DOGS HELPS TO REWILD RESERVE WHILE RUNNING AROUND WITH LITTLE SACKS WITH SEEDS
Wolves had an unexpected role in nature many centuries ago. They would unintentionally get grass and wildflower seeds lodged in their fur as they wandered around. These would then be released in other locations, forming new plant colonies and promoting the health of ecosystems. This served as inspiration for the rewilding of an English town called Lewes, where local dogs and their owners joined forces to create an urban nature reserve. With funding from Ouse Valley Climate Action, the Railway Land Wildlife Trust in Lewes is leading the initiative.
Dog walkers are expected to pick up dog backpacks filled with seeds from staff members as part of the project. The strategically positioned holes in each bag aid in dispersing the seeds as the puppies run across the property.
To help the seed travel farther and to track the locations where the dogs are dropping them, the team also combined the seed with sand. The project, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, was motivated by a 2019 initiative in Chile where two women spread seeds throughout the nation after wildfires decimated large areas of the country with the aid of their three dogs. Dylan Walker, the scheme manager, saw a chance to duplicate the concept because the Lewes reserve has been deteriorated by frequent foot traffic.
Walker told The Guardian, "We're really interested in rewilding processes, but they often involve reintroducing big herbivores like bison or wild horses." In a smaller urban nature reserve, accomplishing those tasks is extremely challenging. Therefore, our goal was to make use of the large number of dog walkers who frequent the nature reserve daily to mimic the impact that those animals have on the ecosystem.
In certain parts of the reserve, Walker and the team have already noticed the germination of seeds. But since the majority of the seeds the dogs have dispersed are perennials, it will take a few years before they start to see more noticeable effects. He remains optimistic about the potential benefits of this endeavour for all.
“A community-based project like this,” Walker explains, “not only helps engage and teach people about the ecological impacts of wildlife but also allows us to make our wildlife and environments richer in the process.”