A grassroots movement that aimed to rewild a fifth of East Anglia is expanding across the UK with the launch of Wild Kingdom's 'map of dreams', a platform for pledges and community connections to restore nature.
WildEast was founded five years ago by three 'eco-anxious' farmers—Hugh Crossley, Olly Birkbeck, and Argus Hardy—who committed at least a fifth of their land to nature. Thousands have since pledged to rewild gardens, school grounds, and businesses. The new national version encourages broader participation, allowing users to share pictures, tips, and success stories as digital 'witness statements' to nature recovery.
Crossley, also known as Lord Somerleyton, has turned a quarter of his 2,023-hectare estate over to biodiversity while producing carbon-negative wheat and fava beans. His land now hosts 904 moth species, 33 red-list bird species, and six endangered amphibian species. 'Wild Kingdom is the next great leap—one map to bind us all,' he said.
Pledges include Hadleigh high school in Suffolk, which is creating a pond and wildlife area. Teacher Katy Miller noted that new housing is shrinking wildlife space, inspiring pupils to act. Eleven-year-old eco team member Victor Hills said, 'If we get to 20% [of land for nature], I don't think we should stop there.'
Farmers like Cameron Wheeler, who runs a no-dig vegetable farm in Suffolk, have also joined. In Wenhaston, volunteers have planted four new woods, restored two ponds, and created a tree nursery. Chair Alan Miller emphasised the importance of recording nature: 'If it ain't recorded, it doesn't exist, especially in planning terms.'
