Rewilding planned at Herstmonceux Castle Estate

13 hours ago

Cash MurphySouth East

News image — The rewilding will take place under a partnership between nature restoration organisation Nattergal and Herstmonceux Castle

Jonathan Perugia The Herstmonceux Castle estate. The castle can be seen from a bird's eye view. To the left of the castle is a river, and all around the castle are trees and shrubs. — The rewilding will take place under a partnership between nature restoration organisation Nattergal and Herstmonceux Castle

Plans to create a "biodiversity haven" by rewilding 240 acres of land at Herstmonceux Castle Estate have been announced.

Bader College, which sits on the estate, has linked up with nature restoration organisation Nattergal to revive land previously used for farming by restoring pasture, grassland, and scrub habitats.

The rewilding aims to transform hundreds of acres of wildlife habitat and offer research opportunities to Queen's University in Canada which owns Bader College.

Matthew Evans, the estate's executive director, said the project reflected the "urgent need to reverse the effects of climate change through leadership and environmental stewardship".

Jonathan Perugia The estate at Herstmonceux Castle. Quite dry land and a river running through it can be seen in the image. — The estate is set within 600 acres of gardens, woodland, parkland, and managed habitats

The restoration plan will buffer and connect the Pevensey Levels, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, to existing nature-rich habitats.

A conservation covenant will also be established to ensure the long-term protection of the land for a minimum of 30 years.

Archie Struthers, CEO of Nattergal, said: "Herstmonceux sets a precedent for UK estates, proving ecologically degraded land can become an engine for nature recovery while keeping communities at the heart of the process.

"If this is possible on a site as steeped in history as Herstmonceux, the wider potential of this work is significant."

Evans, who is also provost of Queen's University, added: "We know this work and the possibilities it creates for research and collaboration will have significant benefits for our students and faculty, and we are certain the effects of that education will carry forward into future generations."

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