A Rewilded London: Reimagining a Wilder Future for the City

Rewilding means many things to many people. But what could it mean in an urban context? With the majority of the population living in towns and cities, and in the face of climate breakdown, re-evaluating how urban areas can support wildlife is more critical than ever. Rewilding urban spaces not only fosters biodiversity but also helps communities connect with nature, enhances well-being, and builds resilience against climate challenges.

Citizen Zoo will explore innovative approaches to urban rewilding. Learn about their groundbreaking species-focused projects, including beavers, water voles, and white storks, and how these efforts are transforming urban spaces into thriving wildlife habitats. Additionally, the presentation will delve into larger-scale initiatives embracing ecological processes, such as rewilding grazing programs and wetland creation, that are setting new standards for urban conservation.

Q&A with Elliot Newton

Elliot Newton is one of the co-founders of Citizen Zoo. With a background in urban wildlife conservation spanning well over 10 years, he has a breadth of experience in the development, design, and implementation of conservation projects in London. After establishing Citizen Zoo, he has overseen the delivery of the UK’s first rewilding conference in 2019, as well as the successful reintroduction of water voles to the Hogsmill and large marsh grasshoppers to various restored sites across Norfolk. His passion for beavers led to the creation of the London Beaver Working Group, which was a vessel for locating suitable reintroduction sites for the species across London. Elliot has been at the forefront of the Ealing Beaver Project, helping drive it forward from a dream to reality.

Are there any events coming up where I can learn more about rewilding?

The Biological Recording Company will be showcasing some rewilding projects in London in the Rewild London Virtual Symposium taking place on the 27th March 2024. This includes presentations about chalk grassland restoration, “renaturing” Hackney marshes and the River Crane Smarter Catchment initiative. Citizen Zoo is hosting a world-leading Rewilding Futures conference in Cambridge on 17-18th January 2025 in Cambridge. Over two days, the conference will bring together over 450 industry professionals, academics, landowners, NGOs, government bodies, and businesses to tackle pivotal issues in the field with unmissable presentations, expert panels, audience Q&As, networking opportunities and more. We only have around 25 tickets left so book now to avoid disappointment.

Where can I find out more about rewilding projects in London?

There are so many fantastic initiatives happening at the moment! I encourage you to visit the Citizen Zoo website to explore our current and upcoming projects. You might also consider attending the upcoming London Rewilding Symposium to learn more about urban rewilding efforts.

For further inspiration, do follow organisations such as the London Wildlife Trust, National Park City, Thames21, South East Rivers Trust, and The Conservation Volunteers. These groups are doing brilliant work to support conservation and rewilding across the region.

How are rewilding projects funded in London?

Projects are funded through a variety of sources, but one of the most impactful recent funding streams has been the GLA’s Rewild London Fund. This initiative has supported multiple rewilding projects across the capital, helping to drive forward vital conservation efforts.

What wildlife do you see in London in 20 years that is not here now?

I would love to see London fully embrace nature-based solutions to tackle climate change, with habitats seamlessly integrated into the city’s fabric. In 20 years, I envision free-living beaver populations thriving and being sustainably managed across London. The sight of white storks nesting within Greater London would also be truly incredible!