Students join rewilding effort in North East

University of Sunderland students are collaborating with Durham Wildlife Trust to support rewilding efforts aimed at reintroducing native species and restoring natural habitats across the region.

Business students have taken on the role of project consultants, crafting plans to aid the Trust’s conservation initiatives. These plans include researching potential species for reintroduction, assessing environmental benefits and engaging community and stakeholder support.

The initiative, led by Dr. Matti Morovat BEM and the school of business team, combines the university’s commitment to professional development and sustainability, giving students “hands-on, socially responsible learning experiences” while contributing to critical environmental efforts.

Dr Morovat said: “This initiative provides our students with a unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world environmental challenges, cultivating a deeper understanding of conservation efforts while gaining tangible project management experience that will set them up for success in their future careers. 

“Through this collaboration, we hope to empower the next generation of leaders to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.”

Elias Savva, who studies business and management at the university, said: “This rewilding project is an outstanding opportunity to protect biodiversity and develop important project management skills.

“These valuable skills are crucial for consulting roles since they allow me to develop environmentally friendly solutions that have a long-lasting effect.”

Elias’ comments were echoes by fellow student Collins Iyiewuare, who also studies business and management. Collins added: “Working with charities has always held a special place in my heart because helping others is particularly important for me.

“Through this opportunity, I’ve also had the chance to gain practical skills that this module has highlighted - problem solving and time management.

“These enable the introduction of structure and reduce risk to the greatest extent possible when project managing.”

Durham Wildlife Trust, which manages 50 nature reserves between the Tees and the Tyne, focuses on regenerating landscapes and bringing wildlife back into urban areas.

Dr Harriet-Anne Palin, grants and development officer at the Durham Wildlife Trust, added: “Durham Wildlife Trust is based in Sunderland and working with Dr Matti Morovat and her team on this module has been a great opportunity to work more closely with the Sunderland student community. 

“We hope that the outputs will influence our future work on nature restoration in this area and beyond.”

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