Heal Rewilding - Growing Positive Partnerships For The Future

We're so proud here at The Curious Network to be partnering with Heal Rewilding as part of the 1% for the Planet project - a global initiative that encourages businesses and individuals to donate 1% of their annual sales or income to environmental causes. Founded in 2002, 1% for the Planet connects members with approved non-profit partners to support efforts in areas like climate, land, water, food, and wildlife. Its goal? To drive collective, accountable giving to help protect and restore the planet. What better mission to support? 

On a beautiful day in late September, the TCN team visited the southern fields of Heal Rewilding's Somerset foundation site to learn first-hand about the merits of rewilding, and just how valuable and successful such initiatives are in regenerating wildlife. We even conducted our very own worm survey, digging the earth to see how many creatures we found, and witnessing a beaver dam along the way - connecting with the land and the local community, quite literally. 

"Heal the land, heal nature, heal ourselves."

Having previously hosted a film screening of 'Heal the Land' at our Newark Works campus in Bath - a documentary following the transformation of the former intensive dairy farm into a thriving new place for nature and people - we also visited their site after hours, even pitching our tents and camping out in -2C temperatures, truly dedication to the cause!

What is Heal Rewilding?

Heal Rewilding is a registered charity working to help nature recovery, climate action, and wellbeing. Its mission is to address the climate and ecological crises while reconnecting people with nature. Achieving this through the restoration of wildlife populations, community engagement, and impactful storytelling, the charity is actively raising funds to purchase land for rewilding – giving land back to nature, forever.

Launched in March 2020, Heal Rewilding became the UK’s first charity established specifically to own and rewild land. In December 2022, it acquired its 460-acre foundation site, a former dairy farm, Heal Somerset. The long-term ambition is to establish a Heal site in every county in England, with the second site planned for the north of the country. Each site is also expected to bring economic benefits to local communities by creating new jobs and attracting investment into the area. 

"We believe that rewilding should benefit both people and planet, and are dedicated to ensuring that the work we do involves and benefits our communities."   

Why is rewilding important?

The UK is among the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with significantly reduced biodiversity. This undermines the land’s capacity to adapt to climate change, including severe flooding and extreme heat which are both becoming increasingly common across the UK. Diminished biodiversity also compromises soil health, which is critical for continued food production. While these challenges are often considered separately, improving the health of nature can address multiple environmental issues simultaneously.

"We believe there is hope for nature recovery. For us, rewilding represents that hope."                                                  

Community & Inclusion

Access to nature is a fundamental human right, yet for many, it remains a privilege. Recognising this disparity, the organisation is committed to identifying and breaking down both visible and invisible barriers that prevent people from connecting with the natural world. Through strategic work across local and national landscapes, and by forming meaningful partnerships with a range of organisations, the goal is to create fair and inclusive opportunities for everyone to experience nature and benefit from rewilding.

Their community-focused approach centres on engaging with those living closest to rewilding sites, particularly the villages and towns that immediately surround these areas. They also prioritise reaching individuals and communities who are often under-served - those who face systemic or situational challenges that limit their access to nature. At a national level, the organisation connects with people who already have an active interest in rewilding, inviting them to engage more deeply and collaboratively with the movement.

"We aim to improve the health
 and wellbeing of people"                                            

Ethos & Approach

The organisation’s approach is grounded in the belief that rewilding should be accessible, transparent, and deeply connected to the people who support it. Every project begins with fundraising, enabling the purchase of land that can be returned to nature. A key part of this model invites individuals to sponsor a 3x3 metre square of land. Each sponsored square comes with a unique What3Words address, allowing supporters to visit the site, witness its transformation over time, and build a personal connection with the wider rewilding landscape.

When it comes to ecological restoration, the organisation follows a largely hands-off philosophy. The core principle is to return land to nature and allow natural processes to lead recovery. Wherever possible, human intervention is minimised to give ecosystems the space and time to regenerate on their own. In certain situations, however, carefully considered and minimal actions may be taken to help initiate or accelerate natural regeneration where it's needed most.

If you'd like to learn more about the positive changes Heal are making to the landscape, or would like to be involved in their mission, make sure to follow them on their journey, one beaver, one square foot at a time. 

Keep up to date with Heal Rewilding across their socials.

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