In 2018, Luke Massey and Katie Stacey embarked on an ambitious journey to restore seven hectares of a defunct dairy farm in Asturias, Northern Spain, to its natural glory, and breathe life back into its ecosystems. They named their home and project Wild Finca, a testament to their vision of creating a sanctuary for nature.
By Katie Stacey
Finding Paradise in the Costa Verde
After years of globe-trotting as wildlife documentarians, Luke and I found ourselves at a crossroads. We were exhausted from documenting both the beauty and destruction of nature worldwide, and we yearned for a more sustainable way of life. Our search led us to Asturias, Spain’s Costa Verde—a verdant paradise nestled between the dramatic Picos de Europa mountains and the rugged Atlantic coastline.
Our journey wasn’t just about finding a new home; it was about healing from the emotional toll of witnessing environmental destruction firsthand. From seeing young children scavenging through mountains of waste at Delhi’s Ghazipur landfill to the endless cages of victims of the wildlife trade in the markets of Indonesia, we’d been left questioning humanity’s future. But then, visiting the renowned Knepp Estate in West Sussex during a film project in 2017 lit a spark in us for what we wanted next. We wanted to create a home for nature, but we could never have afforded such a vision in the UK. Having worked on a project on the Iberian lynx, we were drawn to Spain, but it was the North that captured our hearts.
Wild Finca: A Vision Takes Root
In 2018, we discovered what would become Wild Finca—seven hectares of former dairy farmland with immense potential for ecological restoration. We purchased the property for €139,000, complete with dilapidated buildings and degraded land, but also the promise of something greater. As if blessing our vision, a Griffon Vulture soared overhead during our first visit—a powerful omen of the wildlife that would return.
We chose the name “Wild Finca” deliberately to reflect our vision of transforming this now defunct traditional Spanish farm into a wildlife haven. Inspired by Knepp, we aimed to create something similar but on a scale that proved you didn’t need vast acreage to make a significant impact.
Our Rewilding Journey
The transformation of Wild Finca has been a labor of love. We’ve created a mosaic of habitats including woodland, scrub and grassland. We’ve established wildlife corridors through strategic tree planting, and dug new ponds that quickly attracted amphibians and dragonflies. We’ve provided homes for native grazers like Asturcón horses and Casina cattle, our grazing patterns mimicking natural predator-prey relationships.
Our approach evolved through trial and error. Initially adopting a hands-off approach, we soon realized that without large predators like wolves, we needed to actively manage the land to maintain habitat diversity. Luke and I became, in essence, the wolves—moving our grazing animals strategically to create the kind of landscape disturbance that would naturally occur in a fully functioning ecosystem.
Walking Through Recovery
Now, as I walk our land each day, I see the fruits of our labor in vibrant meadows filled with orchids and butterflies, scrubby glades where Red-backed Shrikes nest, pond edges teeming with life, ancient woodland paths used by Pine Martens and Wild Boar, and stunning views of the Picos de Europa. Each season brings new discoveries. Spring erupts with wildflowers and returning migrant birds, summer buzzes with insects and hunting shrikes, autumn brings foraging mammals, and winter offers clear views of our resident wildlife against the dramatic mountain backdrop.
The land has become a living classroom, not just for us but for our sons, Roan and Albus. Watching them explore the meadows and woods, I am reminded of the importance of fostering a connection with nature from a young age. Their curiosity and wonder at the natural world fuel our commitment to this project and inspire us to continue learning and adapting our methods.
Measurable Success
Within just six years, we’ve achieved remarkable results: 113 bird species recorded, 16 bat species identified, increased presence of mammals including Roe Deer, Red Fox, and Garden Dormouse, and expansion to nearly 13 hectares. We’ve also seen three breeding pairs of Red-backed Shrikes, up from one. These achievements demonstrate how quickly nature can recover when given the chance. While we’ve expanded, our focus remains on quality of habitat rather than quantity of land.
The success of Wild Finca has also attracted attention from conservationists and nature enthusiasts alike. We’ve had the privilege of hosting guided tours and online re-wilding retreats, sharing our knowledge and experiences with others who dream of making a difference. These interactions have enriched our journey, providing us with new insights and ideas to further enhance the biodiversity of our land.
A Beacon of Hope
Wild Finca has become more than just our re-wilding project—it’s a demonstration of how humans can become positive keystone species in ecosystem restoration. We now offer guided tours and online re-wilding retreats, and will soon be offering ‘Nurturing Little Naturalist’ courses for kids, sharing our knowledge and passion with others who dream of making a difference.
The arrival of our two sons, Roan and Albus, has added another dimension to our mission. What began as a response to environmental despair has transformed into a legacy of hope for future generations. When I look at them exploring Wild Finca, I see the power of positive change and the importance of taking action, no matter how small.
Your Role in the Story
I believe every walk we take, every natural space we protect, and every small action we take for nature matters. Whether you’re exploring magnificent landscapes or dreaming of your own conservation project, remember that positive change often starts with a single step. Our transformation of Wild Finca from degraded farmland to a thriving ecosystem shows that with vision, dedication, and hope, we can all contribute to nature’s recovery.
As you lace up your boots for your next outdoor adventure, consider how you might become part of the solution, helping to create a wilder, more biodiverse world for future generations.
Receive the Wild Finca Nature Explorer’s Starter Kit and a virtual tour of Wild Finca
We have created a Wild Finca Nature Explorer’s Starter Kit! A downloadable guide crafted to ignite children’s curiosity and confidence in exploring the natural world. It provides parents and educators with a variety of tools and activities designed to engage young minds, fostering a lifelong love for nature.
In today’s fast-paced world, the connection between children and the natural environment is more crucial than ever. Nature exploration offers a wealth of benefits that extend beyond simple enjoyment. It plays a vital role in enhancing children’s mental health and cognitive development, providing a foundation for lifelong well-being.
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