'Wilding - The return of nature to a British farm'
by Isabella Tree
As someone who is not a landowner, hated history as a child and
who treats ‘facts’ with healthy suspicion and unhealthy dread, I am an unlikely
fan of ‘Wilding’ by Isabella Tree.
But when a book sparkles with literary flair, passion and insight after insight
relevant to ‘the common man or woman’ it is bound to be compelling. It is book
to treasure and I shall certainly re-read it in a more leisurely fashion than reviewing
permits.
However, this review starts with an odd request: skip the
intro and read it as a reminder of the journey accomplished when you’ve reached
the end. Head straight for Chapter 1 to meet a remarkable tree man – Ted Green
– and a couple facing a mountain of unpalatable facts. From there you’ll be drawn swiftly into the
story of the re-wilding of the Knepp Estate told with searing honesty and
humility. Seeded with humour ‘Wilding’
presents a harvest of knowledge from the earth beneath your feet whilst
constantly drawing you skywards to feast your eyes on turtle doves, the yaffle
(Sussex name for a green woodpecker) nightingale and rare butterflies. Enter
the world of Knepp – it enlightened and enchanted me. It also made my heart
ache at our arrogance and refusal to learn from nature herself.
This is a nationally important book, not just for those
interested in the future of agriculture and the land but for those worried
about the ‘extinction of experience’. It is a salutary thought to consider that
40% of children never play outdoors at all. ‘Wilding’
also challenges myths about Britain’s ecological history with logic
and evidence dug out of peat and sharp observation, revising my picture of a
forested Britain in favour of wooded pasture inhabited by grazing animals.
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| Isabella Tree | Photo credit Anthony Cullen © |
Like the Knepp project itself this is a book which deserves
a slow read with a note-book beside you if you like expanding your vocabulary. The
quotes from literary figures and references to little-known customs and ancient
lore give it depth but also ensure it feeds the spirit at every turn. Thank you Isabella!
'Wilding' is also beautiful to look at and handle. An exquisite
cover, as rich as the hedgerow it depicts, with gloriously thick crisp dark
green endpapers make ‘Wilding’
an
ideal Christmas present for the country gentleman or woman. Teamed up with
tickets to visit Knepp on one of its nature Safaris would surely be the perfect
gift for parents, godparents or grandparents.
I admit my right brain raced over a couple of pages in the
middle which charted the frustrations and interminable complexities of securing
funding from various government agencies. Nevertheless, no doubt for the
landowner these pages will no doubt evoke sympathy and context.
P.S. Knepp is not far away from Beatons Petersfield. How about booking on one of Knepp’s nature safaris or workshops and either prefacing it or concluding it with Breakfast or Afternoon Tea? I’m earmarking it for a family member’s birthday treat! Further information: www.kneppsafaris.co.uk
Liz Darcy Jones
Book Ambassador