We are the first generation to realise we’re destroying our planet, and the last that can do anything about it.
The river Blythe, like much of our planet has been shaped to support how we live, and this has altered our natural world and damaged the homes of the wildlife that lives there.
Picture this: lush riverbanks and ponds teeming with diverse wildlife, the symphony of nature echoing through the air. By rewilding the Blythe and the land that surrounds it, we’re not merely restoring ecosystems and creating climate resilience, we’re creating a haven for people to reconnect with the great outdoors in the heart of England.
The river Blythe lies on the doorstep of over 2million people in Warwickshire. Rewilding it isn't just an investment, it's a commitment to a vibrant, thriving future for nature and people.
This isn’t just about trees and water; it’s about taking local action to tackle global challenges. It’s about fostering a sense of wonder and joy for generations to come. Imagine beavers swimming on Coventry and Birmingham’s doorstep, rare birds like willow tits, lapwings and red kites swooping overhead, water voles plopping into the water and barn owls soaring across the land. Families enjoying a ‘Blythe Safari’, reconnecting with nature close to where they live.
Economically, this would be a game-changer. A rewilded river Blythe becomes a magnet for tourism, injecting life and prosperity into local businesses. It’s an investment in resilience, a bold step towards mitigating climate challenges, and an impassioned embrace of our responsibility to leave a legacy of natural abundance for Warwickshire.
Will you join us in supporting this Midlands WILD revival and turn this vision of thriving nature into a reality? Read on to find out how you can support our project with your donation. A number of options are available further down the page for you to choose either a specific item or an overall investment
The story so far...
Since 2021, meticulous planning has laid the groundwork for the rewilding of 750 acres of land, a bold venture aiming to redefine the very essence of Warwickshire's landscape. We’ve already made progress with 89 acres of wetland enhanced, 4.2 kilometres of hedges restored and 1.2 kilometres of river renaturalised.
This isn't just a project; it's a pioneering leap into rewilding history, a ground breaking initiative incorporating natural flood management and showcasing the power of nature-based solutions to tackle the climate emergency.
Success here isn't just about rejuvenating land; it's about inspiring a movement, igniting the spirit of alternative land use.
Our alliance is formidable, pulsating with diversity—universities, wildlife recording groups, local heroes, angling clubs, contractors, and spirited volunteers—all contributing to this symphony of restoration.
The landowner's long-term vision includes inviting the public to enjoy the wonders of nature; wildlife watching, camping under the stars, engaging in outdoor activities, and joining hands in the spirit of volunteering.
Your funding is the catalyst, propelling our dreams into reality by covering capital infrastructure costs, retaining skilled personnel, and setting the stage for rewilding on an epic scale.
Will you join us?...not just as investors, but as architects of a legacy, where passion, purpose, and the power of nature converge to create something extraordinary.
What do we need to turn the vision into reality?
Phase 1 - Establishing the rewilding project
We need £200,000 to establish the rewilding project. Every pound you donate can help us deliver impact. Whether you're an individual or a business you can choose the scale of support you'd like to give.
Buy trees to increase cover and help cool the river
£50
Fund 100 metres of native, species-rich hedgerow restoration
£500
Help build features to make the river channel wigglier
From £1,000
Support our monitoring programme to help track the impact for nature
£2,000
Create habitat for the nationally rare willow tit
£5,000
Fund a buffer strip of longer grass to help protect the river from pollution
£6,000
Create some new ponds on the land next to the river
£10,000
Support a Project Trainee to gain skills for employment, for one year
£25,000
Employ a Project Officer to support project delivery, for one year
£40,000
Fund a feasibility study for the reintroduction of beavers to the Blythe valley
£50,000
Fund all of the above and transform the area for nature
£200,000
Phase 2 – This is our stretch target if we achieve our initial £200,000 target.
Species specific outcomes
£250,000 for targeted works to support critically endangered species in the area.
- Installing 150 nesting habitats for the nationally rare willow tit along river. Working with volunteers we will help to monitor the population of this critically endangered bird.
- Creating an enclosure for beaver reintroduction. Development of detailed plan for licensing and the release of beavers.
- 15km of further 'river rewiggling' up and down stream to help the new rewilding area become a catalyst for nature's recovery at a landscape scale.