Conservation leaders gather in Devon to explore the future of nature recovery

The event, If Not Now, When?, was held at Rewilding Coombeshead and organised by artist and regenerative farmer Nick Viney. Bringing together some of the country's leading voices in conservation, the conference explored topics ranging from species reintroductions and rainforest restoration to fungi, insects, large herbivores and the relationship between people and wildlife.

Hosted in the site's "Strawditorium" – converted cattle sheds overlooking conservationist Derek Gow's 400-acre rewilding project – the event focused on how Britain's landscapes can be restored through functioning ecosystems rather than simply protecting individual species.

Throughout the weekend, speakers argued that healthy landscapes are not static environments preserved in time, but dynamic ecosystems shaped by natural processes, disturbance and change.

Paul Whitfield, Director General of Wildwood Trust, highlighted the role of large herbivores such as European bison in creating more diverse habitats through grazing, bark stripping, dust bathing and their movement across the landscape.

Speakers also spoke of the interconnected nature of ecosystems, exploring the links between forests and oceans, fungi and trees, predators and prey, and rivers and wildlife.

Sam Manning of the Woodland Trust summed up the message by saying: "If you want to catch a fish, plant a tree."

Alongside ecological restoration, the conference also explored the importance of building consensus around conservation.

Writer and ecologist Hugh Warwick encouraged listeners to move beyond increasingly polarised debates surrounding environmental issues, quoting author Mary Colwell.

He reminded the audience: "We need creative collaboration. We need to be willing to work through our distaste of other people's views."

The theme of coexistence continued throughout the event, with speakers arguing that conservation is not only about enabling wildlife and people to live alongside one another, but also about finding common ground between those working to shape the future of Britain's landscapes.

Veteran conservationist Roy Dennis MBE reinforced the idea that ecological function should take precedence over appearance, suggesting that features often viewed as untidy – including deadwood, carcasses, dung and disturbed ground – are essential components of healthy ecosystems that support a rich diversity of life.

Discussions also focused on the wider benefits of restoring nature, including reducing flood risk, improving water quality, increasing resilience to climate change and creating healthier environments for both wildlife and people.

Nick Viney, Director of Keep It Wild CIC, said: "As a society, we need to understand the connection between nature recovery and risk. Healthy landscapes don't just support wildlife, they help protect us from flooding and fire, strengthen food and water security, and build resilience for the future. Natural systems are the threads that hold everything together, and we have to concentrate on rebuilding the missing pieces if we're going to restore balance. As Robin Wall Kimmerer writes, 'Land is where our responsibility to the world is enacted.' I want to act responsibly, because our future depends on it."

Away from the conference programme, visitors took part in guided wildlife walks, bug safaris, species recovery tours and evening beaver watching sessions, giving them the opportunity to see conservation projects in action.

Meals throughout the weekend were prepared by ecological chef Arthur Duncan using locally sourced seasonal produce, in keeping with the event's emphasis on strengthening people's relationship with the natural world through food as well as conservation.

Visitors also learned about the range of species recovery work underway at Rewilding Coombeshead, including projects involving turtle doves, wildcats and water voles, alongside future ambitions to support species such as lapwings and red-backed shrikes.

The conference featured an impressive line-up of speakers, including conservation pioneer Roy Dennis MBE, naturalist Sir John Lister-Kaye OBE, species reintroduction specialist Derek Gow, Wildwood Trust Director General Paul Whitfield, Scottish farmer and beaver advocate Tom Bowser, ecologist Hugh Warwick, mycologist David Satori, forest ecologist Sam Manning, Forestry England's Forest Wilding Programme Manager Bev Nichols, conservation scientist Dr Amy Fitzmaurice and several other experts working across ecology, species recovery, forestry and environmental research.

Organisers said the event demonstrated that successful conservation will rely not only on restoring lost species but also on rebuilding the ecological processes that sustain them, while finding practical ways for people and wildlife to thrive together.

If Not Now, When? will return to Rewilding Coombeshead in 2027, with bestselling author and pioneering rewilding advocate Isabella Tree announced as the first confirmed speaker. Further speakers are expected to be revealed in the coming months.