Rewilding improves wellbeing and community connection, charity report says

Heal Rewilding says hundreds of people reported better understanding of nature, stronger connections and positive behaviour changes

Rewilding projects can improve wellbeing, strengthen community connections and change how people think about nature, according to a new charity report.

Heal Rewilding’s Social Impact Report found benefits for young people, volunteers, underserved communities and visitors as well as for wildlife and habitats.

The report covers April 2025 to March 2026 and is based on activity linked to Heal Somerset, the charity’s rewilding site.

Nearly 1,000 young people took part in Heal programmes during the year, while 1,539 people attended events and 265 volunteers contributed their time.

The charity said 295 people from underserved backgrounds spent time engaging with nature at Heal Somerset.

Feedback showed 88 per cent of 240 respondents reported an improved understanding of the natural environment and rewilding.

A further 92 per cent of 278 respondents reported an increased sense of wellbeing, connection and community.

The report also found 89 per cent of 163 respondents said they had made positive behaviour changes.

Heal said the findings added to evidence that access to nature can help bridge inequalities, strengthen communities and support better health and wellbeing.

Access to healthier natural spaces could also help to create stronger and more resilient communities and reduce pressure on public services such as the NHS, it added. 

Jan Stannard, chief executive and co-founder of Heal, said: “This report demonstrates how important rewilding is to people. Everyone should be able to experience the benefits of a healthier natural world, regardless of their background or circumstances.

“Above all, this report reflects the hope that lies at the heart of our work and the power of collaboration in making change happen: these achievements would not have been possible without the support of Heal’s volunteers, community partners, donors and wider networks.

“Their collective efforts have helped create opportunities for thousands of people to connect with nature while supporting the recovery of wildlife and habitats.”

READ MORE: Volunteers collect 11m rare seeds to restore Scotland’s native forests. Trees gathered by hand from remote western areas and Scotland’s rainforest could help grow 7.8m trees for woodland recovery.

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