About FREE

The Foundation for Restoring European Ecosystems was established in 2007, as a division of ARK Rewilding. However, our experience goes back much further. Since the 1990s, we have been involved in natural grazing. Over the course of more than 25 years, FREE Nature has acquired a wealth of knowledge about the natural live of wild-living horses and bovine. Over time our knowledge extended to working with European bison and water buffalo.

FREE Nature focuses on the restoration and development of spontaneous nature. We contribute to this in many ways. Our core-business is facilitating and managing social herds of large grazers in natural areas. With over 1800 free-living large grazers, FREE Nature is the largest private natural grazing organization in the Netherlands.

Additionally, we provide training and offer advice on topics such as the restoration of natural processes and natural grazing. This means FREE Nature handles the entire developmental process: from creating long term visions, setting up management plans and practical herd management. 

Engaging local communities within our projects, is our second nature. In addition to a core team of permanent staff, we have trained dozens of local volunteers. They’re not only our extra pairs of eyes and ears in the field, but also considered as ambassadors of their own 'front yards'. We regularly organize excursions and schools are welcomed for field lessons.