Founder & Executive Director
CAROLINE GRINDROD
Caroline conceived the Wilderculture approach and co-founded the organisation with Stephen Grindrod and Alexandra Tomlinson. A thought leader, systems thinker and regenerative designer, she applies these skills to organisational design as well as designing farms and estates for a resilient, regenerative future.
Caroline developed the Wilderculture Integrated Landscape Design methodology and the ROOTED framework which underpins our work. As Executive Director, she leads strategic direction, delivers projects and has built the training programmes now shaping regenerative practice across the UK.With nearly 30 years’ experience in environmental land management, Caroline has trained farmers with influence over 500,000 acres and currently works with nearly 150,000 acres in active transition. She is now pioneering Wilderculture’s evolution into bioregional work – building the community infrastructure and place-based approaches needed for transformation at landscape scale
Regenerative Building & Settlement Design
STEPHEN GRINDROD
Stephen is at the forefront of regenerative building in the UK, leading the way with natural and sustainable materials while exploring how buildings and settlements can actively contribute to ecological and community regeneration.Through Stephen Grindrod Ltd, he specialises in heritage conservation, natural building and regenerative design – creating spaces that support the health of people, place and planet.
His work demonstrates how the built environment can become part of the solution, not the problem.Within Wilderculture, Stephen brings expertise in regenerative settlement design and business models, helping to envision how bioregional communities can create physical infrastructure that reflects and supports their values.
MA Vet MB MSc PhD Dip ECZM (Wildlife Population Health) MRCVS
ALEXANDRA TOMLINSON
Alex is a Wilderculture founder who brings expertise at the critical intersection of ecology, livestock health and wildlife welfare. Her work explores the complex relationships between disease, land management and human intervention – understanding what healthy animal populations look like in functional ecosystems.Alex originated the ‘Red Flag’ process, which has since evolved through practical application on farms into a comprehensive way of addressing pest and disease from an ecological perspective.
This approach has become a valuable part of the transition process, where these issues can present some of the biggest barriers for farmers moving to regenerative systems.She continues to guide our work, ensuring that animal health and ecological integrity remain central to the Wilderculture approach.
Writer, Biologist, Philosopher
GEORGIA WINGFIELD-HAYES
Georgia is a regenerative thinker, writer and guide who explores the human relationship with the more-than-human world. With a background in biology and a deep study of intact ecosystems and predators in wilder places – from wolves in the Iberian Peninsula to traditional pastoral communities – she brings vital insights to our work reconnecting people and place in the UK.Training with Bill Plotkin and the Animas Valley Institute in nature-based soul work, Georgia guides pilgrimages and initiatory journeys that help people find their place within functional ecosystems.
She understands that lasting change requires not just ecological restoration, but a shift in how humans see themselves in relation to the living world.As a Wilderculture Director, Georgia shapes our strategic direction and contributes her gift for weaving story, myth and meaning into our work. She co-facilitates the Rooting to Place personal pilgrimage offered through our membership community.
Wilder Gowbarrow | Demonstration Farm & Training Hub
SAM BEAUMONT
Sam and his wife Claire were early adopters of the Wilderculture approach and have since become leaders in the UK regenerative farming movement. They run Gowbarrow Hall Farm on the shores of Ullswater – home to the Wilderculture training hub and demonstration farm.Sam advises on Wilderculture’s strategic direction, bringing practical expertise in the realities of farm transition.
He leads on demonstrating practical implementation, showing farmers what regenerative practice looks like on the ground.Wilder Gowbarrow is a living example, where Shorthorn cattle, Kune Kune pigs and Fell ponies work to restore soil and ecology. The restored barn offers accommodation and home-grown regenerative food for training participants.Explore Gowbarrow Hall Farm: https://gowbarrow.co.uk
Strategy & Funding (SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION)
CLAIRE SEAWARD
Claire is a strategist with 20 years’ experience driving social and environmental change across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Her expertise spans campaigns, advocacy, governance and programme management, with a track record of delivering impact on climate adaptation, renewable energy, farmer livelihoods and human rights.Having worked with communities, governments and global UN processes, Claire brings deep understanding of how to make financial, policy and knowledge systems work for people and planet.
She is passionate about the growing focus on local and bioregional action, and is rediscovering her own farming roots and connection to place.Trained in the ROOTED framework, Claire helps guide Wilderculture’s strategic direction and funding approach – bringing clarity, energy and a collaborative spirit to our work.