Cities Gone Wild: Urban Rewilding in Disadvantaged England

Abstract: England is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Rewilding creates ‘benefits for both ecosystems and societies’ (Perino et al., 2019). Disadvantaged communities are often those who would benefit most yet are continually side-lined for their more privileged counterparts. Through a literature review and three interviews with experts related to each research question, focus is placed on not only how rewilding projects could aid these communities but also how communities can contribute to rewilding. Rewilding can improve health and societal cohesiveness, while protecting the environment and tackling climate change (Holland, 2021). Active citizenship is necessary for long-term success, yet a key barrier remains to ensure the space is inclusive to all, regardless of age, disability, or ethnicity. Rewilding can transform environments and communities at low cost. As projects are context-specific, however, a wide range of stakeholders – including the community – need to be involved throughout for it to be successful.