Sir David Attenborough is a supporter of rewilding and Ed Sheeran says that he plans to rewild as much of the UK as he can, so if you would like to know a little more, why not pop along to a new exhibition which has opened in Bournemouth.

The UK’s first photography exhibition exploring the concept is taking place at Bournemouth University’s Atrium Gallery until 31 March.

This exhibition by Dorset photographer and nature conservationist Dr Sam Rose intends to help people to find out more and encourage them to get involved.

The gallery is hosting a range of more than 40 images, including the animals that are the ‘ecosystem engineers’ and make rewilding happen, the people who choose to rewild, and the landscapes that result from rewilding. It also includes some drone photography of some areas being rewilded, and a range of fine-art black and white images that explore the ‘messiness’ and uncertainty that surrounds rewilding.

The work was all undertaken over the last two years as part of a Masters Degree in Photography at the neighbouring Arts University Bournemouth.

Tim Smit, founder of the Eden Project and the first person Sam interviewed for this project says: “This exhibition is quite simply marvellous. Sam Rose has a highly unusual gift… his camera becomes an extension of himself revealing landscapes, wildlife and people as if you are inside his head and, that his head is playing host to a wormhole of thousands of years of experiences, rather than simply a question of framing, light and mathematics. He has a painterly eye and you are left with a sense that he is revealing something more than what is immediately visible.”

Sam said: “I hope that this exhibition will inspire people to find out a bit more about rewilding, what it means and why it is so important for us all. It is all about letting go and allowing nature to take the lead in restoring damaged ecosystems, and about the people who have the courage to do that. It is amazing and beautiful to see what happens when nature is allowed to thrive, and my thanks go to those who have shared their stories with me.”

The exhibition is accompanied by a website: whatifyoujustleaveit.info and a podcast also called ‘What if you just leave it?’ available on most podcast platforms. It is supported in part by Heal Rewilding and the Fine Family Foundation, and created in collaboration with the Arts University Bournemouth and Bournemouth University.