Wilding: How to Bring Wildlife Back - An Illustrated Guide

‘Wilding: How to Bring Wildlife Back - An Illustrated Guide’ tells the story of the Knepp Estate in West Sussex and how the owners have allowed nature to return, bringing wildlife back to the estate. Now home to an abundance of creatures, including many rare species, the estate shows the importance- and benefits of rewilding.

Described as ‘a re-imagining of Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm’, ‘Wilding’ is both fascinating and beautiful. Watercolours and lino prints by Angela Harding adorn every page offering a sense of the wonders this endeavour has brought about. A timeline at the beginning of the book outlines the events from the creation of the estate in William the Conqueror’s time through the changes of the Industrial Revolution, the Second World War, intensive farming and the family’s decision to stop farming and allow nature to thrive. From this point, the book is a celebration of the new landscape and its inhabitants with careful explanation of how this was achieved and ideas for how to rewild your own space.

Although pitched at younger readers, this book is an absolutely absorbing read for anyone. Both of my parents, my husband, my neighbour, my son and his girlfriend were all drawn towards this book, spending time getting lost in its pages and exclaiming in delight at the illustrations and pictures of the changes and the beauties of nature. It is a book which makes you pause and ponder the possibilities for your own environment, leaving you full of hope for the future.

‘Wilding: How to Bring Wildlife Back - An Illustrated Guide’

Isabella Tree, illustrated by Angela Harding

Macmillan  ISBN: 978-1529092844