Mosaic of British habitats including ancient woodland, wildflower meadow and wetland in a rewilded landscape

    Habitat Types

    From ancient rainforests to flower-rich meadows, explore the habitats that rewilding seeks to restore across Britain.

    Britain's Lost Landscapes

    The UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows, most of its wetlands, and the majority of its native woodland since 1930. Rewilding projects are working to restore these vital habitats, bringing back the rich tapestry of life that once covered these islands.

    Ancient British woodland with towering oak trees and a carpet of bluebells

    Ancient Woodland

    Irreplaceable ecosystems covering just 2.5% of the UK. Centuries-old soil communities, bluebells, and veteran trees that cannot be recreated.

    Aerial view of UK salt marsh with tidal creeks and sea lavender

    Coastal & Salt Marshes

    Blue carbon powerhouses capturing 40x more carbon than rainforests. Vital for flood defence, fisheries, and wading birds.

    Moss-covered ancient oak trees in a Celtic rainforest with ferns and lichens

    Celtic Rainforest

    Britain's rarest habitat: ancient Atlantic oakwoods draped in mosses, lichens, and ferns. Found along the wet western coasts.

    Colourful wildflower meadow with native British flowers and grasses

    Wildflower Meadows

    Species-rich grasslands that once covered Britain, now reduced to just 3% of their former extent. A haven for pollinators.

    Natural wetland habitat with reeds, open water and native vegetation

    Wetlands & Rivers

    From beaver wetlands to restored floodplains, water habitats are crucial for wildlife, flood prevention, and carbon storage.

    Restored peatland bog with sphagnum moss and heather in British uplands

    Peatland Restoration

    The UK's largest carbon store. Restoring degraded peatlands locks up carbon and creates unique habitats for specialist species.

    Native hedgerow with hawthorn, blackthorn and wildflowers in British farmland

    Hedgerow Restoration

    Britain's living field boundaries support 2,000+ species. Grants now fund farmers to plant and restore these vital wildlife corridors.

    Habitat Loss in Numbers

    97%

    Wildflower meadows lost since 1930s

    80%

    Lowland heathland disappeared

    1%

    Celtic rainforest remaining in Wales

    90%

    Wetlands drained in England

    Explore UK Rewilding Projects

    See how projects across Britain are restoring these vital habitats in our regional guides.

    WalesEnglandScotlandNorthern Ireland