INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
OF REWILDING
We were appointed to conduct a feasibility and vision document for the proposed 'International School of Rewilding' for the Wildheart Trust, based in Sandown, Isle of Wight.
Working closely with the Wildheart Trust, putting together a vision for what would form the basis for a brief of rewilding the Isle of Wight. The basis of this work started with the rich ecology, the UNESCO biosphere, working closely with The Common Space and Wildheart to map out nature as the priority and key design constraint in all considerations.
Four key aims included:
1. British school of rewilding
To create a centre of excellence to support the education of students, professionals, organisations and communities about the principles and practices of protecting our environment and restoring natural ecosystems to their wild state
This will encompass associated disciplines such as marine biology, zoology, ecology and natural history offering hands-on training in reintroducing native species, managing habitats, and enhancing biodiversity, while also
emphasizing sustainable land use and ecological restoration techniques.
2. Rewild the area
Rewild the area both within the “golf course” complex and beyond to the surrounding estate, showcasing the latest techniques in sustainable build technologies, nature friendly design and habitat restoration.
3. Community revival
Attract students, professionals and others into the area to stay and study, increasing footfall to surrounding attractions and businesses, helping to revive the high street and rejuvenate an area of rural deprivation and its communities that are quickly sliding into extinction.
4. Wildheart's profile
To increase The Wildheart Trust’s profile as a leader in native species conservation and research whilst driving additional revenue opportunities to support the charities work.
Project : Rewilding, Education, Leisure
Client : Wildheart Trust
Feasibility completed: 2025
Location : Sandown, Isle of Wight, UK