Well, I never thought I'd see the day! After 8,000 years of absence, there's talk of bringing back the magnificent European elk to our very own Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. It's absolutely thrilling news for us nature lovers, I must say!
The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trusts have received funding from Rewilding Britain to explore this fascinating possibility. These majestic creatures, known as moose across the pond in America, could soon be making their grand return to our countryside.
Now, I've always been fascinated by these gentle giants. They can grow up to 2.1 metres tall and weigh as much as 700 kilograms – that's about the weight of a small car! It's rather sad to think they disappeared from our shores all those years ago due to climate changes. But perhaps now, with our better understanding of conservation, we can give them a second chance.
The plan is to introduce them to two neighbouring wildlife enclosures at Willington Wetlands and Idle Valley Nature Reserve. What makes this even more exciting is that these areas are already home to beavers, which were reintroduced back in November 2021. Just imagine – elk and beavers living together in Britain for the first time in 3,000 years! It's like something out of a nature documentary.
Rebecca Wrigley, the Chief Executive of Rewilding Britain, explained it beautifully: "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."
I must say, I'm particularly excited about how these elk could help our woodlands. They're known to be excellent ecosystem engineers, promoting woodland regeneration and maintaining those lovely open clearings that so many other species depend on. Rachel Bennett from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust put it perfectly: "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."
The project is being supported by Rewilding Britain's Innovation Fund, with up to £15,000 being awarded to various initiatives. It's wonderful to see such investment in our natural heritage.
Of course, this is all still in the planning stages. As Rebecca Wrigley mentioned, it's a complex process that involves careful research, feasibility studies, and lots of community consultation. But I, for one, am keeping my fingers crossed that this magnificent project comes to fruition. Just think of the opportunities for our children and grandchildren to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat!
Wouldn't it be marvellous to take a stroll through Willington Wetlands or Idle Valley Nature Reserve and spot an elk in the distance? I know I'll be keeping a keen eye on this project's progress, and I hope you will too. After all, it's not every day we get the chance to right a wrong that's been 8,000 years in the making!