Our Intention and Our Vision
At the heart of Wales lies a shared sense of belonging, or “cynefin”— a deep connection to the land, its culture, and its people. The untamed landscapes of Cymru|Wales hold a profound connection to the wild spirit of our ancestors, embodying the enduring bond between heritage and nature's untouched beauty.
Tir Natur, is a rewilding initiative born out of passion and love from likeminded people, who seek to honour this heritage by reviving nature and creating space for wildlife, in the hopes to encourage and nurture a more sustainable future.
Our vision is bold, yet we hope achievable: to restore and rewild over 1,000 acres of land in Cymru|Wales, creating havens where biodiversity can flourish, ecosystems can recover, and communities can reconnect with the natural world. Cymunedau a natur yn ffynnu, ochr yn ochr.
This isn’t just about preserving what we have; it’s about restoring what’s been lost and regenerating landscapes that future generations can cherish especially in this ever changing and uncertain world. I ni ac i genedlaethau'r dyfodol.
The Opportunity
Cymru|Wales faces a critical moment in its relationship with the environment. Decades of intensive agriculture and habitat loss have placed many species under threat, but the potential for recovery is immense.
Tir Natur is seizing this opportunity by partnering with landowners, conservationists, ecologists and local communities to pioneer a model of rewilding that respects both nature and livelihoods.
We believe rewilding can coexist harmoniously with cultural heritage and traditional practices, that we can learn from local landowners and nurture a positive and understanding relationship that will benefit everyone. I les Cymru, a’r Cymri.
Guided by the principle of natur yn arwain y ffordd—nature leading the way—our work is deeply rooted in community engagement to ensure it resonates with the people of Wales.
Our rewilding efforts will blur the lines between semi-natural habitats, allowing nature to create a self-willed mosaic. As a result this dynamic landscape will benefit all species, from otters or Dwr-Gi (Water Dog) to curlews and rare butterflies.
Central to this is our wild grazing system, using cultural breeds like Welsh Black or White Park cattle, Carneddau Ponies and Iron age Pigs, as ecological proxies for their wild ancestors. These 'ecosystem architects' will roam freely, disturbing the soil, spreading seeds and enhancing biodiversity as they shape a wilder land.
Our ecological team is dedicated to understanding the species that are currently thriving or in decline within the area. By combining historical data with comprehensive wildlife surveys, we aim to build a clear picture of the local ecosystem.
With guidance from experts, we hope to explore the potential reintroduction of lost species to this part of Wales—an effort that will not only enrich the ecosystem but also serve as an educational opportunity to inspire and engage the public. Afancod yn dychwelyd adref, efallai?
The Present Condition of Our Land
Rewilding is crucial in Cymru|Wales to restore ecosystems that have suffered from overgrazing, which has hindered natural regeneration and reduced land value. In the area that we have selected to rewild, decades of overgrazing have halted natural regeneration. This has depleted both ecological and agricultural value.
Young trees struggle to survive as their shoots are quickly grazed, while species like purple moor grass and rush dominate, outcompeting diverse wildflowers and grasses. Peatbogs, drained over a century ago, have almost dried out, releasing their vital carbon stores into the atmosphere.
Imagine the Change
Ancient Welsh cattle, ponies and pigs will roam the land, their heavy hooves breaking through the dense grass, creating bare patches that allow seeds to germinate and new plants to thrive.
Iron age pigs will echo the role of Wild Boar, channeling the spirit of the Mabinogi’s legendary Twrch Trwyth. Their foraging will suppress bracken, till the soil, and awaken dormant seeds, igniting natural regeneration.
Over time, hawthorn and blackthorn will return to the hillsides, with willow and alder forming thickets along the riverbanks. Rowan and oak trees rise through brambles, and wildflowers blanket the grasslands.
The songs of stonechat, meadow pipit, and lark fill the air, with rare species returning to area at long last.
A Grassroots Movement
Tir Natur’s roots run deep, born from a collective frustration with the loss of nature and a determination to act. This isn’t just an environmental project; it’s a movement driven by individuals and communities passionate about making a tangible difference.
Together, we’re creating a blueprint for how rewilding can look in Cymru|Wales, combining ecological restoration with social and cultural renewal. Only by gaining the support of others, can we truly achieve our dream of a more environmentally sustainable Cymru|Wales with both its people and wildlife thriving for generations.
Why It Matters
Rewilding isn’t just about wildlife; it’s about people. It’s about inspiring hope and proving that change is possible.
The climate emergency has left many people feeling powerless to make a meaningful impact. However, by supporting this project, individuals can witness the remarkable restoration of an ecosystem unfolding right before their eyes.
By restoring ecosystems, such as peatlands which naturally capture carbon from the atmosphere, the public are helping prevent the deterioration of Wales and in turn the planet. The project will also create opportunities for education, tourism, and mental well-being—building a resilient future for all.
Climate change has brought increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, flooding has become an all to current theme over recent years. The restored peatlands will absorb carbon dioxide and, along with native trees and scrub, retain water to reduce downstream flooding and boost drought resilience.
Collaborating with neighbors and local ecologists, we plan to reintroduce beavers, whose dams will further slow river flow, protecting homes and farmland.
Our journey is just beginning and we invite you to follow our progress, share our story, and join our movement that’s reimagining the landscape of Cymru|Wales.
This project stands as the largest rewilding initiative in Cymru|Wales, offering a unique opportunity to be part of something extraordinary. By supporting this effort, you could inspire similar rewilding projects across Wales, the UK, and even globally.
Only by working together can we create a legacy of wild spaces, thriving species, and a renewed sense of Cynefin.
Let’s shape a future where nature, culture, and community walk hand in hand, embodying the belief that "in nature, nothing exists alone" – Rachel Carson.
To contribute to our goal, please visit our crowdfunding campaign here.
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