The global population is set to reach 11bn by the end of the century. That’s an additional 3.2bn people compared with today, in a world where many cities are already facing serious housing crises.

Add to this the fact that global warming is threatening the very existence of humans – and many other species – at an exponential rate and, among other issues, placing significant pressure on food and resources. The concept of “rewilding” the planet is therefore something of a necessity if we are to address these issues. 

Last month the government pledged to protect 30% of the nation’s countryside by 2030 in a bid to aid biodiversity recovery. That’s an extra 400,000ha on top of what we have now. Many other countries are doing something similar.

…