New Scientist | Science of Rewilding Weekender | Coombeshead, Devon

Discover how nature is making a comeback in the scenic Devon countryside.

Rewilding allows nature to take care of itself: repairing damaged ecosystems, reintroducing species and restoring natural landscapes to create more diverse habitats.

On this weekender, you will have the unique opportunity to stay at the heart of this conservation-in-action project, at Rewilding Coombeshead, nestled deep in the beautiful Devonshire countryside. In their own words ‘we create life here’. Witness the project's ‘rewilding helpers’ such as water buffalo, wild boar, mouflon sheep and Exmoor ponies in action, with Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor as your beautiful backdrops.

Hosted by New Scientist’s staff writer, Graham Lawton, along with leading ecology experts, learn about the history of rewilding; how rewilding is becoming a global phenomenon, and all about the native species that are being reintroduced to the British countryside.

We’ve built in plenty of free time for you to explore the beautiful countryside, where, it is believed, some of the local forests may date back to Medieval times, and chat with our experts.

The main event is over three days, but you can choose to arrive a day earlier as there is so much to explore in this part of Devon.

For full event details www.newscientist.com/tours/science-rewilding-weekender-coombeshead.

If you have a query, email tours@newscientist.com

DAY 1: INTRODUCTION TO COOMBESHEAD

After arriving at the Coombeshead site, and pitching your tent or checking into your accommodation, you’ll meet your fellow guests and onsite staff over a drink in the late afternoon.

Enjoy an introductory talk from New Scientist’s Graham Lawton and a second talk from conservationist, Derek Gow, the owner and driving force behind Coombeshead, who will share with you the history and mission of the site and explain how it is run from day-to-day.

Coombeshead is not just a leading rewilding site but also acts as a consultancy for other potential rewilding sites around Europe plus it breeds and supplies many of the species reintroduced across the UK. The farm has converted a very large agricultural barn into a brilliant event space that includes the garden kitchen, bar, lounging area and auditorium for lectures. So, no matter what the weather, you will have the space to stay comfortable and in the company of our experts and fellow guests. The hosted lecture area will has audio-visual facilities, so you will be able to fully engage in the talks.

Throughout the event, the barn will also be the social hub with local ales and wines available at the bar. Meals will be served from the garden kitchen and will endeavour to use as much local produce as possible.

Then after dark, a communal campfire will be lit, for all to enjoy.

DAY 2: EXPLORE THE SITE

In the morning, it’s time to see rewilding in action. You will be split into small groups. One will go for a 2-hour walking safari across the main rewilded site and the other group will visit the breeding and reintroduction centre. You will then switch, allowing both groups access to all activities. Both experiences will take around two hours.

The walking safari will allow you to see rewilding helpers such as the beavers, wild ponies, boar and water buffalo, and appreciate the differences they have already made to the landscape. Breathe in nature and keep your eyes and ears open for birds, butterflies and other invertebrates that are slowly returning and establishing their homes in the area.

The breeding and reintroduction tour introduces you to some of the amazing species at the centre. These animals are here for several re-introduction and breeding programmes. This guided tour will introduce you to our white storks and water voles, and one of Britain’s smallest mammals the harvest mouse. You will learn about the species and their habitats, their roles in their natural ecosystems (both past and present) and their importance in helping prevent any future extinctions in the wild. The tour will end with a visit to the wildcat breeding area, where hopefully, you will get a glimpse of these elusive cats and maybe even their kittens.

There will also be an opportunity for some guests to go beaver-watching in a hide at dawn and dusk, led by one of the site ecologists. You will learn about the ecology of the beaver and how and why it has engineered the wetlands at Coombeshead. Please note, an additional fee is applicable for this as places are limited.

In the afternoon, Graham will host further talks from leading practitioners and researchers about the history of the rewilding movement, how other countries are protecting their natural heritage and some of the issues faced by rewilding as it integrates into existing sites.

DAY 3: SPECIES BREEDING AND REINTRODUCTION THEN CLOSING COMMENTS

In the morning you’ll hear from the experts at Coombeshead about their animal breeding programme and how these are then translocated to other sites across Europe. This will be followed by a second talk then closing comments from your host Graham.

After lunch, there will be some optional activities across the site, plus there is a self-guided walk across 100 hectares of the site that has been more recently acquired. Some of the site has been going through the rewilding process for over five years, whilst other parts are just a year old, giving you the opportunity to explore the different developmental stages of a rewilding site. You will notice the difference.

While there are no further activities planned, you are welcome to stay another night for free in the camping field or if you have booked the Shepherds Huts.

You are also welcome to arrive a day early on Thursday 15 August. Additional nights camping, or in the cottages or shepherd's huts, will be available for a reasonable cost.

QUESTIONS

Feel free to drop us a line at tours@newscientist.com with your questions.

Full event notes will be issued a few weeks prior to the event.

M EET THE EXPERTS

Host: Graham Lawton is a staff writer at New Scientist, with a focus on life sciences, biomedicine, earth sciences and the environment. He has a first-class honours degree in biochemistry and an MSc with distinction in science communication, both from Imperial College London. He has worked at New Scientist since 2000 in various roles including features editor, opinion editor, deputy editor, executive editor and acting editor.

In 2019 he was shortlisted for the British Journalism Awards science writer of the year, has been highly commended by the Professional Publishers Association and been shortlisted numerous times by the Association of British Science Writers awards. He is the author of three books: The Origin of (Almost) Everything, This Book Could Save Your Life and Mustn’t Grumble: The surprising science of everyday ailments and why we’re always a bit ill.

Derek Gow is a farmer turned nature conservationist and author. He wants to make a difference and therefore is in the process of rewilding his 400 acre farm. Derek has played a significant role in the reintroduction of the Eurasian beaver, the water vole and the white stork to England. He is currently working on a reintroduction project for the wildcat. Derek is the author of 'Bringing Back the Beaver' and 'Birds, Beasts and Bedlem'.

Further guest speakers will be announced in January. Their talks will cover such subjects as practical rewilding (how you can contribute in your own garden), the history of rewilding, interacting with species, the botany of rewilding and rewilding versus agriculture.

ACCOMODATION

Camping Meadow

Camping will be available in a beautiful meadow between the farm and the main rewilded area.

The campsite has both flushing and compost toilets, plus hot showers. There is no separate bathroom facilities for washing but the showers are very good. There is also a covered washing-up area with sinks and hot water.

Due to the terrain of the meadow, larger mobile homes and caravans are not suitable. However, if you would like to sleep in your own smaller, converted campervan, please contact us upon booking to reserve space in the hardstanding area of the camping meadow.

There will be staff on-site to keep the camp tidy and help you recycle.

If you wish to arrive early on Thursday night, there is a supplement of £27 per guest.

Luxury bell tents with real beds from £499

Each tent is kitted out for two guests, to the following specification.

• • Pre-pitched 5-metre-diameter bell tent that is 3 metres high inside at its tallest point.
  • With either a metal-framed double bed with luxury foam mattresses.
  • Or two spring based single-beds and fibre pad mattresses.
  • Luxury bedding & linens, including 13.5 tog duvet, duvet cover, two pillows/cases per person and a fitted sheet.
  • Tent matting & side tables.
  • Lighting, a decorative rug and beautiful cushions.
  • External solar light.

To arrive on Thursday, it is an additional £66 per guest. To depart on Monday, it is an additional £39 per guest.

Additional beds can be added and the bell tents are big enough to fit a double and three singles (Jaybe single beds with e-fibre mattresses). Each additional single is £89.

NEARBY

Within 8 kilometres, there are three pubs that serve excellent food, plus a large farm shop for local produce that has its own restaurant.

The town of Launceston is just 13 kilometres and Tavistock 18 kilometres.

HOW TO GET THERE

By car: The postcode is PL16 0JS. It is an isolated site on an elevated position but just 13 minutes’ drive from the A30. We strongly encourage lift-sharing and nearer the time will facilitate conversations between guests who wish to share.

By rail: The nearest train station is Okehampton which is just 20 minutes by taxi from Coombeshead. We will supply full details of taxis and minibuses from the station to the site.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Three nights camping.
• Programme of talks.
• Guided walking safari and visit to breeding and reintroduction centre.
• Weatherproof catering, lecture and social barn.
• Two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners with soft drinks. (Please advise in advance if you have dietary requirements and we will confirm if we cater for them).
• Full instruction pack, which will be sent two weeks before the event.
• 24-hour onsite support.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the venue.
• Additional meals, snacks and drinks, plus alcoholic beverages from the canteen and bar.
• Dawn beaver-watching sessions will be available in limited numbers for £36 per guest.
• Additional nights camping or accommodation on Thursday 15 August.
• Additional optional activities.
• Travel insurance.
• Accommodation upgrades, including the shepherd's huts, farm cottages and bell tents.

PACE AND PHYSICALITY

The weekender is based at a rewilding site near Dartmoor and is subject to British weather. To make the most out of this experience, we ask that you need to be comfortable spending extended periods outdoors. Whilst the weather is clement at this time of year, it can be changeable, so bring clothing for both a warm day and a wet one.

The accommodation in the shepherd’s huts and cottages are about a quarter-of-a-mile walk on a quiet country road and through a wood to the main site. If you are camping, we would recommend that you have a degree of experience in camping and possess the appropriate equipment.

On Saturday, you will be walking at a thoughtful pace for two two-hour periods on uneven and sometimes boggy ground. The site’s owners are keen to stress that it’s a rewilding site and not a theme park.

No dogs are allowed on site except guide dogs.

Children are welcome but must be twelve and over. Please bear in mind that the level of the talks and activities are aimed at an adult audience.