Inspired by a groundbreaking forest restoration initiative in Chile, the English town of Lewes has launched an innovative project to rewild a local urban nature reserve by enlisting the help of dog walkers. The reserve, heavily degraded by foot traffic, benefits from the natural behavior of dogs who, equipped with seed-filled saddlebags, spread wildflower seeds as they run through the woods. This method emulates the seed dispersal once performed by wolves, who roamed vast areas, inadvertently dropping seeds caught in their fur, which later germinated and supported biodiversity. The Railway Land Wildlife Trust, led by Dylan Walker, has adapted this rewilding strategy to utilize the large number of dog walkers frequenting the area, replicating the ecological role that larger herbivores and wild animals once played.

The project, initiated in 2019, involves filling the saddlebags with a mix of perennial plant seeds and sand to ensure effective seed dispersion over longer distances and to help track the dogs’ movements. Local dog walkers, like Cressida Murray and her chocolate cocker spaniel Bertie, have embraced this ecological mission, contributing to the restoration of native plant species in the reserve. This community-driven approach not only fosters engagement and environmental awareness among participants but also enriches the local environment. According to Walker, leveraging the enthusiasm and routine of dog walkers for rewilding efforts exemplifies how urban nature reserves can creatively address biodiversity challenges and reconnect people with the natural world.

The I/O cabin by studio Erling Berg stands as a testament to the allure of Norwegian-style summer houses that seamlessly blend with nature, offering a serene escape from urban stresses. Nestled in the scenic coastal town of Risør, Norway, this charming holiday home embraces the concept of “inside-outside” living to harmonize with the dynamic Norwegian climate. Elevated on wooden pillars and clad in locally sourced spruce, the cabin comprises three interconnected volumes strategically positioned around a central atrium. The wooden deck, supported by cross-laminated timber beams, unifies the volumes, creating an inviting space that capitalizes on the breathtaking views of the ocean. Architect Erling Berg emphasizes the importance of easy access between the indoors and outdoors, recognizing the swift weather changes typical of Norway’s coastal regions.

The design philosophy extends to the cantilevered roof, intelligently shaped to provide shade, shelter, and a play of natural light within the central atrium. As one steps into the I/O cabin, the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the interiors becomes apparent. The U-shaped layout places the main living area, four bedrooms, and a shower around the central space, fostering a sense of connection and openness. The interior design reflects a blend of tradition and functionality, incorporating a palette inspired by the materials and colors found in the 1950s and 60s Norwegian coastal cabins. Erling Berg’s thoughtful combination of local, genuine materials and a timeless color palette creates an environment that is simultaneously cool, warm, and bright, capturing the essence of a classic summer retreat.