The UK’s first photography exhibition exploring the concept of rewilding is being launched this month at Bournemouth University’s Atrium Gallery.  

Rewilding is taking the UK by storm.  The 2019 bestselling book ‘Wilding’ by Isabella Tree has raised public awareness of the idea, as has a storyline on the Archers.  Sir David Attenborough is a supporter of rewilding and even Ed Sheeran says that he plans to rewild as much of the UK as he can.

Despite the publicity and soundbites, many people are not sure about what rewilding really means, and this exhibition by Dorset photographer and nature conservationist Dr Sam Rose intends to ‘unwrap’ the concept and help people to find out more; and encourage them to get involved themselves.   

Dr Sam Rose said:

“I hope that this exhibition will inspire people to find out a bit more about rewilding, what it means and why it is so important for us all.  It is all about letting go and allowing nature to take the lead in restoring damaged ecosystems, and about the people who have the courage to do that.  It is amazing and beautiful to see what happens when nature is allowed to thrive, and my thanks go to those who have shared their stories with me.“

The gallery is hosting a range of more than 40 images, including the animals that are the ‘ecosystem engineers’ and make rewilding happen, the people who choose to rewild, and the landscapes that result from rewilding.  It also includes some drone photography of some areas being rewilded, and a range of fine-art black and white images that explore the ‘messiness’ and uncertainty that surrounds rewilding.  

To find out more about the exhibition, visit: bournemouth.ac.uk/events/art-exhibition-what-if-you-just-leave-it-rewilding-unwrapped.

Image credit: Sam Rose.