Sydney Rewilding Initiative

To complete the survey, click here

While the ecological side of the Urban Rewilding project has been well underway (you can read about our first bogul reintroductions here), we are now kicking off the social science component of the project. A part of this research is conducted by Honours student Kate Lovell under the supervision of Professor Phil McManus and Associate Professor Thomas Newsome at The University of Sydney.

Successful rewilding depends as much on social acceptance as it does on ecological factors. Beyond this, urban rewilding offers something rarely discussed in conservation: the opportunity to actively improve the quality of urban life.

Bringing native wildlife back into city reserves has been shown to strengthen residents’ connection with nature, support psychological wellbeing, and foster a deeper sense of place. To realise these benefits, however, we first need to understand what communities value, what concerns they may have, and how people relate to nature in their everyday lives.

The study explores how northern Sydney residents relate to nature, what they think about local wildlife and green spaces, and how they feel about urban rewilding and wildlife management practices. In particular, we are interested in understanding how people’s connection with nature shapes their views on rewilding, and which aspects of rewilding matter most to residents when it comes to what they find acceptable.

The findings will feed directly back into the Urban Rewilding project, helping inform decisions about species selection, pest management approaches, and community engagement as rewilding expands across the region.

How can you contribute?

If you are an adult resident (18+) of any of the following northern Sydney Local Government Areas, we would love to hear from you:

• Hornsby Shire
• Ku-ring-gai Council
• Lane Cove Municipal Council
• Mosman Municipal Council
• North Sydney Council
• Northern Beaches Council
• Willoughby City Council

The questionnaire will take approximately 20 minutes.

Scan the QR code or follow the link below to get started:

OR

1. Go to this web address: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/
2. Then enter this code: WXTEXTPMX

If you live in Balgowlah, North Balgowlah, Manly Vale, or Allambie Heights, you may also be invited at the end of the questionnaire to opt in to a short optional follow-up interview (around 20 to 40 minutes) about your experiences as a resident near Manly Dam Reserve.