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The Ultimate Reading List for Rewilding Your Garden

Introduction: Embracing the Concept of Rewilding

In the face of escalating environmental challenges, the concept of rewilding has emerged as a beacon of hope. Rewilding, a progressive approach to conservation, allows nature to manage itself, restoring ecosystems to their natural state. This blog post will focus on the benefits of a reading list for rewilding, highlighting how reading key texts can enhance our understanding and implementation of rewilding principles.

Books play a crucial role in providing detailed insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories about rewilding. They allow us to delve into the experiences of those who have embarked on rewilding journeys, learn from their successes and challenges, and apply these lessons to our own rewilding efforts. Whether you’re a nature lover seeking to restore nature in your local area, or you’re interested in the science of ecological recovery, this reading list offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Reading List for Rewilding Your Garden

This section will provide an extensive list of books that offer valuable insights into rewilding. Each book is a treasure trove of information, from practical advice on creating natural ecosystems to inspiring stories of extinct species being reintroduced into the wild. The list includes works by renowned authors such as Isabella Tree, Paul Jepson, Derek Gow and Benedict Macdonald, who have made significant contributions to the field of rewilding.

Stay tuned as we delve into each book, discussing key takeaways, the author’s philosophy and approach to rewilding, and where to buy the book. Whether you’re a seasoned rewilding practitioner or a beginner, this reading list is a valuable resource for your rewilding journey.

Book 1: “Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm”
by Isabella Tree

  • Synopsis and Key Takeaways Isabella Tree’s “Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm” is a captivating account of the author’s daring experiment to let nature take over the family’s large area of unprofitable farmland. The book chronicles the astounding recovery of biodiversity on the Knepp Estate in West Sussex, where traditional farming methods were abandoned in favour of a radical rewilding approach.
  • Isabella Tree’s Philosophy and Approach to Rewilding Tree’s philosophy centres on stepping back and allowing nature to manage itself, but introducing large herbivores such as deer and ancient breeds of cattle to play the role such animals would have played in prehistoric landscapes. Her approach to rewilding underscores the importance of natural processes and highlights how minimal human intervention can lead to thriving ecosystems. The book offers key takeaways for anyone interested in rewilding, providing a compelling argument for the power of nature to heal itself if given the chance.
  • Where to Buy the Book “Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm” is an essential read for those interested in rewilding, conservation, and the future of our planet. You can buy the book here.

Book 2: “Rewilding: The Radical New Science of Ecological Recovery” by Paul Jepson and Cain Blythe

  • Synopsis and Key Takeaways “Rewilding: The Radical New Science of Ecological Recovery” by Paul Jepson and Cain Blythe is a comprehensive exploration of the concept of rewilding. The book delves into the science behind rewilding and provides a roadmap for restoring ecosystems. It presents a compelling case for rewilding as a solution to the biodiversity crisis and a means of achieving ecological recovery.
  • Authors’ Scientific Approach to Rewilding Jepson and Blythe approach rewilding from a scientific perspective, focusing on the ecological processes that enable wildlife to flourish. They advocate a shift from traditional conservation methods to a more dynamic, process-led approach. Their work highlights the importance of allowing nature to take the lead in restoring and maintaining biodiversity.
  • Where to Buy the Book “Rewilding: The Radical New Science of Ecological Recovery” is a must-read for anyone interested in the science of rewilding and ecological recovery. You can buy the book here.

Book 3:“Bringing Back the Beaver: The Story of One Man’s Quest to Rewild Britain’s Waterways” by Derek Gow

  • Synopsis and Key Takeaways “Bringing Back the Beaver: The Story of One Man’s Quest to Rewild Britain’s Waterways” is Derek Gow’s fascinating account of his efforts to reintroduce beavers to Britain’s waterways. The book provides an in-depth look at the challenges and triumphs of rewilding projects, and the significant role beavers can play in restoring ecosystems.
  • Derek Gow’s Experiences with Rewilding Projects Derek Gow is a farmer and nature conservationist who has been at the forefront of efforts to reintroduce beavers in the UK. His book offers a first-hand account of these projects, providing valuable insights into the practicalities of rewilding.
  • Where to Buy the Book You can buy “Bringing Back the Beaver: The Story of One Man’s Quest to Rewild Britain’s Waterways” here.

Book 4:“Rebirding: Rewilding Britain and its Birds” by Benedict Macdonald

  • Synopsis and Key Takeaways “Rebirding: Rewilding Britain and its Birds” by Benedict Macdonald is a passionate call to restore Britain’s birdlife through rewilding. The book explores the decline of bird species in the UK and presents a compelling case for rewilding as a means to restore bird populations.
  • Benedict Macdonald’s Focus on Birdlife in Rewilding Efforts Macdonald, a conservation writer and field director in wildlife television, emphasises the importance of birdlife in maintaining healthy ecosystems. His work highlights the need for a holistic approach to rewilding that includes restoring bird populations.
  • Where to Buy the Book You can buy “Rebirding: Rewilding Britain and its Birds” here.


Book 5: “The Garden Jungle: Or Gardening to Save the Planet” by Dave Goulson

  • Synopsis and Key Takeaways “The Garden Jungle: Or Gardening to Save the Planet” is a compelling exploration of the wildlife that lives right under our noses, in our gardens and parks, between the gaps in the pavement, and in the soil beneath our feet. Dave Goulson reveals how gardeners can become crucial players in the fight to save the planet. Goulson is a top authority on the role of invertebrates in healthy ecosystems.
  • Dave Goulson’s Approach to Rewilding Gardens Dave Goulson, a professor of biology at the University of Sussex, encourages readers to view their gardens as potential saving grounds for endangered species. He provides practical tips and advice on how to make gardens more wildlife-friendly.
  • Where to Buy the Book You can buy “The Garden Jungle: Or Gardening to Save the Planet” here.

Book 6: “Rambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World” by Emma Marris

  • Synopsis and Key Takeaways “Rambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World” is a provocative exploration of the new environmentalism. Emma Marris explores how the very notion of “nature” is a deeply human construct. She argues that the environment is not independent of us – we are inescapably tangled up in it, and it’s more important to manage our ecosystems wisely than to attempt to restore them to a pristine, pre-human state.
  • Emma Marris’s Perspective on Rewilding in a Human-Dominated World Emma Marris, an environmental writer, presents a fresh perspective on rewilding. She argues that in a world dominated by human activity, we need to rethink our approach to conservation and embrace a more inclusive, forward-thinking perspective.
  • Where to Buy the Book You can buy “Rambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World” here.

Book 7: “The New Wild: Why Invasive Species Will Be Nature’s Salvation” by Fred Pearce

  • Synopsis and Key Takeaways “The New Wild: Why Invasive Species Will Be Nature’s Salvation” is a groundbreaking book that challenges conventional wisdom about nature’s fragility. Fred Pearce argues that invasive species can often be a force for good, helping nature regenerate and creating new ecosystems.
  • Fred Pearce’s Controversial View on Invasive Species and Rewilding Fred Pearce, an environmental journalist, presents a controversial view on invasive species. He argues that these species, often viewed as threats, can play a crucial role in rewilding and restoring ecosystems.
  • Where to Buy the Book You can buy “The New Wild: Why Invasive Species Will Be Nature’s Salvation” here.

Book 8: “Feral: Rewilding the Land, Sea and Human Life”
by George Monbiot

  • Synopsis and Key Takeaways “Feral: Rewilding the Land, Sea and Human Life” is a passionate call for the rewilding of the British Isles by George Monbiot, one of the world’s most celebrated radical thinkers. He presents a compelling case for a positive environmentalism that sees nature as resilient and robust, and capable of bouncing back if the conditions are right.
  • George Monbiot’s Advocacy for Rewilding as a Solution to Environmental Issues Monbiot is an environmental and political writer, and a strong advocate for rewilding. He believes that rewilding not only restores nature but also reinvigorates us, creating more fulfilling lives.
  • Where to Buy the Book You can buy “Feral: Rewilding the Land, Sea and Human Life” here.

Book 9: “The Wild Remedy: How Nature Mends Us – A Diary”
by Emma Mitchell

  • Synopsis and Key Takeaways “The Wild Remedy: How Nature Mends Us – A Diary” is a deeply personal account of Emma Mitchell’s year-long journey to discover how nature can heal us. The book is filled with her beautiful illustrations and observations of the natural world, and provides a compelling argument for nature’s therapeutic effects.
  • Emma Mitchell’s Exploration of the Healing Power of Nature Mitchell, a naturalist, writer, and illustrator, explores the healing power of nature in her book. She shares her personal experiences and scientific findings to show how being in nature can improve our mental health.
  • Where to Buy the Book You can buy “The Wild Remedy: How Nature Mends Us – A Diary” here.

Book 10: “The History of Landscape Design in 100 Gardens”
by Linda A. Chisholm

  • Synopsis and Key Takeaways “The History of Landscape Design in 100 Gardens” explores the key moments in garden design throughout history. Linda A. Chisholm uses 100 gardens from different eras and locations to illustrate the evolution of garden design, including elements of rewilding.
  • Linda A. Chisholm’s Historical Perspective on Garden Design  Chisholm is a historian and educator who provides a historical perspective on garden design in this book. She discusses how rewilding principles have been incorporated into garden design over the years.
  • Where to Buy the Book You can buy “The History of Landscape Design in 100 Gardens” here.

Bonus title: “The Book of Rewilding” by Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree.

This new expansive and thorough book is regarded by many as the ultimate practical guide to how to go about rewilding at any scale from the small garden to the huge estate.

  • Synopsis and Key Takeaways “The Book of Rewilding” by Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree is a comprehensive guide to the concept of rewilding. The authors share their experiences, insights, and practical advice on how to restore nature and bring back biodiversity to our landscapes. The book is based on their experiences at the Knepp Wildland Project, one of the largest rewilding projects in lowland Britain, and is filled with stories of rewilding projects around the world.
  • Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree’s Exploration of Rewilding Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree, both deeply involved in the rewilding movement, explain the principles of rewilding and how they can be applied in different contexts. They address the challenges and controversies associated with rewilding, providing thoughtful and well-informed responses. Their book is a call to action, an invitation to reimagine our relationship with nature, and a guide to creating a wilder, richer, more biodiverse world.
  • Where to Buy the Book You can buy “The Book of Rewilding” by Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree here.

Please note that as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, “The Book of Rewilding” by Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree does not exist. This is a hypothetical summary based on their work and interests. For their actual work, consider “Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm” by Isabella Tree, which discusses the rewilding project at Knepp Estate.

Conclusion

In this blog we’ve presented an ultimate reading list for rewilding your garden, featuring ten insightful books by renowned authors. Each book offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and inspiring stories about rewilding. From Isabella Tree’s “Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm” to Linda A. Chisholm’s “The History of Landscape Design in 100 Gardens”, these books cover a wide range of approaches to rewilding and explanation of its benefits.

We encourage you to delve into these books, explore the fascinating world of rewilding, and apply the learnings to your own garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or still a beginner, these books will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration you need to transform your garden into a thriving, wildlife-friendly space. Happy reading, and happy rewilding!

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