France’s leading “free evolution” rewilding initiative joins European Rewilding Network

The rise of wild cultivation in France

Today, rewilding in France is gaining real momentum. As trust grows in nature’s amazing ability to heal and manage itself, conservation is shifting towards restoring natural processes and enhancing coexistence with wildlife, from the free flow of rivers to the natural regeneration of forests. This vision is shaping more natural, healthy and resilient landscapes where people and nature can thrive together, and where pressing problems like climate change can be addressed with greater hope and efficiency.

Rewilding Europe’s newest member of the European Rewilding Network (PRELE), Program Régional pour les Espaces en Libre Évolution (PRELE), is the first regional initiative of its kind in France. free evolution (or “free evolution”). principle free evolutionAt the heart of many of France’s rewilding initiatives is based on a simple but powerful idea. In other words, the goal is to allow the ecosystem to recover and evolve while minimizing human interference. By reducing and eliminating human intervention, and by removing artificial barriers such as dams and fences, nature is given the space and freedom to restore itself.

A pioneering model for free evolution

Led by the Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels de Normandie (CEN Normandie), PRELE is redefining how we manage natural areas across Normandy by creating spaces where animals, plants and fungi can thrive undisturbed.

PRELE unites a growing network of rewilding areas and provides private landowners with a direct way to contribute to nature’s restoration. Unlike many other rewilding networks in France, this program is not limited to forests. We help nature regain its diversity by embracing diverse landscapes, from fallow fields and wetlands to naturally regenerating woodlands. As the network expands, PRELE positions Normandy at the forefront of French rewilding and demonstrates how a collaborative, long-term approach can help further rewild the ecosystem. The scope for extending this approach to other regions of France is enormous.

A burgeoning influence

All over France, free evolution Rewilding is already reshaping the landscape. A major milestone in the development of the French rewilding movement occurred in June 2025 when the Dauphiné Alps joined Rewilding Europe’s growing network of operational landscapes. Rewilding France is working closely with a broad coalition of local partners on a series of rewilding activities in the region. It focuses on protecting and restoring forests, rewilding rivers and revitalizing natural grazing through the reintroduction of semi-wild horses and cattle.

And in the Arc-Châteauvillain Integrated Forest Reserve, which joined Rewilding Europe’s European Rewilding Network last July, more than 3,000 hectares of previously managed forest are now regenerating naturally, mostly without human disturbance. This is creating richer, more vibrant forests that benefit biodiversity, climate resilience and local communities.

Expand redevelopment efforts together

The expanding European Rewilding Network currently includes 105 rewilding initiatives across 29 European countries. Lou Beben, PRELE’s Program Coordinator, looks forward to helping increase the network’s collective expertise and influence by connecting with other member initiatives to share knowledge and experience.

“Joining the network is an opportunity to connect with others across Europe who are working for a world that recognizes the enormous contribution wildlife makes to human society,” she says.

Build a deeper relationship with nature

PRELE’s vision goes beyond ecosystem restoration. The program transforms the way people see and relate to nature and helps communities recognize the power and value of allowing nature to heal itself. PRELE works closely with local authorities, conservation groups and environmental experts across Normandy to foster deeper, more lasting and more valuable relationships with wildlife.

Education and outreach are at the core of this plan. Through workshops, school presentations, and community activities, PRELE helps citizens, local governments, and environmental groups free evolution — Cultivating a new sense of wonder, respect, and partnership for the natural world.

forward and upward

Looking ahead, free evolution It will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of rewilding in France. As pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss and land use change continue to grow, approaches that provide space for nature to adapt and regenerate are gaining wider recognition among conservationists, policymakers and landowners.

At the same time, rewilding in France is likely to continue to expand through new partnerships, landscapes and regional initiatives that have coexistence at their core. From expansive mountain ranges to rivers, forests and lowland mosaic habitats, this movement is helping to reconnect people with wilder nature while supporting a vibrant rural future. together, free evolution And it is a practical rewilding point toward France’s hopeful vision: one where nature is trusted to manage itself and where wild landscapes are valued as essential allies in meeting 21st century challenges.^castle century.

Let’s reenact together

Rewilding Europe warmly welcomes all European rewilding initiatives focused on practical, result-oriented rewilding initiatives and encourages them to apply for membership in the European Rewilding Network.

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