Introduction to Rewilding at Mapperton

Tour details

Join Prof Tom Brereton for an expert tour of our rewilding project at Mapperton, where natural processes are allowed to shape the future landscape as part of our efforts to support biodiversity and ecosystem recovery.  As well as leaving the land alone in the rewilding areas, more environmentally-friendly farming and land management regimes are gradually being implemented across the estate.

During the morning walk we will describe the project and the work underway, explore an extensive area of grassland, marsh and scrub at the beginning of this journey. We hope to track down the magnificent herd of White Park cattle, one of England’s oldest native breeds, as well as our Tamworth pigs and wild Exmoor ponies.

Date and Time: 10am Sunday 29th September 2024

Location: Meet at the Coach House café

Schedule: Introductions, coffee and biscuits followed by a 5 minute drive up to Coltleigh Farm

Duration: 2 hour guided walk with Prof Tom Brereton

Tickets: £30 per person – click to purchase 

Prof. Tom Brereton 

Tom is a highly experienced ecologist with a lifelong interest in natural history.  He has an MSc in Conservation and a PhD in Butterfly Ecology.  Tom has worked for the Northumberland Wildlife Trust as an RSPB Warden and Reserves Ecologist, as Associate Director of Research at Butterfly Conservation, and more recently as co-founder of Marinelife, monitoring cetaceans and seabirds in Lyme Bay.   Tom is currently a Visiting Researcher at Exeter University, as well as an ecotourism guide, leading bird, butterfly, mammal and botanical tours across the Europe, Asia and North America.  Tom lives locally in Bridport and we are delighted to have Tom as Mapperton’s Ecologist and advisor on our Rewilding Project.

Unfortunately we cannot offer a refund or alternative date for your Wildlands booking unless the weather forces cancellation. We also cannot guarantee the weather, or that you will see your target species. Nature can unpredictable, despite our best efforts! However there’s always plenty of wildlife to see.

Please note that all tours involve walking on uneven ground and are undertaken at your own risk. Suitable clothing and sturdy walking boots are essential.