Issue 118 - March 2025
Meeting Luke Senior: A Look Into How Rewilding is Reviving Argyll’s Iconic Ecosystems
Interview by Andi Cross
Photography by: Adam Moore & Marla Tomorug
Support from: Kilchoan Melfort Trust (KMT)
Tucked away on Scotland’s west coast, Argyll is a region defined by its rugged beauty and its once rich ecological diversity. Despite its remote nature, it’s still surprisingly accessible—a place where ancient woodlands meet dramatic coastal landscapes, offering a window into Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage. The area is renowned for its Atlantic rainforests, a rare ecosystem globally, as well as its deeply rooted traditions in farming and forestry. Argyll was once known for its rampant overuse of its natural resources, but today, it’s become a frontier for rewilding efforts. And venues like the Kilchoan Estate are leading the way in restoring habitats and biodiversity.
We had the unique opportunity to explore Kilchoan Estate with Luke Senior, Head of Gardens & Terrestrial Rewilding, who has a deep background in horticulture. Luke’s passion and fascination for plants date all the way back to his childhood. At 16, he began studying ornamental horticulture at college, which then led him into work in the food production and conservation industries. More specifically, he began exploring how low-impact, small-scale agriculture can work within broader food systems. Then, he took to botanical horticulture at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in London, which deepened his understanding of plant diversity and ecosystems. And all of this eventually led him to the estate where he is now focused on gardens as well as terrestrial rewilding and how to bring Scotland back to its former glory.

Starting Early
Gardening is in my blood. My mum was a gardener, and so was my granddad. One of my earliest memories is planting peas with him—a simple moment that left a lasting impression. Growing up next to a plant nursery, I spent weekends surrounded by greenery, sampling cuttings, carrying pots, and exploring the world of plants in ways I didn’t realize would shape my future.
Early on, I knew I wanted a career that kept me connected to the earth. I’ve always made a conscious effort to stay grounded (literally) with my boots on the ground and soil in my hands. But the more I’ve learned about plants, the more I’ve realized just how much there is to uncover. You could spend a lifetime studying a single genus, or even one species, and still think of new questions to ask. That endless possibility for discovery is what keeps me fascinated.

Working at KMT has only deepened that curiosity. In the garden, I encounter species from around the world, and while out on the hills, I find plant communities that feel nostalgic from my childhood yet reveal surprising complexities the more I observe them. Over time, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how plants interact with animals, how geology influences ecosystems, and how all these elements fit together in a delicate balance. Every day here is a reminder that nature is endlessly intricate, offering a new layer to explore and appreciate.
A Past Scotland
Scotland’s iconic landscapes owe much of their character to centuries of human influence. While often imagined as a land of dense, unbroken woodlands, the truth is more complex. Historically, Scotland was a patchwork of open woodland, grasslands, and peatlands—a dynamic mosaic of ecosystems shaped over millennia.
After the retreat of the ice sheets at the start of the Holocene, the barren land was gradually colonized by pioneering species like birch and hazel, followed by oak and alder. With the arrival of humans, the landscape began to shift. Early settlers introduced hunting, farming, and basic woodland management, such as coppicing hazel and cultivating crops.

Over time, human activity intensified. Woodland clearance spread, and practices like controlled burns were used to manage heather and grasses for livestock and game. By the Victorian era, large-scale sheep grazing and land reforms had drastically reshaped the environment. Crofting communities were displaced, and land ownership was consolidated to prioritize commercial farming, wool production, and hunting. This led to a homogenized landscape designed for specific industries, often at the expense of ecological diversity.
Modern forestry practices have added new challenges. Non-native Sitka spruce plantations dominate many areas, creating monocultures with low biodiversity. While timber production is vital, the focus on fast-growing species like Sitka often undermines native ecosystems. Scotland’s temperate rainforest, or “Atlantic rainforest,” is an ecological gem, home to a rich diversity of plants and wildlife that depend on native species like oak, hazel, and birch.

At KMT (Kilchoan Melfort Trust), we’re addressing these challenges through rewilding and habitat restoration. By reducing intensive human interference and restarting natural processes, we aim to give Scotland’s ecosystems the space and time they need to recover. Our goal is to create a landscape that supports biodiversity while balancing sustainable human activity—a vision of Scotland that honors its natural heritage and future resilience.
Covering Only 2%
It’s important to mention that the ecosystems here are uniquely shaped by a hyper-oceanic climate heavily influenced by the nearby sea. This climate creates remarkably stable conditions with minimal temperature fluctuations. At Kilchoan Estate, for instance, the mean annual temperature is around 8°C, with very few days of hard frost. Rainfall averages 1.8 meters per year, coupled with frequent cloud cover, fog, and consistently high humidity. These conditions support a niche group of species specifically adapted to thrive in this environment.
Globally, this kind of temperate rainforest covers only about 2% of the planet. It’s found in select regions such as the Pacific Northwest, south-central Chile, Tasmania, parts of China, the foothills of the Himalayas, and here in semi-remote Scotland. This limited distribution makes Scotland’s Atlantic rainforest an ecological rarity!

The ocean plays a pivotal role in shaping this landscape. Acting as a natural regulator, it keeps temperatures stable, provides fresh, clean air, and delivers the abundant rainfall essential for maintaining the lush vegetation and unique biodiversity of the region. This maritime influence defines not just the environment but also the activities and management practices on estates like ours.
The Power of a Rewilding Estate
In Scotland, estates refer to privately owned parcels of land, often spanning diverse terrains and uses. Owners have considerable freedom in deciding how to manage their land, from farming and forestry to conservation and rewilding. At Kilchoan Estate, we’re using this flexibility to restore and protect ecosystems, balancing what remains of Scotland’s natural heritage with a vision for its future.
The estate’s landscape is remarkably diverse, with dramatic shifts in habitat and ecosystem types that reflect centuries of human activity. Historically, much of this land was dedicated to sheep grazing, which prevented natural woodland regeneration. When the estate came under private ownership, it presented an opportunity to shift toward positive environmental change—one that benefits the local community and the wider ecosystem.

Charitable ownership and placing the land into trust ensures the longevity of this work, as the woodland we’re fostering is intended to endure in perpetuity—all a part of this legacy of restoration. Since 2016, we’ve reallocated over 400 acres from grazing to woodland creation, planting 230,000 trees. This effort has been supported by self-funding and grants from the European Rural Development Fund and the Scottish Government.
But establishing these woodlands hasn’t been without its challenges. High populations of red deer required installing fencing to protect young saplings. Yet the goal remains to foster self-sustaining ecosystems where active management gives way to observation. These woodlands are designed to reconnect people with nature, offer vital ecosystem services, and showcase the resilience of habitats unique to this region.

We’ve planted a mix of native species, such as oak, hazel, and birch, all perfectly adapted to Argyll’s climate. This approach stands in contrast to the monoculture Sitka spruce plantations commonly seen across Scotland. While Sitka grows quickly and stores significant carbon, these plantations offer minimal biodiversity. At KMT, it’s not just about carbon sequestration; it’s about creating thriving ecosystems teeming with life.
Diverse native woodlands provide far more than the sum of their parts. For example, oak trees host globally scarce lichen communities, while structured woodlands support an intricate web of insects, birds, and mammals. By planting these dynamic, life-filled forests, we’re not just restoring landscapes—we’re demonstrating the critical value of biodiversity in healing and balancing our environment.
The Species it Supports
Everything here is connected—from the soil flora and fauna to the macroinvertebrates living within it and, of course, the lichens that make the west coast of Scotland so unique. And some of these lichens are incredibly rare on a global scale. Take Leptogium hibernicum, for example—it’s found in only a handful of places in the UK, and Argyll is one of them. Without diverse, regenerating woodlands, these species have nowhere to go, especially as older woodlands reach the end of their natural life cycles.

And this is what makes the work we’re doing so exciting. This estate offers an opportunity to explore rewilding and woodland creation in a way that can serve as a case study for others. Woodland creation itself isn’t a new concept, but we’re approaching it with a strong focus on biodiversity and comprehensive monitoring. We’re not just planting trees; we’re observing and recording the changes across multiple layers of the ecosystem—from the soil microbiome to lichen diversity to bird populations. It’s a chance to watch these woodlands grow from the very beginning into thriving, mature habitats.
In just the five and a half years I’ve been here, I’ve watched tiny saplings grow into trees you can now walk through, where the canopies even tower overhead. Even more exciting is seeing lichens starting to colonize the bark, a clear sign that these woodlands are becoming functional ecosystems.
And Then There’s Climate Change
I think about this often: no matter what happens to humanity, plants will endure. But what about our survival? Well, that’s another story entirely. We have a responsibility to care for plants because they care for us—providing clean air, food, and a foundation for life itself. Yet, the impacts of a changing climate are becoming harder to ignore. Plants are flowering at unusual times, species are appearing in unexpected places, and horticulturists are stretching the limits of what can grow where. It leaves me wondering how much longer we’ll be able to recognize the landscapes we’ve taken for granted.

As a horticulturist, the unpredictability of the climate is deeply concerning. Here on the estate, when we design gardens, we’re always thinking long-term: what a tree will look like in 60 or 100 years, how it will fit into its surroundings, and how it will survive in a rapidly changing environment. Rewilding adds another layer of complexity. It’s not just about restoring what’s been lost—it’s about preparing landscapes for an uncertain future. Unlike gardening, which blends native and non-native species to create ornamental spaces for people, rewilding focuses on repairing ecosystems and allowing nature to thrive independently.
Not every habitat, however, is meant to have trees. Peatlands and alpine montane scrub habitats, for instance, aren’t suited for dense woodlands, and respecting these natural boundaries is crucial. But across Scotland, there are vast areas where woodlands should exist but have been erased over centuries. Government tree-planting targets often focus on commercial forestry, prioritizing fast-growing species like Sitka spruce. While Sitka stores carbon quickly, monocultures like these lack biodiversity and fail to support the rich ecosystems native woodlands can provide.

Carbon storage in trees is only valuable if it remains stored. Using Sitka spruce for biomass energy releases carbon right back into the atmosphere. That’s why it’s so important to plant the right trees in the right places. Scotland’s landscapes are finite, and we can’t afford to misuse productive agricultural land or further degrade fragile ecosystems. Most of our woodlands today are semi-natural at best, shaped by centuries of human impact—from woodland clearance to shifting rainfall patterns and atmospheric changes.
If we continue with the same short-sighted mindset, we’ll only exacerbate the damage. Every action we take as humans ripples outward, affecting ecosystems in ways we often can’t predict. The challenge is recognizing that humanity and nature aren’t separate; we’re part of the same intricate system. By embracing this interconnectedness and making deliberate, thoughtful choices, we have the opportunity to create positive change—building ecosystems that sustain life rather than just reacting to their decline.
The Future of Kilchoan
Scotland, for all its reputation as a land of wild beauty, is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. The iconic species and landscapes that visitors marvel at today are but a fraction of what once flourished here. “Value what’s here and push for more,” I often say. It’s not enough to admire; we must actively restore and protect what remains. At KMT, this means balancing ecological restoration with innovation. Through partnerships like the International Conifer Conservation Program, we’re cultivating rare and threatened tree species from around the globe, using the estate as a “safe site” for their preservation.

Even Highland cattle, an iconic symbol of Scotland, play a role in this vision. Beyond their cultural significance, they act as proxies for the herbivores that once roamed these lands, grazing shrubs and grasses in a way that increases landscape dynamism and fosters biodiversity. Their presence supports species like the marsh fritillary butterfly, tied intricately to plants like Devil’s Bit scabious, ensuring that no link in the ecological chain is overlooked.
The work at KMT is far from finished, but that’s what actually excites me most. Every decision we make—whether planting a tree, introducing grazing animals, or monitoring ecosystem changes—feels like a step toward something greater than ourselves. It’s about leaving a legacy that extends beyond our lifetimes: a landscape that’s richer, more resilient, and deeply connected to its natural heritage.
Issue 118 - March 2025
SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – March 2025 – Issue 118

These Underwater Meadows Capture More Carbon Than Forests — Here’s Why They Matter More Than You Think
Along the coasts of the world’s temperate and tropical oceans thrives a group of plants crucial in the fight against climate change: seagrass meadows. Although seagrasses are not as well-known as forests or jungles, these coastal ecosystems outperform their terrestrial counterparts in capturing and storing carbon. Read more…
Monmouth University Scientists Confirm New Invasive Species of Anemone in U.S. on New Jersey Beaches
A common inhabitant of the rocky coastlines of the British Isles and Northern Europe, the anemone has found a new home which bears some similarities – the jetties that protrude into the waters of the New Jersey Shore. The team located the anemones on a half-dozen beaches from Long Branch to Manasquan in Monmouth County. Read more…
Book Suggestion: The Wonder of Seashells – Discover the Meaning and Magic of the Ocean’s Treasures
There’s something magical about walking along the beach, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet, and spotting a seashell glistening in the sunlight. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the story behind that tiny treasure? The Wonder of Seashells is a beautifully illustrated and fascinating book that uncovers hidden meanings. Read more…
Ocean in Focus in Two Art Shows Through March
World-renowned photographer Ian Hutton, who is the curator of the Lord Howe Island Museum, and award-winning oil artist Selva Ozelli teamed up to bring a taste of Lord Howe Island Group with their art show titled “Paradise” to this inaugural Conference. Read more…
Working Backwards to Save The Sea
START One theory goes that human beings are psychologically incapable of caring about an event they’ve been told will be catastrophic but will happen far in the future. Without the tangible and the immediate, most of humanity muddles along and doesn’t fret about the future. Read more…
Plastic Makes Up 83% of South Florida’s Waste Pollution
Clean Miami Beach and The 5 Gyres Institute share findings from a seven-month waste audit in South Florida, which analyzed more than 20,000 items and highlights the alarming prevalence of single-use plastic waste across shorelines, urban neighborhoods, and wilderness spaces. Read more…
FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: Snow Leopard Key Takeaways
Over 100 people joined Journeys With Purpose from all over the world for our latest Wild Horizons conversation featuring renowned photographer and National Geographic explorer Mattias Klum and Behzad J Larry from the High Asia Habitat Fund. Read more…
Journeys With Purpose: A Journey to Grootbos, Where Nature and Community Thrive
When I first arrived at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, I was immediately struck by its beauty. The rolling hills of fynbos, unique to the Cape Floral Kingdom, stretched as far as the eye could see, alive with color and fragrance. Read more…
FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: The True Meaning of Life
It is day 5 of my journey in Ladakh and I am standing at the entrance gate of Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh and reading these beautiful words by the H.H 14th Dalai Lama and they sink in more than they would have done 5 days previously. Read more…
Francisco Garcia’s Take on the Future of the Wild Azores & Its Most Sacred Ocean Places
São Miguel, the largest and most visited of the nine Azorean islands, serves as something of a gateway to the archipelago’s rich marine life. Its proximity to the mainland and exceptional opportunities for whale watching, scuba diving, and snorkeling make it a magnet for tourism. Read more…
Where Culture & Conservation Meet: Samuel Ceremony Mole’s Inside Look at the Randilen Wildlife Management Area

The Randilen Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located on the eastern border of Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park, serves as a vital buffer zone for one of Africa’s most treasured ecosystems. Spanning 312 square kilometers, Randilen protects critical wildlife corridors and sustains the delicate balance. Read more…
Meeting Luke Senior: A Look Into How Rewilding is Reviving Argyll’s Iconic Ecosystems

Tucked away on Scotland’s west coast, Argyll is a region defined by its rugged beauty and its once rich ecological diversity. Despite its remote nature, it’s still surprisingly accessible—a place where ancient woodlands meet dramatic coastal landscapes, offering a window into Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage. Read more…
Dr Sylvia Earle & Hope Spot Champions Celebrate South Africa’s Marine Biodiversity & Diverse Cultural Connections
Two Oceans Aquarium hosted Mission Blue and Champions from the seven South African Hope Spots. Dr. Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue and a legendary marine biologist, joined the Hope Spot Champions in celebrating the growing South African Hope Spot network. Read more…
IUCN Spotlights Green Fins at Bali Ocean Days 2025, Calling for a Stronger Business Model in Marine Conservation

IUCN Global Ocean Director, Minna Epps, has spotlighted Green Fins Indonesia along with a call for stronger business models that sustain marine conservation. Speaking at the inaugural session of Bali Ocean Days 2025 held on 7-8 February, Epps emphasised the need for sustainable financing to support and scale marine conservation initiatives such as Green Fins. Read more…
Greenpeace Organizations Go to Trial on High-Stakes SLAPP Lawsuit That Could Redefine Protest Rights
Energy Transfer, the Big Oil corporation behind the Dakota Access Pipeline, pursued $300 million in damages from Greenpeace USA and Greenpeace International, accusing these organizations of playing a central role in organizing the Indigenous-led resistance to the pipeline back in 2016. Read more…
Rescued Sea Turtles Receive Greek Mythology-Themed Names as Rehabilitation Continues at New England Aquarium
The annual sea turtle cold-stunning season came to a close in early January, with the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, MA, treating more than 500 live turtles that washed onto beaches along Cape Cod Bay beginning in November. Read more…
The Sultans of Swag Versus Looking at Clouds from Both Sides Now
A new scientific study indicates that changing cloud cover may be behind most of the abrupt global warming observed in 2023, with the rise in carbon dioxide contributing to only 10% of the warming. Climate scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies find that the world’s cloud cover has shrunk by a small but tangible degree in the past two decades. Read more…
Cover & banner photos: Snow leopard in in Tibet by Behzad J Larry
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Art & Culture
Four Art Shows at The UN Draw Attention to The Need to Protect Glaciers
By Selva Ozelli
It is fitting that after 2024 was confirmed as the hottest year on record, the United Nations (UN) declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, accompanied by the proclamation that March 21st of each year would be celebrated as World Day for Glaciers starting in 2025.
The hottest year on record, breaching the first year-long global warming threshold of 1.5°C, a key target set in the Paris Agreement, also witnessed the 150ᵗʰ year anniversary of the birth of artist Nicholas Roerich, who is known as “The Master of the Himalayan Mountains.” The Himalayas ⎯ the focus of Nicholas Roerich’s artwork ⎯ have approximately 15,000 glaciers that are melting and could lose as much as 80% of their mass by the end of the century as the Earth’s temperature rises, according to projections. The Himalayan glaciers are a vital source of water for the region’s rivers and communities of 1.65 billion people.
As the planet gets hotter, scientists warn that this signifies a potential “frightening new phase” and increased risks of severe climate change impacts, with our glaciers shrinking, making the water cycle and the currents in the oceans slower and more unpredictable according to studies. Glaciers are crucial for regulating the global climate and providing about 70% of the world’s freshwater. However, for billions of people, meltwater flows are changing, causing floods, droughts, landslides and sea level rise, subjecting countless communities and ecosystems to the risk of devastation.
Four art shows by award winning artists Alfons Rodriguez, Photographer and Filmmaker (Spain), Fatma Kadir (Turkiye), Semine Hazar (Turkiye) Selva Ozelli (USA) at the UN draw attention to the need to protect glaciers, during the high-level inaugural World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day events taking place at the UN in New York and Paris on 20-21ᵗʰ March 2025.
The Melting Age by Alfons Rodriguez & Fatma Kadir at The National Lighthouse Museum (NLHM), Staten Island, NY
The National Lighthouse Museum (NLHM), which educates visitors about the history and technology of the nation’s lighthouses, will host its first Climate change-themed art show titled ”The Melting Age” from March 15ᵗʰ to June 1st, 2025, to celebrate the year of glaciers.
The Melting Age art show is made up of a film, by Alfons Rodriguez and Jose Bautista (Spain); photographs from 7 continents and 30 countries by Alfons Rodriguez (Spain); as well as oil paintings by Fatma Kadir (Turkiye) that depict the impact of Climate Change on our world.
“From hot to cold. It all seems like a grotesque game we force ourselves to play. This is unprecedented lunacy. In Greenland and Antarctica, melting ice caused by warming makes the planet’s sea levels rise, while cooling ocean currents influence wildlife and ecosystems. An excess of salt water contrasts with the waste of scarce drinking water aquifers: we use four liters of water to make one plastic bottle containing the same liquid, and this is quite a moderate proportion compared to other products. I thank the NLHM, Teiduma and Climate Heritage Network, and the UN for their support in bringing the Melting Age art show to the public during the glacier year. The Melting Age will be on exhibit at the tail end of the year during November and December at the Cunneen Hackett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, NY,” explained photographer and filmmaker Alfons Rodriguez.
Where Worlds Meet – Glaciers by Alfons Rodriguez and Fatma Kadir at the HMVC Gallery, NYC
On March 21st, 2025 the Inaugural World Day for Glaciers, the HMVC Gallery in NYC will hold a 24 hour digital art show of their “Where Worlds Meet” exhibition which will include the mixed media Glaciers art work by photographer Alfons Rodriguez and artist Fatma Kadir at the jumbotron at Times Square, NYC located at 7ᵗʰ Avenue between 47ᵗʰ – 46ᵗʰ Streets.
“I am so excited that out mixed media art work titled Glaciers with Alfons will be seen by so many New Yorkers in Times Square on the first World Day for Glaciers. I thank HMVC Gallery, the Climate Heritage Network, the UN for their support in launching the Where Worlds Meet art show on March 21st. It is a truly historic day, a historic event” said artist Fatma Kadir.
The Lighthouse at the End of the World, by Semine Hazar for CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change in Hong Kong
Semine Hazar an award-winning oil artist of lighthouses explained “The inspiration behind my painting “The Lighthouse at the End of the World” was my trip to Argentina in 2017 when I firsthand witnessed the melting of the ice and with a great sound crash into the sea. This brought tears to my eyes. This lighthouse marks the last inhabitable point in South America. I imagined that soon we would be moving this lighthouse to the Antarctic. The Lighthouse at the End of the World painting is on exhibit at the world’s first climate change museum CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change in Hong Kong. Later this year I will exhibit my “Lighthouses of the Hudson River” series during the year of Glaciers at the Cunneen Hackett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, NY from July to August followed by the National Lighthouse Museum Staten Island, NY from September to December 2025. I thank all museums, the Climate Heritage Network, and the UN for their unwavering support to bring my work to the public.”
Orcas & Glaciers by Selva Ozelli for CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change
“I made the Orcas & Glaciers art show for the world’s first climate change museum the CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change in Hong Kong (MoCC) which launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). I contacted Cecilia Lam the Director of MoCC and asked her if she would be interested in an art show about the trapped pods of around a dozen orca whales by drift ice in waters off Japan’s northern island which I read about in the news during February of 2024. I was so upset painting these trapped orcas in drift ice caused by melting glaciers. I thank MoCC, Climate Heritage Network, Global Resilience Partnership, Oceanic Global, and the UN for their unwavering support,” explained Selva Ozelli.
Please share your content to celebrate the inaugural World Day for Glaciers at the UN HERE!
Issue 118 - March 2025
Journeys With Purpose: A Journey to Grootbos, Where Nature and Community Thrive
When I first arrived at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, I was immediately struck by its beauty. The rolling hills of fynbos, unique to the Cape Floral Kingdom, stretched as far as the eye could see, alive with color and fragrance. But what stayed with me most wasn’t just the stunning landscape – it was the inspiring work of the Grootbos Foundation, which quietly but powerfully transforms lives while protecting this precious ecosystem.
This visit also reminded me of the mission of Journeys With Purpose (JWP)—to celebrate and support the unknown heroes of conservation, the unsung champions whose dedication helps heal our planet. The Grootbos Foundation is a living testament to this ethos, showing what’s possible when passion and purpose unite.

A Mission Rooted in Purpose
The Grootbos Foundation was established in 2003, and its mission is as clear as the skies above the reserve: to conserve the Cape Floral Kingdom and uplift the local communities that call it home. Over the years, the Foundation has grown to protect more than 22,200 hectares of biodiverse landscape while reaching over 3,000 people annually through its initiatives. I had the chance to dive into their work, and it left me in awe.
Much like JWP, the Grootbos Foundation focuses on empowering the individuals and communities behind conservation success stories. These “unknown heroes” include researchers, educators, youth coaches, and local leaders, each contributing to the preservation of one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

Empowering Through Education
One of the Foundation’s standout projects is Green Futures Education, a programme that offers training in conservation and ecotourism. I met a few of the participants, and their stories were incredible—people learning to cultivate indigenous plants, manage alien vegetation, and steward biodiversity. These are skills that don’t just provide jobs; they create careers that help heal the planet.
Standing in their indigenous nursery, surrounded by tiny fynbos plants destined to restore the land, I felt hopeful. It was clear that this isn’t just about education—it’s about empowerment, and each participant becomes a steward of conservation, carrying forward the mission of protecting nature.
The Science of Conservation
At the heart of Grootbos’ conservation efforts is their Green Futures Research Unit, where a team of scientists works to understand the intricate web of life in the fynbos biome. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to visit in person, I learned about their off-grid Environmental Centre, tucked deep in the reserve. It’s a hub of innovation, where botanists, ecologists, and even visiting researchers collaborate to protect this unique ecosystem.
These researchers are unsung heroes, much like those celebrated by JWP—dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to safeguard our natural world. Their passion and commitment form the backbone of effective conservation strategies.
Changing Lives Through Sport
One of the most heartwarming experiences during my visit was learning about the Foundation’s Sports Development Programme. I learned about young people whose lives have been transformed through sports—not just by learning how to play but by gaining essential life skills. This programme reaches thousands of kids each year, teaching everything from teamwork to mental health resilience.

I was especially moved by the stories of girls who found their voices and confidence through the Foundation’s female empowerment workshops. In communities where opportunities can be scarce, this programme is a game-changer, providing hope and inspiration in the most unexpected ways.
These youth leaders reminded me of the kind of transformative work JWP seeks to champion—stories of resilience, courage, and the belief that change starts with individuals empowered to make a difference.
Building a Green Economy
The Foundation’s focus on Enterprise Development is another powerful way it uplifts the community. I visited some of the small businesses they’ve supported, from green startups to mentorship programmes for women. These initiatives don’t just create jobs; they foster independence and resilience, giving people the tools to succeed in the long run.

One story that stayed with me was of a young woman I heard about, who started her own small enterprise after going through the Foundation’s training. I was told about her pride and determination, and I couldn’t help but feel inspired by her journey. She is the kind of hidden hero that both JWP and the Grootbos Foundation champion—someone quietly shaping a brighter, more sustainable future.
A Celebration of Fynbos
Before leaving Grootbos, I spent some time exploring the Grootbos Florilegium, a stunning collection of botanical art inspired by the fynbos. Each piece tells a story of the plants that make this region so special, and I learned that the sale of these artworks helps fund conservation and community art programmes.
It was a perfect reminder of how everything at Grootbos is interconnected—art, science, nature, and people, all working together to create something truly extraordinary. The artists contributing to the Florilegium are heroes in their own right, preserving the beauty of the fynbos for generations to come.
Why Grootbos and JWP Align
Leaving Grootbos, I couldn’t stop thinking about the incredible balance they’ve struck here. It’s a place where luxury tourism funds life-changing initiatives, where conservation and community upliftment go hand in hand. The Grootbos Foundation mirrors JWP’s mission by celebrating and empowering the often-overlooked champions of conservation.
If you ever have the chance to visit Grootbos, take it. It’s not just a place to experience nature—it’s a place to witness the power of what can happen when we work together to create a better world. And if you can’t make the trip, consider supporting their work. Every small action helps sustain this incredible legacy.
You can learn more about the Grootbos Foundation and how to get involved at www.grootbosfoundation.org.

This article was written by Sophie Gandet.
Journeys With Purpose offers immersive conservation and ethical travel experiences. Through private and hosted trips with pioneering conservationists, guests experience rewilding and restoring biodiversity in the wildest corners of the world. Our “Seven Worlds, One Planet” approach is a global curriculum focused on recovering and conserving vibrant landscapes, biodiversity, wildlife and livelihoods across all seven continents.
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