THOUSANDS of miles away a redundant cattle ranch farm in South Africa has been turned into a nature reserve to protect endangered species.

A team of conservationists are attempting to re-establish nature as it was 150 years ago and bring back elephants, rhinos, leopards, antelope and other species to the habitat.

James Hill, from Chalford, one of 12 principal founders of the Shared Universe project, is now appealing for people from the Stroud area to get involved in the ambitious re-wilding project.

Film maker Domonic White and cameraman Harry Hill, both from Stroud, have just returned from the reserve.

“Suddenly you are in the middle of nowhere and there is a mighty animal in front of you that needs you,” said Domonic, describing the moment he helped rescue a family of seven elephants who were in danger of being hunted by poachers.

This was the result of months of planning and work to gain permission to move the animals.

A team of vets, security and a helicopter circled above the reserve as a convoy of trucks drove towards the elephants.

“It can look quite brutal,” said Domonic, describing the rescue.

“We want to help but have to put them through things we wouldn’t ideally put them through just so they can survive. People are going to incredible lengths.”

In the first part of the rescue the matriarch is darted. Then the other elephants are drugged.

“It is then time critical,” said Domonic, 44.

“The elephants can’t regulate their temperature by sweating so have to be lifted by their feet into the truck so they can breathe, a strap around their chests would suffocate them.”

They are then quickly transported to a safe environment before being woken up.

This is a hectic period, Domonic said, with the elephants being unsettled and noisy before calming down.

“Then they are taken to an enclosed area and given water.

“The moment they are released onto the reserve is life affirming and magical,” said Domonic.

“Suddenly they calm down and gracefully step out, as if nothing has happened.

“I can’t ever expect to experience something like that again.”

Domonic and Harry filmed and photographed the experience in 360 degrees and are using the footage to help teach children about the project.

For James, work on the 20,000 acre reserve has become one of his biggest passions.

Since it was started around three years ago, the project has helped bring back leopards, antelope and hyena dens. The aim is to bring back the ‘big five’ onto the reserve - the lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard.

Then the project wants to expand the reserve to up to 100,000 acres and into other countries.

“It has become nearly all consuming,” said James, 59.

“But the speed at which you can make a difference is energising and inspiring.

“We want people to get involved and see and feel the difference they are making.

“This is very much a hands on project and we want people to get involved.”

If you would like to get involved email info@shareduniverse.co.uk

Visit shareduniverse.co.uk/snj to find out more.