Yorkshire Estate Embraces Rewilding for Returns

Broughton Sanctuary, an expansive estate in North Yorkshire, is set to undergo an accelerated transformation through a significant investment from Rebalance Earth. This initiative treats nature as critical infrastructure, aiming to deliver financial, environmental, and social returns.

Over the past five years, 330,000 native trees have been planted on the estate, alongside efforts to restore woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands. These actions have already led to the return of wildlife such as otters and curlews, and the successful reintroduction of beavers.

Rebalance Earth's funding, described as "a few million," will enable rewilding across approximately 700 hectares. The project will involve felling non-native spruce trees to plant native species and shrubs, creating more diverse habitats. Native breeds like Iron Age pigs and Dales ponies will be introduced to improve soil health.

This rewilding effort is also designed to generate economic benefits. The project will create income through nature credits, biodiversity net gain (BNG) units, and carbon credits, tapping into a growing market driven by environmental regulations. Rebalance Earth's approach focuses on restoring natural processes to mitigate risks like flooding and drought.

Located near Skipton, Broughton Sanctuary has a history spanning nearly 1,000 years under the ownership of the Tempest family. The estate has previously diversified income through developing business parks and hosting wellness retreats, with restored buildings gaining prominence through film and television appearances.