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ecosystem services

The recovery of our soils and wetlands and the regeneration of our shrubs and trees means we’ve gone from being a significant carbon emitter under intensive farming to a powerful carbon sink under rewilding.

Methane emitted from our livestock is likely to be much lower than in intensive systems given their natural diet and these emissions should be viewed holistically, as part of the natural carbon cycle of our functioning ecosystem. 

Data analysis carried out by Queen Mary University of London has shown that in 18 years the Southern Block has gained 1.3million square metres of scrub. About a third of the area that was previously under arable is now scrub. This scrub, as well as other habitat gained from the rewilding process, provides other vital ecosystem services for the public good. We have made huge gains in terms of soil restoration, carbon sequestration, water storage and water purification, flood mitigation, air purification, habitat for rare species and other wildlife – including pollinating insects, and space for nature, all of which benefit to human mental and physical health.  

In 2012, a report by DEFRA quantifying eight key ‘ecosystem services’ showed that Knepp’s scores had improved dramatically from the previous regime of intensive farming (the blue line in the spidergram below). (‘Fresh water’ is concerned with reservoirs etc for water storage, which we do not have on Knepp, so this score remained the same).   

As our ecosystem continues to recover, becoming ever more complex and dynamic, the services it provides (often now referred to as ‘public goods’) continue to grow. Longterm studies looking into carbon, water storage, soil health and biodiversity at Knepp provide evidence to show how rewilding can provide fundamental improvements to the environment – our life-support system 

Further Information

Davidson, Sarah. Rewilding Benefits Ecosysem Services. (Cranfield University 2019):  Link to her report on our monitoring and surveys page  

Why We Need Rewilding https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/explore-rewilding/what-is-rewilding/why-we-need-rewilding 

 Helm, Dieter. Natural Capital – valuing the planet. (Yale University Press, 2015)  

Helm, Dieter. Green and prosperous land. (William Collins, 2020) 

Lawton, John. Making Space for Nature – a review of England’s wildlife sites and ecological network. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (16 September 2010)

Our 12+ Policy

Knepp Wildland Safaris, our gardens and campsite are all about the quiet and patient observation of nature.

Some of the species we are likely to encounter are shy or can be frightened by loud noises or sudden movements. Our campsite with open-air fire-pits, wood-burning stoves and an on-site pond is unsuitable for small children.

For this reason, our safaris, garden visits, holiday cottages and campsite are suitable only for children of 12 and over.

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