The common definition of rewilding is to ‘restore (an area of land) to its natural uncultivated state (used especially with reference to the reintroduction of species of wild animal that have been driven out or exterminated).

It’s a relatively new word, but is becoming something of a buzz word among nature activists. Considering the vast ecological destruction we are faced with today, this is a word that brings hope, referring to the restoration of ecosystems.

Rewilding is a verb, a “doing word”, and as such the concept of rewilding expects far more of us than taking better care of our environment by recycling and using less plastic. It calls for us to do the work required to actively restore and even reverse the loss of biodiversity that we are currently witnessing.

Rewilding is about handing control back to nature, aiding the earth in resetting her natural rhythms and allowing the space, both physically and spiritually, for the creation of wilder, more diverse habitats and ecosystems.

Rewilding allows for the healing of the earth to take place and the reversal of the damage that has been done. It is not a passive exercise, not merely a giving up of bad habits and harmful practices, but an active process of opening ourselves to the needs of the earth, of building relationship and acknowledging our connection and our reliance on the earth for our wellbeing and for our very lives. We need water, air, food to exist and a healthier earth provides us with healthier options.

When nature is healthier, we are healthier! Connection to the earth is equally good for our metal and spiritual health.

“To speak of wilderness is to speak of wholeness. Human beings come out of that wholeness.” -Gary Snyder

Green Sod Ireland is a local community group dedicated to protect and conserve Irish land and biodiversity. They do this through bespoke plans to take care of lands that have been gifted to them for this purpose, through Ecological Education Programmes, and through community engagement.

They have graciously shared this video with us, explaining more about what they are doing here in Ireland:

 

 

Join our Five Days of Action for Biodiversity taking place next week, 6 – 10 September!