Derek Gow has dedicated his life to animals and biodiversity. After a Shetland ewe captured his heart as a boy, Gow grew up to become a farmer with a passion for ancient breeds. Realising how many of our species were close to extinction – even on his own land – he tore down fences literally and metaphorically, transforming his traditional Devon farm into a 300-acre rewilding haven for beavers, water voles, lynx, wildcats, harvest mice, wild boar and more. A project that is still ongoing today.
Gow’s work has recently been featured in the Wilding film for his contributions to bringing the beaver back to the pioneering Knepp estate, as well as many other locations. His work and books offer an insight into what it’s like to be on the ground restoring wildlife across Britain.
