Rewilding champions at the Sharpham Estate near Totnes are taking part in a free online Climate Change festival alongside Sir David Attenborough, Eden Project founder Sir Tim Smit and actor Rosie Day.

The three-day long Festival of Discovery, run by Eden Communities, will see participants discuss COP26, debate ideas for a more sustainable future, share top tips and eco activities people can do at home, and celebrate life and planet Earth.

Sharpham Trust director, Julian Carnell and Sharpham-based nature conservation organisation Ambios director, Simon Roper, will join the discussion panel ‘Rewilding: Letting Nature Lead The Way’ on Friday November 12 at 11.30am.

Julian said: “At Sharpham we believe that climate change cannot be separated from the myriad threats affecting biodiversity around the world or from the mental health crisis that has intensified during the pandemic

“These emergencies are in fact interrelated and we need to address them together if we are to affect real positive change.

 “The heart of our work is trying to connect people to the natural world.

“It is only by accepting that we are all part of nature rather than separate to it that we will begin to tackle the crisis facing us.”

Both The Sharpham Trust and Ambios are partners in rewilding 50 acres of The Sharpham Estate thanks to the Lotto funded project ‘Wild for People.’

The project is in its second year and increases in insect, birds, wildflowers and grasses have already been monitored on the land, which runs alongside the River Dart.

Simon said: “Rewilding is about all of us finding ways to create, live and work within healthy, flourishing ecosystems.

“The word ‘within’ is really important; we see ourselves as separate from nature at our peril. That’s the clear message from COP26.

 “There is a much-needed message of hope within the rewilding concept; an achievable vision of the future where people see themselves as part of a rich and diverse natural world which is our life support system.

“Rewilding will bring forward much needed positive actions to address the ecological emergency and climate crisis.”

The Festival of Discovery runs from Thursday November 11 to Saturday November 13.

Organisers Eden Communities says: “From community projects making a difference to live music, from panel sessions and workshops to yoga and meditation sessions, there’s something for everyone as we explore what we can do together for the planet.”

For more information and to register for any of the online talks visit www.festivalofdiscovery.com