Wild Finca Showcases Asturias' Rewilding Success Story
A small farm with big impact …
Nestled in the foothills of the Picos de Europa in Asturias, Wild Finca is demonstrating how nature can flourish when space is given to recover. Over the past eight years, the 13-hectare former dairy farm has been transformed from overgrazed pasture into a thriving mosaic of wildflower meadows, ponds, woodland edges and wildlife corridors, creating an important refuge for biodiversity in northern Spain.
Rewilding in Green Spain
Founded by wildlife storytellers and conservationists Luke Massey and Katie Stacey, Wild Finca was established in 2018 with a vision to restore both the landscape and people's connection to nature. Situated within one of Spain's most biologically rich regions, the project demonstrates how smaller-scale rewilding initiatives can contribute to ecological recovery while complementing the wider natural landscapes of Asturias and the Picos de Europa.
What was once managed pasture has evolved into a diverse habitat supporting an extraordinary range of wildlife. Wild Finca has recorded more than 113 bird species and over 30 mammal species, including 16 species of bat, alongside reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and native flora. Seasonal visitors include red-backed shrikes, European nightjars, woodcock and redwings, while resident wildlife ranges from roe deer and red squirrels to hedgehogs, salamanders and emerald lizards.
A Haven for Wildlife
The surrounding region is already recognised as one of Europe's most important wildlife destinations. Asturias is home to species such as the Cantabrian brown bear, Iberian wolf, Cantabrian chamois and a variety of birds of prey, including vultures and goshawks. By creating a patchwork of habitats and allowing natural processes to play a greater role, Wild Finca provides additional feeding, breeding and shelter opportunities for many species that move through the wider landscape.
The project's approach combines habitat restoration with careful land management. Rotational grazing systems, the protection of wildflower areas and the creation of ponds have encouraged increasing numbers of insects, amphibians and other wildlife. Recent years have seen growing populations of species including glow worms, wasp spiders, marbled newts and Iberian singing frogs, demonstrating the ecological benefits that can emerge when habitats are restored.
Connecting People with Nature
Alongside its conservation work, Wild Finca aims to inspire greater engagement with the natural world through educational resources, nature experiences and community outreach. The project is rooted in the belief that ecological restoration and human wellbeing are closely connected, encouraging visitors and followers to discover how even small spaces can support biodiversity and foster a deeper appreciation for nature.
As interest in nature-based travel continues to grow, Wild Finca offers an inspiring example of how conservation, biodiversity and rural life can come together in the heart of Green Spain. While modest in scale, the project highlights the remarkable wildlife, landscapes and environmental initiatives that continue to shape Asturias as one of Spain's most distinctive nature destinations.
For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk.