Wilding: How to Bring Wildlife Back - an Illustrated Guide

An inspiring story of hope for younger readers, showing what happens when you let nature take the lead.

Winner of the Book of the Year, Children's Non-Fiction at The British Book Awards, 2025

Shortlisted for The Wainwright Prize for Nature and Conservation Writing for Children

Wilding: How to Bring Wildlife Back - An Illustrated Guide is a stunningly beautiful gift book written by Isabella Tree, which tells the story of the Knepp Estate in West Sussex and introduces younger readers to the concept of rewilding.

It is illustrated in full colour with lino prints and watercolours by Angela Harding, photographs from Knepp, and easy in-garden activities helping you to 're-wild' your own spaces.

Knepp is now home to some of the rarest and most beautiful creatures in the UK, including nightingales, peregrine falcons, scarce chaser dragonflies, and purple emperor butterflies. When you walk out into the scrubland on an early spring morning the sound of birdsong is so loud it feels like it’s vibrating in your lungs. This is the story of Knepp, and a guide telling you how to bring wildlife back where you live.

With timelines, an in-depth look at rewilding, and spotlight features about native animals including species that have returned and thrive – butterflies, bats, owls and beetles – this book encourages you to slow down and observe the natural world around you. Learn to understand the connections between species and habitats, and the huge potential for life right on your doorstep.

'Perfect for anyone looking to make the life of even a hedgehog a little easier' – Daily Mail

'A beautiful edition for young people. There is so much optimism in hearing how nature heals itself when left alone' – The Times