At the heart of our work is a simple idea.
When ecosystems thrive, local communities and economies can thrive.
When ecosystems thrive, local communities and economies can thrive.
For too long, degraded landscapes have been seen as places beyond repair, with their ecological and economic value overlooked. We created the Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research, Education, and Design (WIRRED) to show that degraded landscapes can be regenerated into biodiverse, productive ecosystems that support local communities.
We are a team of scientists, educators, and practitioners applying systems thinking to reverse ecological degradation and rethink how landscapes are managed over time.
Rooted in the Caribbean bioregion, WIRRED advances coastal and landscape regeneration through research, education, design, and hands-on implementation.
This work is made possible through collaboration with local communities and global partners. Together, we share knowledge, develop local expertise, and restore the health of the places we all depend on. At the center of this work are the people who live, work, and care for these landscapes every day.
We are a team of scientists, educators, and practitioners applying systems thinking to reverse ecological degradation and rethink how landscapes are managed over time.
Rooted in the Caribbean bioregion, WIRRED advances coastal and landscape regeneration through research, education, design, and hands-on implementation.
This work is made possible through collaboration with local communities and global partners. Together, we share knowledge, develop local expertise, and restore the health of the places we all depend on. At the center of this work are the people who live, work, and care for these landscapes every day.
Our Story
WIRRED is the culmination of a lifetime of work by its founder, Ian McNeel. For more than 50 years, the Walkers Sand Quarry supplied the silica sand used in nearly every building project in Barbados. At the same time, the McNeel family stewarded one of the island’s largest remaining native coastal forests, balancing extraction with conservation. As the landscape degraded under unsustainable land-use practices, a new question emerged. How do you restore a degraded landscape and rebuild biodiversity?
This question set Ian on a path to understand how degraded landscapes can be restored into biodiverse ecosystems that support local communities and economies. Walkers Reserve became that proof. From this work, WIRRED was created to apply the lessons of Walkers Reserve to restoration projects across Barbados. Today, WIRRED serves as a Caribbean bioregional hub for ridge-to-reef research, education, and design.
Our Story
WIRRED is the culmination of a lifetime of work by its founder, Ian McNeel. For more than 50 years, the Walkers Sand Quarry supplied the silica sand used in nearly every building project in Barbados. At the same time, the McNeel family stewarded one of the island’s largest remaining native coastal forests, balancing extraction with conservation. As the landscape degraded under unsustainable land-use practices, a new question emerged. How do you restore a degraded landscape and rebuild biodiversity?
This question set Ian on a path to understand how degraded landscapes can be restored into biodiverse ecosystems that support local communities and economies. Walkers Reserve became that proof. From this work, WIRRED was created to apply the lessons of Walkers Reserve to restoration projects across Barbados. Today, WIRRED serves as a Caribbean bioregional hub for ridge-to-reef research, education, and design.
Our Approach
We define regeneration as restoring landscapes in ways that support ecological health, local economies, and community well-being. Guided by the 8 Forms of Capital, we take a broader view of value, designing systems that strengthen nature, knowledge, relationships, culture, and long-term community resilience. Our work connects these layers, linking long-term planning with hands-on restoration on the ground.
As systems thinkers, we focus on opportunities where targeted interventions can create lasting benefits for both ecosystems and communities. Through this lens, we develop and implement strategies that increase biodiversity and support communities connected to local land.
Our Approach
We define regeneration as restoring landscapes in ways that support ecological health, local economies, and community well-being. Guided by the 8 Forms of Capital, we take a broader view of value, designing systems that strengthen nature, knowledge, relationships, culture, and long-term community resilience. Our work connects these layers, linking long-term planning with hands-on restoration on the ground.
As systems thinkers, we focus on opportunities where targeted interventions can create lasting benefits for both ecosystems and communities. Through this lens, we develop and implement strategies that increase biodiversity and support communities connected to local land.
The people shaping a regenerative future
WIRRED is a team of ecologists, scientists, practitioners, and educators working to restore ecosystems and rethink how landscapes are managed across the Caribbean.
Board of Directors
Ian
McNeel
Founder & Director
Ian
McNeel
Founder & Director
Selwyn
Smith
Founding Director
Selwyn
Smith
Founding Director
Keisha
Farnum
Board Member
Keisha
Farnum
Board Member
David
Burns
Board Member
David
Burns
Board Member
Our Team
Lisa
Fenty
Managing Director
Lisa
Fenty
Managing Director
Shae
Warren
Director of Special Projects
Shae
Warren
Director of Special Projects
Jehroum
Wood
Director of Research & Development
Jehroum
Wood
Director of Research & Development
Georgina
Thornton
Project Coordinator
Georgina
Thornton
Project Coordinator
Dr. Amelia
Rouse
Research Lead
Dr. Amelia
Rouse
Research Lead
Yashua
Holder
Water & Soil Collection Officer
Yashua
Holder
Water & Soil Collection Officer
Alison
Phillips
Communications Officer
Alison
Phillips
Communications Officer
Joy-Anne
Headley
Executive Coordinator
Joy-Anne
Headley
Executive Coordinator
Elize
Rostant
Consultant
Elize
Rostant
Consultant
Building Regenerative Futures
WIRRED brings together academic institutions, funders, and partners to regenerate degraded lands. This work is rooted in the belief that healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing depend on one another. Together, we can restore landscapes across Barbados and the wider Caribbean.
Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research Education and Design Inc.
PROJECTS
WIRRED is a registered non-profit organization under the Companies Act, Cap.308: Company No. 42861.
Nonprofit status: Registered under Charities Act, Cap 243: Registered Charities No. 1405
PROJECTS
WIRRED is a registered non-profit organization under the Companies Act, Cap.308: Company No. 42861.
Nonprofit status: Registered under Charities Act, Cap 243: Registered Charities No. 1405
WIRRED is a registered non-profit organization under the Companies Act, Cap.308: Company No. 42861.
Nonprofit status: Registered under Charities Act, Cap 243: Registered Charities No. 1405