Wild & Other Shortlisted for Two Awards in Regenerative Tourism

Last year, PLEB sat down with Wild & Other to explore how a 20-acre corner of the Peak District was quietly transforming into a model for rewilding and slow, meaningful travel. Now, the pioneering start-up has been shortlisted for two awards in the 2026 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards: Regenerative Tourism Award and New Tourism Business of the Year.

Wild & Other’s three beautifully restored, renewable-powered cottages, The Farmhouse, Oak Cottage and Hickory Cottage, invite guests to take a step back from the busy every day life, and reconnect with nature. Each home blends thoughtful design with rgenerative tourism, including a five-star ratings from VisitEngland and a Gold Award for The Farmhouse.

Co-founder Steve Coles and the team have spent the past few years working with ecologist Julie Riley and local conservation groups to bring biodiversity back to Cow Close Farm. Their 30-year plan includes creating new habitats, restoring ecosystems and regenerating the land with intention and care.

Over the past year alone they’ve undertaken a variety of initiatives to bring their rewilding goals closer to fruition. As part of these efforts, Wild & Other have created three new wildlife ponds designed to support frogs, toads, dragonflies and the rare great crested newt. They’ve also built bee banks and hibernacula from earth and natural materials, giving solitary bees and other wildlife safe places to nest. Over the past year, they’ve planted more than 330 native trees with support from the Woodland Trust and the Peak District National Park, expanded species-rich hedgerows, nurtured a rare meadow back to full health, and even developed a dedicated habitat for barn owls — encouraging one of the Peak District’s most iconic species to thrive.

“Being a finalist for the Regenerative Tourism Award feels particularly special because supporting nature and increasing biodiversity is at the heart of everything we do,” says Steve. “We want to leave the world better than we found it — for our kids, and their kids too.”

With retreats and wellbeing events on the horizon, Wild & Other is shaping a version of tourism where people can be mindful about the impact they’re having and support regenerative environmental work at the same time.