In recent years, the concept of rewilding has captured the imagination of conservationists and nature enthusiasts alike.
This ecological approach aims to restore natural processes and wilderness areas, allowing nature to take care of itself. One of the most fascinating aspects of rewilding is the restoring and reintroduction of species that have become absent from ecosystems, such as the wild boar, and the preservation of lost flora and fauna.
Throughout this year, Dr John Dutton, an Ecologist and Course Leader for Environmental Management and Sustainability at the University of Worcester, has been out and about speaking to and educating local community groups about the restoration of wild boar to the UK, particularly in the Forest of Dean, and their impact on biodiversity.
John has spoken to groups including Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Worcester & Malvern RSPB and Leintwardine Wildlife Group over the past year.
He said: “Wild boar were once native to many parts of Europe but were hunted to extinction in several regions. They re-emerged in the UK a number of years ago and there is now a healthy population in the Forest of Dean.”
John says their return is a vital step in restoring ecological balance as they disturb the soil when they root around seeking food, which helps in seed dispersal and promotes plant diversity and a healthier ecosystem.