Rewilding and Ecosystem Services (833C1)

15 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Autumn teaching

Rewilding is emerging as an optimistic agenda in conservation biology that seeks to reverse the decline in biodiversity by restoring natural processes, typically through the reintroduction of missing keystone species.

Rewilding gained global recognition when it was suggested that these keystone species should include the missing late Quaternary megafauna, but it is still an emerging field that is encouraging innovation and exploration of ideas.

This module explores the theory that underpins rewilding covering Pleistocene and Holocene baselines, natural process function, trophic cascades, and keystone species. It then considers the process and application of rewilding to deliver ecological and social benefits.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 61 hours of contact time and about 89 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.