The Railway Land Wildlife Trust in the UK recently launched a rewilding program to help repopulate nature reserves with vegetation. Wolves once dominated the area, and played a key role in ecological development by collecting seeds in their fur and dropping them around the UK. With wolves in the area now extinct, ecologists are turning to the next best thing— dogs. In Sussex, dogs can be seen running freely through an urban nature reserve with bags strapped to their backs full of wildflower seeds. The seeds of Early Purple Orchids, Spotted Orchids, Bluebells, Primroses, Wood Sage, and other perennial wildflowers are found in the packs, which have openings in them to allow seeds to fall through. As the dogs run and play through the grounds, they deposit seeds and ultimately help rewild the area. The initiative has bonded the local community, as dog and nature lovers alike can work together to help the environment thrive.
Image via Positive News
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