The Great British Wildlife Restoration 2026 - the shortlist!

Twenty-six zoos and aquariums have been shortlisted for the Great British Wildlife Restoration competition, a prestigious scheme that recognises the incredible work being done to restore native species in Britain.

The shortlist includes inspiring projects restoring red squirrels, planting seagrass and improving nature reserves. Together these projects demonstrate the sheer range of activities by zoos and aquariums across Britain to protect and restore our native species and bring people closer to nature.

The Great British Wildlife Restoration, which is organised by BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) aims to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing work taking place to tackle the drastic decline of our native species and will urge politicians to act now for our nature.

The projects nominators will now vie for the votes and the attention of Members of Parliament who will decide a winner in January. Last year’s winning project was Chester Zoo’s rescue mission to save one of Wales’ rarest plants.

Andy Hall, BIAZA’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager and the founder of the Great British Wildlife Restoration said: “These amazing projects are just a snapshot of the decades of dedicated work that conservationists are putting into our great British wildlife. Its up to all of us to make a difference and make sure future generations will live in a better and wilder world.”

The shortlist is as follows:

The shortlisted projects will be invited to a special awards evening at the House of the Speaker of the House of Commons in January 2026. The winner will have received the most votes from supportive Members of Parliament or Members of the House of Lords. Congratulations to all those shortlisted!