Global Rewilding awards
Global Rewilding Awards
Celebrating the visionaries who are restoring life to our planet. These awards honour individuals and organisations whose bold actions have a transformative impact on nature and people. From pioneering rewilding and new ecological insights, reviving degraded landscapes, to restoring species and building climate resilience, the Global Rewilding Awards shine a light on those leading the way toward a wilder, healthier future.
Meet the 2025 Rewilding Award Winners!
Frans Vera has revolutionised our understanding of European landscapes, showing how large herbivores shape thriving, biodiverse ecosystems. Sir Humphry Wakefield has been a steadfast advocate for habitat restoration for decades, serving as Director of the Tree of Life Foundation since 1976 and Patron of the Wilderness Foundation since 1999, supporting pioneering rewilding initiatives across the World. Lucy Rees is renowned for her work with Pottoka horses, her groundbreaking research and insights into wild horse behaviour, and her efforts in rewilding habitats with wild horses.
These individuals exemplify the transformative impact of bold action, innovative thinking, and unwavering dedication to restoring life on Earth. Their work restores ecosystems, protects biodiversity, and inspires a global movement toward a wilder, healthier planet.
The 2025 Ceremony was held in Wolfheze, The Netherlands, on Saturday 20th November.
frans Vera
Rewilding Pioneer Award
Frans Vera received the Rewilding Pioneer Award for his groundbreaking work at the Oostvaardersplassen and his “Vera hypothesis,” showing that large herbivores drive biodiversity and create Europe’s mosaic landscapes, inspiring generations of rewilders globally.
Sir Humphry Wakefield
Rewilding Legacy Award
Sir Humphry Wakefield received the Rewilding Legacy Award for a lifetime devoted to restoring wild nature and inspiring others through his leadership, vision, and commitment to reforestation, wilderness protection, and conservation heritage.
Lucy Rees
Species Rewilding Award
Lucy Rees received the Species Rewilding Award for her pioneering work on wild horse behaviour with Pottoka in Extremadura, Spain, advancing global understanding of equine ethology and inspiring humane, nature-based approaches to rewilding and coexistence.
Congratulations to the 2025 Global Rewilding Award Winners
We honour their achievements and the enduring legacy they leave for future generations of rewilders.
