Convergent Web Story
- sydneygarrick002
- May 15, 2025
- 2 min read
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How “Mossy Earth” Rewilding charity measures success and navigates challenges
Rewilding projects aim to reverse biodiversity loss but how do we measure their long term success and what obstacles do rewilding organisations face.
Rewilding is a form of ecological restoration that aims to increase biodiversity and restore natural processes so nature can become self-sustaining again. This can be done in a range of ways such as protecting natural ecosystems, reintroducing native species, and reducing humans impact on nature.
Mossy Earth is a rewilding charity that both funds and leads projects all over the world from Indonesia to Ecuador, to here in the UK. They are dedicated to restoring ecosystems, combating climate change and helping biodiversity and wildlife. One of the many ongoing projects of the charity is the four year long project of the restoration of the understory of Scottish woodland branching out over three different sites. The charity also emphasises the important topic of rewilding on a small scale which can help to support wildlife and contribute to a healthier environment which can be done by anyone with an outdoor space.
But how is the success of rewilding measured and what are the biggest challenges that rewilding charities must face to continue with rewilding projects.
The first thing many people think of when they hear the term rewilding is the initial project such as a species release, however the aftermath is where the real work begins. Mossy Earth said: “In short, yes!” when asked about if there are visits to the project sites as well as tests being conducted post completion of the project. Many rewilding organisations use scientific methodologies to track any ecological changes.
However, rewilding charities including Mossy Earth face many challenges during their work and projects. The biggest challenge that Mossy Earth brought to light is the: “Frustratingly slow and bureaucratic process of getting licences from governmental and public bodies.” The charity used their oyster restoration project in Scotland as an example of this as they have had to apply for more than ten separate licences before proceeding with the project.
This hurdle was listed as one of the biggest lessons learnt by the Mossy Earth team as a member stated that they: “We have learnt to curtail our ambition that is often thwarted by the slow process of getting the required licences from public bodies.” This highlights that the success and challenges in regard to rewilding is not just about successfully restoring ecosystems and helping combat climate change but is also largely about policies and working in bureaucratic systems.
Rewilding prioritises restoration of the environment but comes with real challenges and hurdles that require patience for rewilding charities such as Mossy Earth to implement so that they can continue with successful rewilding projects. Despite these challenges rewilding is an effective and powerful tool to help aid the environment and with more people discovering the movement it seems that it is gaining both popularity and momentum, hopefully leading to a more self-sustaining natural world.
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