A weekend of rewilding, regeneration and vision for a wilder world

Wilderfest is a  new kind of micro festival celebrating the beauty of nature, and the potential of our native landscape and species to thrive once again.  A weekend with some of the most inspiring nature conservationists, ecologists and experts in rewilding. Roy Dennis, Benedict Mcdonald, Dr Bryony Coles, Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, Gerhard Schwab, Derek Gow,

Sam Lee , Guy Shrubsole and many more.(See programme below).

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Set in Coombeshead, amongst the hills of Devon, this a a unique project run by the farmer and nature conservationist  Derek Gow, this changing landscape  is being transformed from a traditional, highly managed human environment of livestock and vivid green pastures to a new landscape, one where habitats develop through natural processes. Where nature sets its course.

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Farming has now ceased on 300 acres at Coombeshead. We are at the beginning of a new journey, one which will give the land an opportunity to relax, recover and re adjust.

Our vision and hope are that gradually, slowly, life will return. New life, not hemmed in by hedgerows or restricted to narrow verges but full and complete.

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More details on Rewilding Coombeshead here.

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You can camp or stay in beautiful shepherds’ huts or hire a luxury bell tent with beds.

Whilst here you can take part in our guided wildlife walks and see some of our rewilding helpers such as the beaver, wild pigs, ponies and mouflon. New for this year, our small herd of gigantic water buffalos, wallowing through the wetland, creating new ponds for amphibians and other wildlife. We will introduce you to species being bred for reintroduction such as white storks, wild cats, beavers, water voles and harvest mice, and you can learn about their vital roles in our natural environment. 

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In the evening relax round the fire, listen to beautiful music and watch our free roaming wild animals from dedicated viewing platforms or take part in organised beaver or bat watching activities.  

Camping is included in the price, if you bring your own tent, or you can hire a Luxury Shepherds hut from this link  https://rewildingcoombeshead.co.uk/shepherds-huts/

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You can hire a Tipi or yurt from here: www.hearthworks/festivals/wilderfest 

The festival will be limited to 150 people maximum, so will sell out.  

Tickets are £150 for the whole weekend and £120 concessions for students and those on low income, as we want to make the event affordable for most people.

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It promises to be a brilliant weekend with some fantastic speakers, music, delicious food, wildlife and much more!