ECOS 37 (2) Rewilding – keeping brand integrity. Mike Townsend

Abstract: Rewilding offers an exciting opportunity to reconsider our attitudes and approach to nature. Embracing the idea of self-willed nature offers a challenge to agriculture and forestry, as well to mainstream nature conservation.

But there is a risk that as rewilding gains prominence the core ideals are dissipated as the lexicon of rewilding practice is absorbed into the mainstream. The language of the wild and rewilding seems to have more intuitive public appeal than biodiversity and habitat action plans, and it won’t be long before it is purloined by others, but without the essence of what it once was.

The fascination for tracts of wilderness and the reintroduction of large carnivores should be part of a wider examination of our relationship with nature, not just in distant hills, but near to where most of us live.

Download article as PDF: ECOS 37-2-29 Rewilding – keeping the brand integrity 

Cite:

Townsend, Mike “ECOS 37 (2) Rewilding – keeping brand integrity. Mike Townsend” ECOS vol. 37(2) 2016, British Association of Nature Conservationists, www.ecos.org.uk/ecos-37-2-summer-rewilding-keeping-brand-integrity-mike-townsend/.