How Knepp Estate's rewilding revived wildlife and transformed a failing farm
Knepp Estate in southern England has transformed from a struggling farm into a thriving rewilding success. Since the project began in 2001, wildlife has flourished, with rare species making a remarkable comeback. The estate now supports beavers, free-roaming ponies, and even endangered turtle doves.
Charlie Burrell inherited Knepp Estate in 1985 but faced financial difficulties with intensive farming. By the late 1990s, he shifted focus, introducing rewilding measures. Native wildflowers, grasses, and animals like Tamworth pigs, Exmoor ponies, and beavers were brought in to restore natural habitats.
The results have been dramatic. Dragonflies and damselflies increased by 870%, while butterfly species richness grew by 110%. Thirteen new butterfly species, previously unrecorded in the UK, were documented after extensive grazing and woodland regrowth. Breeding bird numbers, including nightingales, have risen ninefold since 2007.
Turtle doves, which have declined by 98% nationwide since 1994, now thrive at Knepp. Singing males rose from just two in 2008 to 22 by 2024. The estate also features beaver wetlands, heron colonies, and free-roaming Exmoor ponies.
Beyond conservation, Knepp supports 168 jobs through eco-tourism, offering glamping, safaris, and guided tours. A restaurant and educational programmes add to its economic success. The team is now working with local farmers to create a 100-mile wildlife corridor across Sussex.
Yet challenges remain. Some farmers criticise rewilding, fearing it could threaten traditional farming. Habitat loss in surrounding areas also poses risks to long-term success.
Knepp Estate's rewilding has brought back rare species and boosted local biodiversity. The project's economic model, combining conservation with tourism, has secured jobs and funding. Despite opposition, its impact on wildlife and the local economy remains clear.
