More than a thousand applicants
On the weekend of September 20, 2025, the spirit of Hellfest Productions stepped beyond the festival grounds. Hellfest Productions, together with several environmental organizations, invited Heilung and a group of festivalgoers to gather not in front of a stage, but in the heart of a wildlife reserve. In fact, for months, Savage Lands has been joining forces with the Jane Goodall Institute France, and their shared vision is now coming to life through several projects. The most groundbreaking of all: the creation of the very first Jane Goodall Wildlife Reserve — a world premiere.
Set in the wild landscapes of Brittany, this sanctuary exists thanks to the relentless work of ASPAS. It is a pioneering association known for defending biodiversity. ASPAS also created the “Wildlife Reserve” label, the strongest level of nature protection in France. Consequently, what began as music meeting nature turned into something larger. A sort of a celebration of life, resilience, and the power of community to protect the wild.
The connection between Savage Lands and the world of music opens up a new way of weaving bonds between people, organizations, artists, and the living world itself. The idea of bringing Hellfest into this journey came naturally, leading to an immersive event rooted in nature. In short, the goal was to offer a handful of festivalgoers an experience like no other.
Heilung, one of our earliest supporters, immediately embraced the vision. They saw in it the perfect opportunity to guide a ritual. A living tribute to this symbolic reserve and all it represents.
Photo 1 – Arrival in Brittany aboard the bus chartered by Hellfest Productions / Photo 2 – Heilung with the Savage Lands team and Cindy Pajot, Hellfest Productions CSR/RSO Manager / Photo 3 – The full team before departing Hellfest
A Close Look at the Applications
To bring the project to life, Hellfest and Savage Lands launched a call for applicants. The response was overwhelming. More than a thousand festivalgoers applied, each sharing their motivations through a detailed questionnaire. Choosing the final group was anything but easy. The depth and sincerity of the answers revealed a community eager to take part in something meaningful. Many of these voices will no doubt be part of future projects.
For this first journey, though, a small group was chosen. Together, we gathered on the Hellfest parking lot, backpacks slung over shoulders and excitement in the air, ready to board the bus bound for the Jane Goodall Wildlife Reserve in Trégor.
What is this reserve?
Several plots along the banks of the Léguer River come together to form the Jane Goodall Wildlife Reserve®. Trégor, established in 2024 during the visit of the renowned primatologist to UNESCO in France. Untouched forest landscapes are rare in the region, giving the reserve its exceptional character. It is home to several notable species, including the European otter and the Quimper snail. they’re both protected in France and across Europe. Their presence is a testament to the pristine quality of the water and the remarkable habitat offered by the riverbanks.
By joining the Rewilding Europe network, the Jane Goodall Wildlife Reserve®. Trégor has become one of the few places in France to offer genuine protection for wildlife, alongside the Grand Barry Wildlife Reserve®.
Visitors can explore the reserve via two walking trails. they form long loops along the Léguer. The two paths allow a full tour of the site, immersing walkers in its untouched beauty.
Wildlife Sentinels
Ultimately, when we organize events focused on biodiversity preservation, our goal is to spark a movement. Creating an “Army of the Trees,” so to speak. That’s why we chose to invite a select group of festivalgoers, particularly attuned to the cause, to become “Guardians of the Wild.” In a way, this initiatory weekend transforms them into ambassadors, carrying the spirit and mission of the reserve beyond its borders.
They embody both the determination of environmental organizations to unite and achieve tangible results, and a festival that has chosen to take a clear and powerful stand. By supporting initiatives like this through its communication reach and unwavering commitment to Savage Lands, Hellfest helps create a momentum that could ripple through the metal community.
Photo 1 – Discussion with Galitt and Yolaine (Jane Goodall Institute France and ASPAS) / Photo 3 – The ultra-collector T-shirt created by Hellfest / Photo 5 – Celtic culture evoked by Heilung
Metalheads for biodiversity
For several months, various associations have been collaborating with Savage Lands. Most of them had little exposure to the world of metal. Through events like Hellfest and initiatives such as this weekend, they discovered the power of our community. They also came to see how music and artists, in the right context, can become a potent tool in the peaceful battles we fight for nature.
Furthermore, researchers from the Hellfest Lab took part in this initiative. This observatory is dedicated to issues of social and environmental responsibility. It examines the connections between metal community culture, the nonprofit sector, and environmental concerns. The Hellfest Lab reflects on the impacts of human activity and the need to preserve biodiversity.
Ultimately, it’s up to us to go further. To achieve results that will inspire even more environmental organizations, metal festivals, and bands… and above all, ordinary people. Festivalgoers, unsung musicians, passionate individuals. All of us together can tip the balance toward better protection, and even the restoration, of the wild and living world.
Photos + vidéos : Corentin Charbonnier Ig : finnlord_cc / Emilie Ruiz Ig : metalchronik / Jeremy Jouaud (cameraman) : jeremy_jouaud_wereal
Coordination : Yolaine de la Bigne et Cecilia Rinaudeau (Aspas ) – Cindy Pajot (Hellfest) – Galitt Kenan (Institut Jane Goodall France) – Caroline Mantovani (Savage Lands)
More infos :
HELLFEST : https://hellfest.fr/
HEILUNG : https://www.instagram.com/amplifiedhistory/
RESERVE DE VIE SAUVAGE JANE GOODALL / ASPAS : https://aspas-reserves-vie-sauvage.org/les-reserves-de-vie-sauvage/reserve-de-vie-sauvage-du-tregor/
JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE : https://janegoodall.fr/
