by Su and James Wood
2nd July 2025
YRN committee members Su and James Wood do a great job supporting this network-within-a-network. We asked them to tell us more about it…
What is the Small Scale Rewilders Group?
The Small Scale Rewilders Group is a part of the Yorkshire Rewilding Network where people with rewilding projects larger than a garden, but not as big as an estate, can benefit from connecting directly with others in a similar situation. It’s for asking queries, sharing experiences, and supporting each other, whatever stage you are at. There’s an email list for relevant communications, a thriving WhatsApp group, Zoom catch-ups in the colder months and in-person meet ups. The YRN Forum also has a dedicated Discussion Zone for Small Scale Rewilders.
How did it come about?
Meeting up at YRN site visit events, we realised how much people benefited from contact with other people with a rewilding project, and that we had similar questions, learned from each other’s experiences, and enjoyed being with like-minded fellow rewilders! So, in 2022, we set up the Small Scale Rewilders Group and it has been growing ever since, with over 70 members on the email list, and over 50 on the WhatsApp group.
Who can join?
You are welcome to join the Small Scale Rewilders Group if you have a rewilding project or are planning one. We suggest about 1-25 acres, but we have members with more than 25 acres too – they find they have many of the same queries and experiences.
Where does it meet?
We have members of the group right across Yorkshire. The WhatsApp community are regularly chatting, asking queries, sharing pictures etc. Some of the group have their projects on the summer site visit programme and/or on the YRN Map so there is a chance to experience small scale rewilding in action, and to meet other rewilders at any of the site visits. During the autumn and winter, we also have some Zoom meet-ups – there is always lots to talk about – hedges, ponds etc!
What does the group do?
The WhatsApp group and site/ Zoom meet-ups have made a great community. We learn so much from each other and gain confidence to try things out. We cover all sorts of topics such as ponds, hedges, tree planting, trail cameras, funding. Members have also arranged courses through external providers – it was great to have the chance to have a go at scything on a course last year.
Why should I join?
The YRN Small Scale Rewilding Group is a place to meet like-minded people with projects to inspire and to be part of the rewilding community. It is a place to ask questions and tap into other people’s experiences.
Do you have examples of people and projects involved?
There are a wide range of people and projects in the group, for example:
- A wildflower meadow, wildlife pond and scrub area managed with butterflies as a focus since 2005; 24 species of butterflies recorded so far!
- Approx. 40 acres of land – a mixture of hay meadow, moorland, woodland and rough grassland. ‘Although we have lived here 40 years I am now taking on more management of the land and looking at ways to improve what we have. I am keen to rewild and create as many different habitats as possible to support our wildlife.’
- Approx. 10 acres. ‘Over the last 5 years we have planted 1200 trees over 2 acres, and 800 metres of native hedge to ultimately replace post and wire fencing boundaries. Six acres is rough pasture, historically very heavily grazed by sheep. We are experimenting with intermittent cattle grazing and have created several fenced areas with tree and shrub planting to attempt to restore a (quite hilly!) wood pasture. We have an acre of very diverse meadow, an acre of garden, and a newly establishing orchard’.
Here are a few comments from our Small Scale Rewilders:
“Just saying – this is all brilliant – this WhatsApp group is my absolute favourite! Thanks folks – honestly – I love it!”
“Great to catch up [on Zoom] – thanks for sorting – to be continued! Always so much to cover!”
“Thanks for the resume of topics covered in the Zoom chat. It’s interesting to know what you talk about for those who can’t make it.”
“Lovely to meet face to face!”
It sounds great – how can I find out more and join?
Please email info@yorkshirerewildingnetwork.org.uk asking to join the group and we’ll put you in touch with Su and James. They’ll contact you and add you to the group and invite you along to the next meet-up. Do give us a bit of detail about your rewilding project – we are always keen to hear from Yorkshire rewilders.
We also pick up any people joining the YRN Forum Discussion Zone for Small Scale Rewilders and contact them through there.
