WRITER and documentary maker Nick Rosen has purchased a section of land in Cookbury with the express intention of setting up a ‘re-wilding’ project and was due to host a walk yesterday [December 11] after the Post went to press to encourage volunteers to get involved.

Nick, a writer and documentary maker specialising in environmental issues for titles such as The Spectator, The Guardian and others, recently bought a wetland field in Cookbury and is planning a re-wilding there, using specially selected trees, thanks to a grant from the Woodland Trust.

Speaking about his motivations for purchasing the land and starting the project, Nick said: “Re-wilding is so important in the UK today — with climate change laying waste to many species of trees and plants and insects; with developers and TV property shows trying to turn everything pristine — re-wilding brings back native species and encourages local plants and animals.”

Nick said the land he has purchased at Cookbury is ‘rarer’ than most and something he feels is of great importance locally.

“The field I bought is in an area of ‘wet woodland’ which is even rarer and more important than tropical rainforest when it comes to preserving and enhancing nature’s diversity — I am part of the movement to plant millions of trees in this country, but I don’t want this to be confined to thousands of hectares of conifers and other ‘tree-crops’.

“We need more diversity and as I love the Devon/Cornwall border I wanted to do something to help keep the area special and preserve its natural habitat.”

The project is being directed by the former head forester for the National Trust, a partnership Nick is pleased with.

He said: “We have a brilliant Forester (Michael Steed — former head forester, National Trust) directing the works, and we are searching for volunteers for two to three days this winter (early March) and another two days in late spring, to help plant and maintain.”

Nick was due to host a walk around the re-wilding site on Wednesday, December 11, starting at 3pm, with a rain date set for today [December 12] at 10am.

Anyone wishing to join the walk should meet outside the church in Cookbury. For more information or to get involved and volunteer contact Nick on 07971543703 or email [email protected]