a focus on site-based interpretation.