Dogs wearing backpacks are being used to rewild an urban nature reserve in Lewes, East Sussex, by mimicking the behavior of wolves, which historically helped spread wildflower seeds across large areas. Before wolves were extinct in the UK around 1760, they played a vital role in dispersing seeds that promoted biodiversity.
The Railway Land Wildlife Trust, supported by Ouse Valley Climate Action, is using local dogs with seed-filled backpacks to reseed the landscape, inspired by a similar project in Chile.
The initiative aims to make the environment richer and educate the community on ecological impacts. Early signs of seed germination have been observed, with more results expected in the coming years.
Photograph: (c) Railway Land Wildlife Trust
