The Knepp Wildland Project

Knepp in 15 min Past - The roller-coaster ride of farming Present - The Zen-like art of letting go Future – Creators of disturbance

Knepp Estate 3,500 Acres

Past - The roller-coaster ride of farming 3500 acre of marginal land – heavy bolder clay intensive farming – 600 dairy cows; 2000 acres arable 20 years of ups and downs

….then along comes the Countryside Stewardship Scheme

Present 1400 acres in a Countryside Stewardship Scheme in a park restoration project

Present The vision involves the re-introduction of large grazing and browsing herbivores, either as wild animals, or domestic analogues

Old English Longhorns and Exmoor Ponies Tamworth Pigs Fallow Deer

Present Surprisingly rapid recovery of wildlife Enormous psychological benefits

Creators of Disturbance

Zen-like art of letting go

Future Ring fence 8000 acres Take out most internal fences Tunnels/Land Bridges

Future Holistic report sponsored by ‘Natural England’ (Countryside Agency, English Nature and Defra)

Wildland Experience