Rethink Nature at the Wild Summit 2026: Championing Species Recovery Through Conversation and Jenga

On 9th September, the Rethink Nature partnership joined conservation organisations, campaigners, policymakers and nature enthusiasts from across the country at the Wild Summit in Bristol, hosted by Wildlife and Countryside Link. The event brought together a diverse community of people united by a shared ambition: to secure a future where nature can recover and thrive.

It was an inspiring day filled with thought-provoking discussions, new connections and opportunities to champion the urgent need for species recovery. Throughout the summit, we were delighted to engage with attendees who shared our passion for protecting and restoring England’s wildlife.

Bringing Ecosystems to Life with Jenga

One of the highlights of the day was our interactive session in the Cellars, where we invited participants to take part in Rethink Nature’s original Ecosystem Jenga game.

The game uses the familiar challenge of balancing a tower of blocks to demonstrate the delicate balance that exists within natural ecosystems and the vital role that species play within them. Participants explored how species uphold ecosystems and considered the many pressures that place them at risk, from habitat loss and pollution to climate change and inadequate environmental protections.

As blocks were removed, the consequences of mounting pressures became increasingly visible.

Conversations quickly developed around what happens when ecosystems are pushed beyond their limits and what can be lost when they collapse.

However, the exercise also offered a hopeful message. Participants were able to test what happens when positive actions are introduced before it is too late. By investing enough support into nature, strengthening habitats and creating the right conditions for recovery, ecosystems can remain resilient. The lesson was simple but powerful: when we act decisively for nature, collapse is not inevitable.

We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and engagement the session received. It was encouraging to see so many people eager to discuss the challenges facing species and, importantly, the solutions that can help turn things around.

Next up for Ecosystem Jenga is a trip to Parliament in October, where we will be encouraging MPs to get involved!

Conversations and Connections at Our Exhibition Stand

Alongside our interactive event, the Rethink Nature exhibition stand became a hub for conversation throughout the day. We welcomed attendees from across the environmental sector, sharing insights into our work and discussing the importance of accelerating action for species recovery.

The summit provided a valuable opportunity to build new relationships, exchange ideas and connect with stakeholders who are working towards the same goals. These conversations reinforced the growing momentum behind nature recovery and highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving lasting change.

Sending a Message for Species

A particularly popular feature of our stand was the return of the Rethink Nature post box, which made its second appearance at the Wild Summit.

Visitors were invited to write postcards to the Defra Secretary of State, Dame Angela Eagle, sharing why species matter to them and why nature recovery should remain a political priority. The responses were thoughtful, passionate and deeply personal, reflecting the many ways wildlife enriches people’s lives and communities.

From cherished memories of encounters with nature to concerns about the species being lost from our landscapes, the postcards demonstrated the strength of public support for action to restore biodiversity. Every message helped amplify the call for greater ambition and commitment to species recovery. The postcards will be sent en masse to the Secretary of State, along with a letter from Rethink Nature reinforcing the messages written by participants.

Looking Ahead

The Wild Summit was a fantastic opportunity to showcase Rethink Nature’s work, engage with new audiences and strengthen the collective voice calling for species recovery.

We would like to thank everyone who visited our stand, took part in the Ecosystem Jenga challenge, and shared their thoughts through our postcard campaign. Events like these remind us that people care deeply about species and are ready to support meaningful action to protect them.

Together, we can build a future where species recover, ecosystems thrive and nature is valued for generations to come.