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:
