A newly released special issue of Routes: The Journal for Student Geographers is shining a spotlight on the vital role young people play in rewilding and nature recovery efforts.
The issue, produced in collaboration with youth-led nature recovery organisation Youngwilders, brings together a diverse collection of perspectives from emerging geographers working across research, practice, and creative disciplines. It explores how younger generations are engaging with environmental restoration across a range of contexts—from urban spaces and rural landscapes to marine environments.
Edited by Editor-in-Chief Jonathon Turnbull, the publication reflects Routes’ ongoing mission to amplify student voices and showcase the breadth of work being undertaken by young geographers from a variety of backgrounds and identities.
“This special issue highlights not only the urgency of nature recovery, but also the creativity, critical thinking, and leadership that young people are bringing to the movement.”
The collection features contributions from an international cohort of early-career geographers, offering fresh insights into rewilding practices and the social, political, and ecological dimensions of restoring nature. The work spans both academic and practice-based approaches, illustrating how theory and action intersect in addressing today’s environmental challenges.
An introductory piece by Jonathon Turnbull and Oscar Hartman Davies provides an overview of the issue’s central themes and the wide-ranging contributions included.
The collaboration with Youngwilders underscores a shared ambition: to accelerate nature recovery while ensuring young people are actively involved in shaping its future.
Related Research Themes
Society
Encompassing the governance and socio-cultural dimensions of nature recovery.
