Book Review: The Book of Wilding

Reviewed by Brett Kerley

Tree, Isabella & Burrell, Charlie.  The Book of Wilding: A Practical Guide to Rewilding Big and Small. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2023. ISBN-13: 978-1526659293 Page Count: 560

The Book of Wilding is both a comprehensive manual and an inspiring manifesto for rewilding efforts, whether on a grand scale or within urban gardens. Building upon the foundational insights of Tree’s previous book, Wilding, it delves deeper into practical strategies for ecological restoration, something I personally am deeply passionate about. Co-written with her husband, Charlie Burrell, the book offers a wealth of knowledge drawn from their pioneering work at Knepp Estate, West Sussex, England. It illustrates how intentional land management can rejuvenate biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Content Overview

  • Rewilding Principles: core principles are covered, emphasizing the importance of natural processes and minimal human intervention in land management.
  • Case studies from Knepp Estate provide real-world examples of rewilding successes, showing the return of species, including nightingales, white storks, and rare beetles.
  • Practical Guidance: It offers step-by-step guidance on implementing rewilding practices in various settings, from rural estates to urban environments.
  • Community Engagement and education are critical in fostering a culture of conservation and ecological stewardship.

Strengths

  • Expertise and Authority: Firsthand experience lends credibility and depth to the content. It makes complex ecological concepts accessible to a broad audience.
  • Inspirational Tone: The narrative is optimistic and demonstrates how rewilding can lead to tangible environmental and societal benefits.
  • Actionable Insights: The book gives readers concrete steps to initiate or support rewilding efforts. It empowers individuals and communities to make a difference.

About the Authors

Isabella Tree is a distinguished British author, award-winning journalist and conservationist. She is renowned for her work in rewilding and environmental advocacy. Her husband, Sir Charles Burrell, is a landowner and conservationist. Together they have transformed Knepp Estate in West Sussex into one of the UK’s most ambitious rewilding projects. Tree’s acclaimed book, Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm, chronicles this transformative journey. It has received numerous accolades, including the Richard Jefferies Society Literature Award, and was recognized as one of Smithsonian’s top ten science books of 2018

Conclusion

The Book of Wilding is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in ecological restoration and conservation. It blends scientific insight, practical advice, and inspiring examples into a compelling read for environmental enthusiasts, landowners, educators, and policymakers. Through this work, Tree and Burrell continue to champion the cause of rewilding, offering hope and guidance for a more sustainable and biodiverse future.

This book can be borrowed from Edmonton Public Library or purchased from local and online bookstores. Just remember to search for the best price because when I went to purchase this book I found a $20 variance for the same book!

Further Information