Rewilding
What rewilding is
Rewilding is about letting nature take the lead by restoring natural processes. Where appropriate you can also reintroduce missing species. In this way the landscape can take care of itself and become more resilient to future challenges. It is not about abandoning a site and involves active management.
At Waterhall, plant-eating animals such as sheep, cows and ponies are the missing piece of the wild landscape. They help maintain habitats such as open grassland and scrub. They are the heroes of rewilding – nibbling, grazing and browsing their way to success.
Traditional conservation grazing is a precise art. You have to introduce sheep and cattle to meadows at specific times to help conserve certain wildlife. At Waterhall we'll be adopting a wilder version of this classic approach.
By using cutting edge “no-fence” technology and GPS collars we'll move livestock around the open landscape.
Trees and shrubs on the site
Chalk grassland is a declining habitat which is globally rare. Our priority is to restore and expand this classic downland ecosystem.
We may plant some species of hedgerow trees and shrubs. These will provide refuge for priority species in some key areas. They can also create connected hedgerow corridors.
More generally we’ll allow areas to regenerate naturally. Trees and shrubs will spring up across this wilder landscape. This natural range is of high wildlife value. It is good to have a variety of native species, ages and structure.
Why it is important to keep dogs on leads
Open spaces like Waterhall attract a lot of people, and can be great for dog walking.
We welcome people (and dogs) to explore this unique landscape. In a time of biodiversity crisis we all have a part to play to allow nature and wildlife to recover and thrive.
This is why we ask that you keep your dogs on leads at Waterhall. We thank you for your understanding and for helping us to create a haven for wildlife, our livestock and visitors to enjoy.
Here are some reasons why it is important to keep dogs on leads:
Supporting wildlife to thrive
Waterhall is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Many of these are declining nationally and need our protection. Off lead dogs can disturb activities like feeding, nesting, basking, and breeding.
Being disturbed by dogs also means the animals spend unnecessary energy. They may dart or fly away, changing their behaviour from what they see as a potential predator.
Some animals cannot survive or successfully reproduce if they are frequently disturbed. This is because they don’t have enough time to forage or hunt for food, or feed and nurture their young.
For wildlife that lives in our dew pond there is the added problem of disturbed silt and damage to plant life. This reduces the amount of oxygen in the water that the animals need to survive. Keeping your dog on a lead will mean our wildlife pond stays disturbance free.
Grazing animals
Keeping your dog on a lead will protect grazing animals and your dog. Even if your dog doesn’t bite an animal, chasing it can still have severe knock-on effects. Sheep are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks and fatal incidents do occur.
Our ponies and cattle can become uneasy around dogs. It’s important to have your dog close to you and keep your distance. Dogs are at risk when large livestock try to defend themselves from a perceived attack. They can accidently trample dogs when trying to run away.
If you feel threatened by cattle getting too close, stay calm and slowly retreat. If you have a dog with you, let go of the lead. Releasing your dog will make it easier for you both to reach safety.
Dog waste
Keeping your dog on a lead makes it easier to pick up dog poo. As well as affecting people’s enjoyment of their visit, dog waste can harm livestock. Dog poo can contain parasites that are passed onto livestock and people. That has the potential to cause serious illness.
Chalk grassland’s high biodiversity of plants is achieved due to the low nutrient profile of the soil. Dogs don’t digest their food efficiently, so their waste contains high levels of nutrients which can alter the soil’s chemistry.
Looking after each other
We frequently have volunteers carrying out practical management on the site as well as school visits. With the volume of dogs visiting Waterhall, keeping dogs on a lead helps everyone to feel comfortable. Some visitors may be afraid of dogs that jump up, so keeping your dog on a lead will ensure that Waterhall is a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.