Dogs Equipped with Seed-Filled Backpacks Aid in Rewilding Lewes Nature Reserve

Innovative project uses domestic dogs to mimic ecological roles of extinct wolves, fostering biodiversity in East Sussex.

Dogs wearing specially designed backpacks disperse wildflower seeds across hard-to-reach areas of the reserve.
The initiative is managed by Railway Land Wildlife Trust and funded by Ouse Valley Climate Action.
The project aims to replicate the seed-dispersing activities of wolves, which roamed the UK before their extinction in the 18th century.
Participants can obtain seed-filled backpacks for their dogs from reserve staff.
Early signs of seed germination have been observed, with more significant results expected in the coming years.