Community Action for Rewilding: CAG Devon & Devon Rewilding Network unite
A Long‑Anticipated Gathering Under Spring Sunshine
Last week, under glorious blue skies and warm spring sunshine, we finally brought together two networks we’ve long hoped to unite: CAG Devon and the Devon Rewilding Network. This joint event came to life at Umberleigh Village Hall—perfectly timed to celebrate World Rewilding Day and its 2026 theme, #ChooseOurFuture.
We welcomed 28 passionate individuals from across both networks for a morning of inspiring talks, shared learning, and lively conversations.
The focus for the day was exploring opportunities for local communities to get involved in, or even take the lead on, rewilding and nature recovery initiatives in their local areas.
Community Action in the North Devon Biosphere
We began with Andy from the North Devon Biosphere, who introduced the Biosphere Communities Project. Backed by National Lottery Climate Action Fund investment, this initiative works with local communities to build grassroots capacity for climate action, youth engagement, and nature recovery.
Two brilliant CAG Devon member groups involved in this work shared what local action can look like when communities take the lead:
- Sustainable Chulmleigh run a vibrant mix of nature‑recovery activities—from wildlife walks and film screenings to nest‑box building and tree planting.
- Ashreigney & Riddlecombe Nature Recovery Group has installed 100+ nest boxes, created swift nesting sites, carried out citizen‑science habitat surveys, and continues to deliver inclusive community activities for nature.
A big thanks to Nick, Claire, and Amy for sharing your experiences.
Taking Action Through Community Land Ownership
After an essential round of coffee and cake (the cornerstone of any successful event) coupled with some sunny networking outdoors, we explored real‑world examples of communities purchasing land for nature.
First, we heard from Wood Could Should, a Somerset‑based CIC restoring 3.5 hectares of pasture and ancient woodland through community ownership. Lawrence and Kiran shared their journey: from seeking out land, to navigating different legal structures for community purchase, to running community tree‑planting days.
Next, Franny from Wild Tiverton CIC shared their story through a series of short film clips—from a stork flying overhead as the first pond was dug, to their more recent harvest mouse reintroduction project, led by two local teenagers. Franny also offered insights into their crowdfunding successes.
Both projects benefit from an asset lock, ensuring land and assets acquired for community benefit can never be sold for private gain—protecting them for nature and future generations.
Panel Insights: Just Start Somewhere
Our panel session rounded off the morning with a clear, energising message: Don’t be afraid to make a start.
Whether you’re planting a single tree or coordinating a community land purchase, community‑powered rewilding begins with connections, conversations, and collective effort.
An Afternoon at Luckymoor Rewilding
In the afternoon, we visited Luckymoor Rewilding—20 acres of wet meadow and woodland lovingly stewarded by Pete and Jane Kelly. Since 2020, they’ve planted trees, dug ponds, and, crucially, stepped back to let nature lead.
Their rewilding efforts have transformed the land into a thriving, wildlife‑rich mosaic. They are now looking at ways to involve the wider community in shaping the future of the site, including potential community land purchase.
What Participants Took Away
The event brought together an inspiring mix of people and projects, united by a shared passion for nature recovery. People committed to clear follow‑up actions from joining CAG Devon or Devon Rewilding Network, supporting local projects, to exploring community land ownership in their area.
Many attendees said how much they valued the opportunity to connect, with one sharing:
“I feel it’s really important to find out about projects happening locally and feel connected with them in some small way.”
As one participant put it:
“It was good to meet with others, learn about their projects, and share experiences.”
…and another summed up the spirit of the day:
“It’s so lovely to spend time with like‑minded people, without having to justify or explain why I think these things are important.
Almost everyone who fed back said they felt more connected to other rewilding enthusiasts and to the growing movement for nature recovery across Devon. We hope attendees left feeling motivated to learn more, get involved locally, or apply new ideas in their own gardens and communities.
Join the Movement
👉 Find out more about CAG Devon: https://www.cagdevon.org.uk
👉 Join the Devon Rewilding Network: https://www.ambios.net/devon-rewilding-network/
