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On Sunday 25 October, more than 100 guests gathered at Herstmonceux Castle Estate to celebrate the official launch of Herstmonceux Rewilding, marking the start of an ambitious new chapter in the estate’s history.
The event brought together members of the local community, Â鶹¹ÙÍø alumni, faculty and senior leaders, scientists, researchers, farmers, ecologists, and representatives of the nature restoration company Nattergal.
Together, they explored the estate’s future and opportunities to restore habitats, attract wildlife, and create new possibilities for scientific research, education, and community involvement.
Allowing nature to recover
Herstmonceux Rewilding will care for approximately 240 acres of former agricultural land, helping nature recover and creating a more varied landscape of grasslands, scrub, wetlands, and wood pasture.
Working in partnership with Nattergal, the project will allow natural processes to play a greater role in shaping the land, supported by active management and long-term ecological monitoring.
The project will be funded through Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), a mechanism within England’s planning system that helps eligible developments deliver measurable biodiversity improvements. By creating and caring for habitats at Herstmonceux, the estate can generate income to support restoration for years to come.
A personal commitment to nature
The launch began with a video message from Â鶹¹ÙÍø Principal Patrick Deane, followed by an introduction from Matthew Evans, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) of Â鶹¹ÙÍø, and Director of Bader College and Herstmonceux Estate.
Matthew reflected on his childhood in the British countryside, where an early fascination with birds and wildlife led him to become an ornithologist.
He remembered a time when Cuckoos, Yellowhammers, and Corn buntings were common sights, a stark contrast to the significant decline in biodiversity across the UK. (1)
Despite these challenges, his message focused on the opportunity to make a difference.
Matthew Evans said:
“The Herstmonceux Rewilding project is about more than restoring a landscape. It is about what we leave for future generations. I grew up surrounded by wildlife that has become much less common across the British countryside, and we now have a real opportunity to help reverse that decline.
“At Herstmonceux, we can bring together the knowledge of scientists, the enthusiasm of students, and the experience of local communities to make a meaningful difference.â€
Bringing experience and ambition together
Archie Struthers, CEO of Nattergal, shared the company’s vision for Herstmonceux Rewilding, drawing on experience from nature restoration projects across England, including the pioneering work at Knepp Estate in West Sussex.
He explained how restoring natural processes can help wildlife and habitats recover, with support from long-term management, scientific monitoring, and funding through Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
A living laboratory for scientific discovery
Professor Ian Strachan of Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s Department of Geography and Planning highlighted the research opportunities created by Herstmonceux Rewilding.
Working alongside Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s students Samantha Kimball and Maiyan Ross, his research is examining how changes in land use and vegetation affect greenhouse gas exchange, establishing a baseline for monitoring ecological change over time.
For Bader College, the project also creates opportunities for field-based teaching, student research, and academic collaboration, connecting nature restoration with learning and scientific discovery.
Exploring the future together
Following the presentations, guests joined guided walks across the estate to explore areas where rewilding will take place.
The afternoon continued with workshops and discussions, enabling participants to share their knowledge, experiences, and ideas for the project’s future.
From scientific research and education to volunteering and community activities, these conversations highlighted the opportunities for people to contribute to Herstmonceux Rewilding as it develops.
The official launch was followed by a free Community Day on Monday 26 October, offering the local community more opportunities to learn about the project through talks, workshops, and practical activities.
Looking ahead
Over the coming years, habitats will change, vegetation will develop, and the estate will become an important place to observe and understand how wildlife and ecosystems respond to restoration.
As the partnership between Â鶹¹ÙÍø, Bader College, Herstmonceux Castle Estate, and Nattergal continues to develop, so will opportunities to explore land management, scientific research, and education, while enabling the local community to remain involved.
Archie Struthers noted, “It was fantastic to bring together leading academics, local stakeholders and members of the community to share ideas, discuss our vision for Herstmonceux Rewilding and answer questions about the project.
“The enthusiasm, expertise and constructive challenge in the room made for a hugely positive event, paving the way for great continued collaboration and engagement.â€
We want to thank everyone who attended the launch, shared their ideas, and helped make the day such a success.
Herstmonceux has been part of the Sussex landscape for centuries. Through Herstmonceux Rewilding, we can shape its natural environment for generations to come.
References
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