A multi‐scale approach to integrating rewilding into agricultural landscapes

Rey Benayas, José M.; Bullock, James M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0529-4020; Pereira, Henrique M.. 2025 A multi‐scale approach to integrating rewilding into agricultural landscapes. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, e2860. 6, pp. 10.1002/fee.2860

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2860

Abstract/Summary

Finding ways to improve the sustainability of modern agriculture by recovering nature in agricultural landscapes is critical for conserving biodiversity and enhancing human well‐being. Rewilding principles could be applied to any type of landscape, which raises the possibility of employing rewilding approaches in agricultural areas while maintaining some degree of food production therein. Moving beyond the simple dichotomy of land sparing versus land sharing, here we propose a multi‐scale approach that integrates rewilding principles into agricultural landscapes by combining the creation of wilder ecosystems in separate set‐aside recovered areas with the implementation of farming approaches that are more sustainable, such as precision farming, ecologically intensified farming, and extensive farming, in adjacent areas. Adoption of such approaches would allow for more biodiversity elements to persist within the agricultural matrix. We explain how this approach could support the three critical components of rewilded land—dispersal, trophic complexity, and stochastic disturbances—and create agroecological landscapes that are biodiverse, resilient, and functionally connected at multiple scales.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1002/fee.2860
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Biodiversity and Land Use (2025-)
ISSN:	1540-9295
Additional Information:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	20 Jun 2025 10:43 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/539653

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1002/fee.2860

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Biodiversity and Land Use (2025-)

ISSN:

1540-9295

Additional Information:

Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.

NORA Subject Terms:

Ecology and Environment