We don’t have ecology degrees - and maybe that’s exactly why our rewilding story matters.

Dear Reader,

We're just settling back home after an inspiring (and admittedly exhausting!) week in the UK, but most notably past weekend at the UK’s Birdfair - so this week’s newsletter might be a little different than usual.

Over the Birdfair weekend, both Luke and I (Katie) were working across the event, and one of the most powerful experiences we shared came from our time at the Young Conservationists Hub - a space created by the incredible Osprey Leadership Foundation to showcase emerging voices in conservation. The idea? To showcase the energy and positive impact young people bring to the nature conservation movement.

One talk in particular stood out. Our talented friend Elle Kaye took to the stage with a session titled “Creativity in Conservation: Being Other in a Science Space.” It was bold, deeply honest, and exactly the kind of conversation we need more of in the rewilding world.

Elle spoke about a number of punchy topics, but two that stood out for us were her takes on scientific elitism and academic gatekeeping - invisible walls that can make conservation feel like a private club, where only those with the ‘right’ credentials are allowed a voice. She challenged us to reconsider how we define expertise in this space, especially in a time when the climate crisis demands creativity, courage, and inclusion more than ever.

That really hit home for us. Rewilding, after all, isn’t only about ecological science - it’s about relationships, intuition, observation, and care. It’s about how people connect to land, to wildlife, and to each other. And it must include the perspectives of artists, Indigenous knowledge holders, craftspeople, and everyday nature-lovers - not just those with lab coats or letters after their names.

As Elle beautifully said:

She also spoke of imposter syndrome - how that culture of gatekeeping makes many feel like they don’t belong in the world of conservation at all. We know that feeling. Luke dropped out of university, and I studied Sports Science at university - not ecology. And yet here we are, seven years into this journey at Wild Finca, doing rewilding work every single day. And not because we followed a traditional path, but because we listened - to the land, to the birds, to our own sense of urgency and purpose, as well as other people we respected and who in the main were doing things a little differently.

The day after Elle’s talk, Luke gave a packed talk on Small-Scale Rewilding and our experience restoring Wild Finca. It was humbling and energising to speak alongside such passionate people - and reminded us again why this work matters.

Rewilding doesn’t have to start in a university. It starts when someone dares to notice. To wonder. To care. It starts in a backyard, a windowsill, a local woodland. It begins when we stop asking, “Am I qualified to do this?” and start asking, “What do I already know, love, and want to protect? And how does that guide my next steps?”

We share this with you because we think many of you may relate. Maybe you’ve felt like an outsider. Maybe you’ve doubted your place in this space, or your ability to make change. But if you’re reading this, please know: you belong here. And your voice - your story - your rewilding work (both inner and outer) - holds immense power.
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Don't forget the 3-day Mini Nature Quest!

We’ll be exploring this theme of rewilding yourself more deeply during our upcoming Mini Nature Quest, beginning July 23rd - a free, three-day digital gathering designed to help you (and your family) reconnect with the natural world, gently and joyfully.

Over the course of three simple, soul-soothing days, we’ll guide you through easy outdoor invitations that spark:
🌿 Wonder and curiosity
🌿 Calm and confidence
🌿 Deeper connection - with each other and with the wild
🌿 And the quiet joy of simply being outside together

Here’s what’s included:
✨ 3 Daily Nature Quests delivered by email - gentle prompts to help you feel confident outdoors
✨ A Private Community Space where you can connect, share your wins, and feel supported

It’s created with children in mind, but honestly, these invitations are just as nourishing for adults. Because rewilding isn’t just for kids - it’s for anyone craving less chaos and more connection this summer.

And remember, if you don't register through the above link then starting Wednesday you won't receive the 3-days into your inbox.
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We would love to see you there!
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From our wild corner to yours,
​Katie, Luke, Roan & Albus

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