Join Heal Rewilding at their stunning Heal Somerset site on June 6th and 7th, 2025, for "Into The Light" – a unique two-day gathering that promises a festival feel, inspiring speakers, and a deep dive into the hopeful world of nature recovery. This event is an unmissable opportunity for anyone passionate about rewilding, environmental action, and the profound connection between people and nature.
Step Into The Light: Where Rewilding Comes Alive
"Into The Light" is more than just a conference. It's a celebration of nature's power to heal and humanity's capacity to assist. Set amidst the beautiful, rewilding landscape of Heal Somerset – a 460-acre former dairy farm now on its journey to becoming a thriving wildlife haven. The event offers a chance to see firsthand the magic of ecological restoration. Expect a relaxed and low-tech atmosphere. Designed to foster genuine conversation and connection among a rapidly growing community of nature enthusiasts, professionals, and change-makers.
A Programme Designed for Everyone: From Professionals to Passionate Advocates
The gathering is carefully curated to offer something for every level of interest and expertise, with distinct focuses on each day:
Day 1: Friday, June 6th – Focus on Professional Insights & Practical Action This day's programme is tailored with a professional audience in mind, ideal for those working in nature, ecology, land management, finance, and technology sectors. However, it will also be deeply engaging for landowners, students, and anyone seeking a deeper, more technical understanding of rewilding.
You'll hear from leading voices and key change-makers from across the UK rewilding movement. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Mya-Rose Craig, the renowned birder, race activist, and environmentalist. Sessions will delve into crucial topics such as Nature Data: The Principles and Practice of Wildlife Monitoring and Surveying, with insights from experts like Alex Sams, ecologist and director of Providence Ecological. It's a day for sharing knowledge, discussing "what's working and what's not," and exploring action-focused strategies to mitigate the biodiversity and climate crises.
Day 2: Saturday, June 7th – Focus on Inspiration, Wildlife, and Well-being Saturday opens its arms to a broader audience. Featuring inspiring speakers from a diverse range of backgrounds in nature recovery and wildlife. This day offers a fantastic opportunity for attendees to contribute, challenge, and question. As well as to share their own good practices and positive stories of nature recovery from their local areas. It's about finding hope and connection in the face of environmental challenges, and exploring the positive impact of rewilding on nature, enrivonmental and personal well-being.
Beyond the Talks: A Festival Feel and Community Connection
"Into The Light" promises a truly immersive experience with a "festival feel":
- Diverse Spaces: Talks will take place in a big tent. Complemented by a smaller tent for book talks and other fringe activities.
- Fringe Sessions: Expect engaging side activities and workshops. Opportunities to connect with fellow attendees.
- Optional Tours: Explore the transforming landscape of Heal Somerset with optional site and wildlife tours. Offering a unique chance to witness rewilding in action.
- Camping Under the Stars: Basic on-site camping is available from Thursday night to Sunday night, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural setting of Heal Somerset. Imagine waking up surrounded by the sounds of a recovering ecosystem!
- Delicious Food: A food van will be available each day, along with a small bar on Friday and Saturday evenings for unwinding and networking. Tibetan Memories will be on hand producing delicious, homemade, healthy, and tasty Tibetan food.
- Roots and Sparks: Join Karen Skeates for an hour around the fire, an open mic-style event for sharing poems, songs, or stories, celebrating our connection with the natural world.
This gathering is specifically designed to facilitate chance conversations, unexpected introductions, and long discussions. Fostering a greater level of connection and mutual support among those working towards the same vital goals.
Practical Details & Getting There:
- When: Friday, June 6th – Saturday, June 7th, 2025 (10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily)
- Where: Heal Somerset, Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Witham Friary, Frome, Somerset, BA11 5HH.
- Tickets: You can book for one day or both days, with various pricing tiers to ensure accessibility. Parking is included in the ticket price.
- Transport: We are a rural location. A minibus pick-up service run by volunteers will be available from nearby Frome and Castle Cary railway stations.
"Into The Light" is a testament to Heal Rewilding's commitment to tangible action. By supporting this event, you're not only enriching your understanding of rewilding but also directly contributing to the acquisition and restoration of more land for nature across England.
Book your tickets for "Into The Light"
Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by the power of nature's recovery. Join us "Into The Light" at Heal Somerset this June and be a part of something truly transformative!