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Hamatethy

Allowing natural processes to restore the ecosystem, grow healthy food and accelerate change by reintroducing lost species.

Rewilding landscape, Hamatethy Rewilding Project
On the edge of Bodmin Moor lies Hamatethy, a medieval manor house at the heart of a pioneering rewilding project.  © Hamatethy Rewilding Project

On the edge of Bodmin Moor lies a farm on the west side of the Camel Valley comprising a ribbon of temperate rainforest. As you climb towards the moor the land turns to scrub and then pasture as it rises to the east. This area is now being rewilded, by restoring natural grazing processes and allowing natural regeneration, to create opportunities for a wide range of wildlife.

KICK-STARTING NATURAL PROCESSES

Interventions are taking place to restore wood pasture habitats using a combination of tree planting and natural regeneration. Pigs and wild horses are accelerating the change and their impact is being complemented by scattering wild-flower seeds in their tracks.

One area has been re-wetted by blocking drains and digging ponds, while another valley has been transformed by beavers. Species reintroductions have taken place including brown hares, water voles and pool frogs. A 10-acre traditional orchard has been planted to boost bio-abundance.

NATURE-BASED ENTERPRISES

Nature-based enterprises on-site include eco-tourism, organic beet, pork and venison production, as well as cider and juice products.

  • Beavers, Hamatethy Rewilding Project
     © Hamatethy Rewilding Project
  • Wild pigs, Hamatethy Rewilding Project
     © Hamatethy Rewilding Project
  • Cattle, Hamatethy Rewilding Project
     © Hamatethy Rewilding Project
  • Cattle in the woods, Hamatethy Rewilding Project
     © Hamatethy Rewilding Project

future plans

  1. Tree-planting and re-setting the pasture to increase floral diversity while the wood pasture becomes established
  2. Releasing white storks and, when regulations allow, releasing beavers in two more valleys
  3. Temperate rainforest restoration
Rewilding landscape, Hamatethy Rewilding Project
 © Hamatethy Rewilding Project

The Rewilding Network

The Rewilding Network is the go-to place for projects across Britain to connect, share and make rewilding happen on land and sea.

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More about Hamatethy

Find out more about Hamatethy on their website.

Visit Hamatethy website