Smaller-scale Rewilding Approaches - Park-scale Rewilding

LettsSafari experts take a look at park-scale rewilding versus garden-scale - the approaches, commercial models and grants

At LettsSafari we are big believers in smaller-scale rewilding. We use a variety of ecological methods and green technology methods to create our eco safari parks but rewilding is the most important. Here’s a look at some of the most fundamental models, approaches and ways to get going.

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Smaller-scale rewilding projects (rewilding projects smaller than 250 acres) are divided into a number of different models - most of which are based on size. But the two most fundamentally different models are garden-scale versus park-scale rewilding.

Park-scale rewilding gets me!

Garden-scale rewilding

Garden-scale rewilding can be defined as an area less than 10 acres (generally much smaller), which utilises various wildlife gardening techniques alongside rewilding methods, and is managed by people, not herbivores. Garden-scale rewilding also has lower setup costs and initial capital expenditures and does not necessitate a perimeter fence.

Also, from a natural capital perspective garden-scale rewilding does not generally rely on grants. Most garden-scale rewilders are hobbyists.

Designing Your Safari Garden

Park-scale rewilding

We define three basic park-scale rewilding models based on size:

- small park (10 - 20 acres) 

- medium park (20 - 50 acres) 

- large park (50+ acres). 

LettsSafari parks span all the above. In future articles we will go into each in more detail.

In general, park-scale rewilding has higher setup costs than garden-scale. It also takes longer to establish and requires a minimum 4 foot high perimeter fence and gates. If there is no natural waterway then one needs to be established.

Wetlands get you these guys!!

Further, park-scale spaces are generally large enough that their design needs to factor in a mix of herbivores which are introduced to manage the habitats, keep invasive species back and drive the forces of natural habitat regeneration. You should not introduce herbivores until your core habitats are in place and the construction of fencing and gates has been completed.

Smaller-Scale Rewilding - an Introduction