What is the WildEast initiative?

WildEast is a grassroots movement started by three "eco-anxious" farmers in East Anglia that aims to rewild 20% of the region. In 2025, they launched a nationwide "Map of Dreams" to encourage people across the UK to take action and restore nature.

How are farmers participating in the WildEast initiative?

Farmers like Hugh Crossley, or Lord Somerleyton, have committed at least 20% of their land to nature, leading to the recording of hundreds of species on their estates. Smaller farmers like Cameron Wheeler have also pledged to make their land more natural.

What are some examples of community-led nature restoration efforts?

The village of Wenhaston in Suffolk has a volunteer group that has expanded its efforts as "Wilder Wenhaston," planting new woods, restoring ponds, and creating a tree nursery. Hadleigh High School in Suffolk is also creating a pond and wildlife area on its grounds.

Home / Environment / Eco-Anxious Farmers Launch "Map of Dreams" to Restore Nature Across UK

Eco-Anxious Farmers Launch "Map of Dreams" to Restore Nature Across UK

20 Oct, 2025

•

Summary

Grassroots movement WildEast expands nationwide with "Map of Dreams" to collect pledges
Thousands of people have already pledged to rewild gardens, schools, and businesses
Farmers commit at least 20% of their land to nature, recording 904 moth species and 33 Red-List birds

Eco-Anxious Farmers Launch "Map of Dreams" to Restore Nature Across UK

In October 2025, a grassroots movement to rewild a fifth of East Anglia has expanded nationwide with the launch of the "Map of Dreams" by the organization WildEast. The initiative, started five years ago by three "eco-anxious" farmers, aims to collect pledges and connect communities, businesses, and individuals seeking to revive nature across the UK.

Since its founding, thousands of people have pledged to rewild their gardens, school grounds, and local areas. Farmers like Hugh Crossley, or Lord Somerleyton, have committed a quarter of their 2,023-hectare estates to biodiversity, while still producing food. This has led to the recording of 904 moth species, 33 Red-List birds, and six endangered amphibians on Crossley's land.