A New Era: Roger Tempest’s VisionWhen Roger inherited Broughton Estate at a tender age of seven, the challenges were evident. With tadpoles spewing from taps and the mansion so vulnerable that snow would settle on indoor billiard tables, the inheritance was less of a luxury and more of a responsibility. Yet, the weight of 32 generations of legacy instilled in him a deep sense of commitment. In the late 80s, leveraging the advent of fax machines, Roger innovatively converted the decaying barns into a bustling business park. Today, this area accommodates 52 thriving businesses and provides livelihoods to over 700 individuals.Broughton’s Rewilding RevolutionThe economic revival of Broughton paved the way for more profound changes – the rewilding of the estate. Alastair Driver, the mind behind Rewilding Britain, hailed Broughton as the country’s “most rapidly transformational” rewilding venture. The success, according to Roger, stems from starting from ground zero: once-barren fields with barely any biodiversity. Presently, the estate boasts a diverse ecosystem. The café named Utopia, which sits amidst the estate, offers a panoramic view of the flourishing walled garden, complete with strutting peahens. Here, one can relish innovative dishes like the squash and dukkah pancake or explore intriguing beverages like medicinal mushroom lattes.A Vision for a Greener FutureRoger’s commitment to environmental rejuvenation is palpable. In his words, “Change is in the air.” He emphasizes that the dire need for ecological restoration isn’t an activist’s whim but sheer common sense. With over 350,000 native broadleaf trees of 15 species planted since 2020 and plans to re-establish beaver populations, Broughton’s rewilding journey is only getting started.