Transformative Rewilding: My Summer as a Habitat Surveyor at Knepp Estate

This summer I had the unique opportunity to work as a habitat surveyor with Operation Wallacea (OpWall) at the Knepp Estate, a pioneering rewilding project in the UK.  It was a highly rewarding experience. Not only did I feel I was providing important educational opportunities for people looking to go into conservation but it also allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative effects of the Knepp Rewilding Project on habitat creation.

Working at Knepp was a great opportunity as it is an important site for conservation, education and ecotourism. The change in the landscape at Knepp in just the first 20 years has represented the power of natural processes and the ability of rewilding to reshape environments. This project is at the cutting edge, offering a much-needed optimistic view of the future of conservation. Positive stories such as the return of turtle doves, which indicates the restoration of previous ecosystems, are significant for their ecological impact but also acting as a flagship species, providing inspiration, education and ecotourism.

As a habitat surveyor, I taught survey techniques to a diverse range of volunteers, including field techniques, species ID and discussion of current UK law surrounding biodiversity. These discussions encouraged critical thinking among volunteers, sparking engaging discussions which generated a diversity of perspectives, inspiring me as much as it did them. Taking part in these debates was a highly enriching experience, as it allowed volunteers to challenge current conservation practices and explore innovative ideas.

Photo by Bella Roberts

These surveys also generated useful data for OpWall’s long-term data collection which is important for quantifying the impact of rewilding strategies at Knepp, providing evidence to support the more anecdotal evidence. This data can therefore help inform future conservation efforts through demonstrating the effectiveness of rewilding as a valuable approach to restoring biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem resilience.

Living on-site throughout the season gave me unparalleled access to areas of the estate usually inaccessible to the public. The opportunity to spend an extended period of time at the site allowed me to understand and experience the changes within the site over the season. Working with OpWall has also provided the opportunity to meet and work alongside Knepp specialists whose shared fascinating insights into the ecology of Knepp, ranging from anecdotal stories to scientific findings, which broadened my knowledge of the estate’s complex ecological dynamics.

Photo by Eva Basnett

As well as benefitting from my interactions with Knepp staff, I was also able to meet volunteers, staff, academics and local conservationists, a close and friendly team of people who became an invaluable part of my experience at Knepp. These connections led to great conversations about different parts of conservation, helping us share ideas, learn from each other, and look at important environmental issues from different angles. The staff team at Knepp brought a brilliant positivity to the site, creating an uplifting atmosphere that made the experience even more rewarding. Their enthusiasm and dedication to rewilding and conservation were contagious, and it reinforced the importance of hope and optimism in environmental work.

Photo by Bella Roberts

Being a part of such an important project has given me a profound appreciation for the power of rewilding to restore ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. It has also strengthened my commitment to conservation, equipping me with new skills, insights, and connections that will guide my future work in the field. This experience has been a pivotal step in my journey as a conservationist, and I leave Knepp with a renewed sense of optimism for the future of our natural world.

Title photo by Eva Basnett