Make it Wild Resources

Make It Wild is a UK nature restoration organisation, focused on regenerating land and restoring biodiversity through practical, long-term care.

It began in 2010 as a family project, when founders Helen and Christopher Neave bought a 26-acre field in North Yorkshire to give something back to nature. What started as tree planting and habitat creation on one site grew into a wider commitment to repeat that work across other landscapes and help more people take part in nature’s recovery.

For us, rewilding means restoring habitats in ways that allow nature to recover and function well over time.

That can include planting trees, creating wetlands, restoring meadows and protecting ancient woodland. It also means stepping back when needed and letting natural processes take the lead. Rewilding isn’t about abandoning land. It’s about thoughtful, ongoing care guided by ecological understanding.

Our sites are mainly across the UK. Each site is different and managed according to its landscape, history and ecological potential. Some are woodlands, others are wetlands, grasslands or mixed habitats. You can explore all our current sites on the interactive map across the website.

Tree planting is always part of a wider habitat plan. We plant native species suited to the site, alongside other habitat work such as meadow restoration, ponds and scrub creation.

Trees are planted and then cared for over the long term. That includes protection from grazing, monitoring, replacement where needed and ongoing land management. We don’t plant and walk away.

Long-term care is central to everything we do. We own or manage land with the intention of stewarding it for decades, not years.

Our team regularly monitors sites, responds to changes and works with ecologists to guide management decisions. Nature changes over time, and our role is to stay involved and adapt as needed.

Yes. One of the things people value most about Make It Wild is being able to see and visit the land they’re supporting.

Many of our sites can be visited by arrangement, including organised events or volunteering days. For carbon support through tree planting, we also share clear information about where trees are planted, with maps and imagery to show the land and its progress.

Our Carbon Emissions Calculator is designed to be a clear, practical starting point. It helps individuals and businesses understand their estimated carbon footprint based on everyday activities such as travel and energy use.

It’s not about judgement or perfection. It’s about awareness and taking responsibility where possible.

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with very low woodland cover. When done well, tree planting can play a meaningful role in climate mitigation while also helping restore nature.

Tree planting is widely recognised as a carbon mitigation approach that delivers some of the greatest additional benefits. Beyond carbon, well-planned woodlands support biodiversity, improve soil health, slow water runoff, and help reconnect fragmented habitats. These wider benefits matter, especially in a landscape as pressured as the UK.

We are always clear about what tree planting can and can’t do. It is not a substitute for reducing emissions, but it can help address unavoidable impacts while delivering long-term benefits for wildlife and ecosystems here in the UK.

There are many ways individuals get involved with Make It Wild.

These include memorial trees and dedications, carbon offsetting, attending events and conservation days, volunteering, staying at Heather Lea, our eco-friendly holiday cottage, or simply following the work through our journal and updates.

Some people come for one reason, others stay involved over many years. All support matters.

We work with businesses that want to support UK nature recovery..

Partnerships can include habitat sponsorship, carbon offsetting, team conservation days, biodiversity enhancement or longer-term relationships shaped around shared values. We focus on transparency, credibility and real work on real land.

We partner with landowners who want to restore habitats, support wildlife recovery and create a sustainable income from their land.

We bring practical experience, ecological guidance and commercial support, while landowners remain closely involved in how their land is managed. Every partnership starts with a conversation and a careful look at what the land needs.

Memorial trees are planted as part of our wider woodland restoration work. Some are simple tree dedications, while others are planted with the cremation remains of a loved one. Where ashes are included, they are carefully mixed with a specially formulated planting medium to support healthy growth and are planted within a dedicated memorial woodland at our Nidderdale National Landscape, formerly known as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

Families can choose the tree species and may include a dedication plaque or stone. All memorial trees and the wider woodland are cared for in perpetuity, ensuring they continue to support wildlife and nature recovery long into the future.

Volunteering is a core part of our work. Volunteers help with practical conservation tasks such as tree planting, meadow management and habitat creation.

It’s a chance to spend time outdoors, learn new skills and contribute directly to nature’s recovery. Opportunities vary by season and site.