Old-growth forest reserve, Velebit mountains Nature Park, Croatia Credit: Staffan Widstrand. 

Europe has lost nearly all of its primary forests, which are natural ancient forests, untouched by significant human activity. Their disappearance is largely a result of centuries of agriculture, urbanisation, logging and industrialisation. The loss of these pristine forest ecosystems means Europe now lacks many native habitats crucial for biodiversity and natural ecological processes.

This context is essential for understanding the importance of rewilding efforts across Europe, which aim to enable natural regeneration and allow ecosystems to function independently. Without primary forests, rewilding provides an opportunity to rebuild self-sustaining habitats that can support diverse wildlife, enhance ecosystem resilience and help to address climate change.