Rewilding journies | Photography at volunteer day | Moor Barton Wilding, Devon
I first came to the wonderful Moor Barton Wilding site through an autumn fungal-foray event hosted by Devon Wildlife Trust in 2024.
Mycologist Dr Christian Taylor opened our minds to the wonders of fungi, the symbiotic relationships between them and the plant kingdom, all led by the lichens, mushrooms, puffballs and bracket fungi we met along the way.
In typical nature-nerd fashion, we did not get too far on foot because there was SO MUCH to be seen within a short distance of our starting point, but much mycological ground was covered. Dr Christian Taylors enthusiasm was infectious and it was a great day.
I loved meeting the land at Moor Barton, the brilliant steering team who could not have been lovelier and was keen to come back to get to know it better and hopefully get involved.
Since learning about rewilding through visiting the Knepp Estate in 2017 when I lived in Brighton and from the few years I spent living immersed in nature on Exmoor, I’ve been on a deepening learning journey about nature. Exploring the history of the land, its use and abuse, the ecosystems we live within and our relationships with ‘the outdoors’ as humans is fascinating, heartbreaking and urgent. I’m especially interested in the intersections of social and environmental justice.
I’ve found rewilding immensely hopeful in the bleakness of this time on planet Earth, and have been excited and uplifted to hear stories of recovering ecosystems, when nature is allowed to lead.
The more I learn, the more I see rewilding as a vitally important piece of the puzzle for the health of our world.
I’ve been grateful to come and spend a few days volunteering at Moor Barton since that first visit, and on the last trip in May I brought my camera to capture some of what we got up to.
There is a big focus on reciprocity at the Moor Barton volunteer days. We tend the land with the intention to support the natural restoration of native ecosystems, and we are fed by wonderful Annie + the kitchen volunteers, some offer singing circles, we play games.
Last year there was a beautiful fire making demonstration, and owner and steward of the site Robin often leads a tour of the beaver enclosure at the end of these days which is completely magical.
The first time I got to venture into the beaver enclosure, it was incredibly moving!
To witness the skilful engineering of their largest dam up close, which was literally taller than me and holding back an immense amount of water (previously a tiny stream!), to imagine how this landscape would once have been commonplace across our lands, connect with an environment that our ancestors would have been familiar with… to observe how utterly transformed this valley was from the degraded habitat it used to be... it blew my mind.
I was so touched and inspired by the experience. I always feel deeply privileged to get to be in that environment and reconnect with the amazing work that the beavers are doing. (I have not yet seen them but once heard them chomping wood on a summer evening!)
Here are some of my favourite photos from the Saturday during the volunteer weekend.
Our main focus on this day was bracken bashing, so with freshly sawn hazel poles or scythes, we thwacked the bracken in the open glades (sorry bluebells!) allowing for other species of this area to get a chance of growth instead of letting the bracken take over. I also weeded around the fruit trees which are currently being protected from deer in little fenced areas.
Find out more about Moor Barton Wilding and it’s story here.
If you’re curious to get involved, check out their upcoming volunteer days & weekends here, beaver safaris here, and the events schedule here.
Join their mailing list here and find them on Instagram @moorbartonwilding.
P.S. If you’re a rewilder or nature/community oriented organisation and are thinking about having your team, events or project captured creatively and sensitively, I’d be delighted to work with you. Book in a call with me here to explore collaborating, or email here.
