Happy Birthday European Wilderness Society! 

It is already 12 years of dedication to protecting Europe’s last wild places. Since 2013, the organization has worked to safeguard and restore these precious ecosystems, ensuring future generations can experience true wilderness.

This anniversary is a time to reflect on Europe’s wilderness history, assess its current state, and address the challenges of its protection and restoration. As we celebrate, we also look ahead—committed to preserving and expanding Europe’s last wild landscapes.

Please also read: European Wilderness Network Newsletter

The History of Wilderness in Europe

Europe was once covered by vast forests, wetlands, open land and mountains. Over time, agriculture, settlements, and infrastructure replaced much of this wilderness, leading to significant habitat loss.

In recent decades, conservation efforts, legal protections, and rewilding initiatives have gained momentum. National parks, reserves, and restoration projects now help safeguard and revive these landscapes.

Though much has been lost, the commitment to protecting Europe’s last wild places remains strong for future generations.

The Incredible Power of Nature’s Self-Restoration

Nature has an astonishing ability to heal itself when given the chance. Self-restoration is a powerful force—forests reclaim abandoned fields, rivers carve new paths, and wildlife returns to once-degraded lands. In many cases, ecosystems can regenerate with little to no human intervention, often in ways more efficient and resilient than we could design.

The disappearance of large herbivores like bison, wild horses, or deer has disrupted ecosystems, yet when these keystone species are reintroduced or allowed to recover, nature quickly responds. Grasslands regain balance, forests become more diverse, and natural cycles are gradually restored. Even degraded wetlands and deforested areas, with minimal assistance—such as removing artificial barriers or rewetting landscapes—can rapidly transform back into thriving ecosystems.

Once the right conditions are in place, nature’s self-healing mechanisms far surpass human efforts. Rivers reshape themselves, forests expand, and wildlife stabilizes in ways we could never fully predict. True conservation embraces this power, focusing on protection and minimal intervention, trusting that nature—when left to its own devices—will rebuild itself stronger and wilder than before.

Conclusion – Together for Europe’s Wilderness

Europe’s wilderness is a rare and vital treasure that needs our protection. These last wild places support biodiversity, regulate climate, and strengthen ecosystems. Over the past 12 years, the European Wilderness Society has worked tirelessly to safeguard and restore these landscapes. However, many challenges remain, from habitat loss to climate change. As we celebrate this milestone, we renew our commitment to preserving wilderness for future generations. Together, we can ensure that nature thrives and reclaims its rightful place.