Tir Natur rewilding has secured more than 1,000 acres of land in Wales to establish the country’s largest rewilding project. The acquisition covers a 1,195-acre site at Cwm Doethïe in Ceredigion’s Elenydd region and aims to restore habitats and biodiversity.
Tir Natur rewilding aims to demonstrate nature recovery at scale
According to a report, the charity completed the purchase after raising over half of the £2.2 million cost and securing a philanthropic bridging loan. Further fundraising continues to support restoration work and community activities across the site.
The project seeks to demonstrate how landscape-scale rewilding can address climate change, biodiversity loss, and rural economic sustainability. Rewilding focuses on restoring habitats, natural processes, and missing species until ecosystems become self-sustaining.
Natural Resources Wales described nature recovery as a “life or death issue” in its State of Natural Resources 2025 assessment. Wales ranks 225th out of 240 countries in terms of biodiversity intactness, highlighting the urgent need for conservation.
The Cwm Doethïe land holds poor grazing value and is unsuitable for commercial forestry due to its protected scientific status. These conditions make it suitable for long-term ecological restoration and habitat recovery.
Planned interventions include introducing hardy cattle, Welsh mountain ponies, and ancient pig breeds to support grazing patterns. Peatland rewetting and natural water retention will occur over five to ten years to improve biodiversity and carbon storage.
The charity expects cleaner water, healthier soils, and reduced downstream flood risk from restoration measures. Species such as red squirrels, pine martens, polecats, curlews, and hen harriers may return if habitats recover.
“This is about more than restoring one place,” said Tash Reilly, Chair, Tir Natur. “This project is part of the urgent response needed to restore nature in Wales. At a time when nature loss and climate impacts are accelerating, this site will demonstrate what’s possible,” said Reilly, Chair, Tir Natur. “It offers a practical vision for Wales’ future.”
Elen Robert, a volunteer with Tir Natur, said restoring the land brings renewed optimism amid growing concern over nature loss. She added that the regeneration could encourage similar rewilding efforts across Wales and beyond.
Community impact
Local tradespeople will support restoration work, while guided walks, talks, and volunteer activities will involve nearby communities. Historical research will also document 55 stone landmarks ranging from Bronze Age cairns to traditional upland buildings.
It also emerges during financial pressure across the sector, as noted in a separate Charity Journal report on funding challenges facing UK charities.
Support for the project includes contributions from The Moondance Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, and private donors. Limited match funding remains available to expand restoration and engagement activities.
Tir Natur, founded in 2022, is Wales’ only charity dedicated solely to rewilding.
The organisation aims to create a national model showing how ecological restoration can support wildlife, communities, and rural livelihoods simultaneously.
