Agriculture and Climate Change (Commonwealth Union) _ The Knepp estate in West Sussex stands as a testament to the remarkable potential of rewilding to restore biodiversity and combat the climate emergency. Isabella Tree and her husband, Charlie Burrell, made the bold decision to transform their unprofitable farm into a thriving wilderness, and the results have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Through the cessation of traditional farming practices such as ploughing, pesticide use, and land drainage, Knepp has become a haven for a diverse array of wildlife. Exquisite illustrations in Tree’s new book, “Wilding: How to Bring Wildlife Back – An Illustrated Guide,” beautifully depict the step-by-step process of nature reclaiming the land.
Rare and endangered species, including kingfishers, hazel dormice, dragonflies, and butterflies, now call Knepp home. The reintroduction of beavers, which had been absent from Sussex for centuries, has had a particularly significant impact, helping to prevent flooding downstream and creating thriving ecosystems.
Tree emphasizes the importance of rewilding not only for biodiversity but also for carbon storage and soil regeneration. Contrary to popular belief, rewilding can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by restoring soil health and enhancing carbon sequestration.
While concerns about the impact of rewilding on agriculture persist, Tree argues that the two can coexist harmoniously. Surrounding agricultural land with wild areas provides essential ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, and water purification, ultimately enhancing the resilience of farming systems.
The recent decision to grant protected status to wild-living beavers in England is a step in the right direction, but Tree advocates for bolder action to reintroduce keystone species and promote regenerative agriculture.
In a world grappling with eco-anxiety and existential environmental threats, the success story of Knepp offers a glimmer of hope and inspiration. It serves as a powerful reminder that by working with nature rather than against it, we can create thriving ecosystems that benefit both wildlife and humanity.
