The rewilding powerhouse of Europe with Wouter Helmer

"If you give rivers more space to flood the lands, to bring sediment - sand, clay - they not only bring sediment, they also bring life!"

In this episode of Rewilding the World, Ben Goldsmith interviews one of the most impactful architects of rewilding in Europe, Dutchman Wouter Helmer. Despite being the most densely populated, intensively farmed and heavily developed country in Europe, The Netherlands is a rewilding powerhouse. 

Wouter's key insight is simply that rewilding offers the most effective way to protect communities from flooding which has blighted the Netherlands for centuries. As a result, the country is now threaded with fat, vibrant corridors of nature, teeming with wildlife.

Ben Goldsmith is a British financier and rewilding enthusiast. Join him as he speaks to people from all over the world who champion nature and are helping to restore habitats and wildlife to some of the most nature depleted parts of our planet.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Text Rewilding the World here. Let us know what you think of the podcast and if there are any rewilding projects you would love Ben to feature in future episodes.

The Devon Environment Foundation (DEF) is on a mission to accelerate nature restoration across Devon.

Devon’s beautiful natural landscapes are under growing pressure from farming, housing development, and sewage, plastic, and other pollution.

Grassroots nature restoration offers an inspiring, cost-effective response.

We raise money from people and businesses who love Devon, directing it where it delivers the greatest benefit for local nature.

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