Elk could return to UK after 3,000 years
After securing funding from Rewilding Britain, a conservation group is hoping elk will follow in the footsteps of beavers, bison and white-tailed eagles in making a celebrated return to the British countryside.
The reintroduction of woodland foragers and wetlands grazers such as elk is seen as 'absolutely crucial' by Wilder Landscapes and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to help repair ecosystems.
Their grazing and trampling could begin within three years inside fenced beaver enclosures at two nature reserves – Wellington Wetlands near Derby and Idle Valley near Retford.
The success of which could then open the door to their introduction in the wild.
Rachel Bennett, the deputy director of the trust, said: 'This exciting project could demonstrate how this crucial ecosystem engineer can thrive in floodplain landscapes, shaping diverse habitats that benefit communities and support biodiversity recovery.
'It may also serve as a catalyst for engaging people in the long-term benefits of returning elk to the wild.'
Elk a 'keystone species'
Elk, which is the same species as moose in North America, were wiped out in Britain around 3,000 years ago as a result of overhunting and the draining of the wetlands they inhabited.
Elk are one of three deer species that are native to the UK, alongside red and roe deer.
In plans boosted by funding this week, several other projects have benefited from up to £15,000 from Rewilding Britain to help support innovative rewilding efforts.
Rebecca Wrigley, chief executive of Rewilding Britain, said: 'Keystone species like elk, bison and beaver play a vital role in bringing nature back to life.
'They help repair ecosystems and shape wild places in ways that benefit wildlife, people and the climate. Successfully reintroducing missing species like these is absolutely crucial.
'It's a complex process involving multiple stages of research and development, feasibility studies, impact assessments, and community consultations.
'By taking the time and effort to get it right, we can create a more hopeful future for everyone.'
It follows the Wilder Blean project, which saw the European bison – the continent's largest land mammal – released into 50 hectares of woodland near Canterbury in July 2022.
Paul Whitfield, the director general at Wildwood Trust, said: 'The success of Wilder Blean has demonstrated what an astonishing impact bison can have on their environment in a relatively short space of time, as well as the amazing opportunities their reintroduction presents for eco-tourism and education.
'We'd love to see reintroduction projects like Wilder Blean taking place at appropriate sites across the UK, bringing the benefits of this amazing keystone species to multiple habitats.'
In total, 13 projects have been awarded funding, including one helping to bring beavers back to the northern Highlands, another looking to increase tree species diversity in the area and a seagrass restoration feasibility study in Cornwall.
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