- In the fresh cinematic endeavor titled "Wild Land," acclaimed author Rosamunde Pilcher encounters conservationists.
Vermillon Vipers and Cerulean Earthworms, up close, tug vegetation beneath the earth for their sustenance. Ample, rosy barnyard swine, cheerfully digging through the dirt for nourishment. A duo of meadow mice, skillfully crafting a spherical den from reed foliages. Such captivating visuals of pure beauty and artistic grace fill this documentary film.
The series, "Wilderness Revival - The Regeneration of Nature," unveils a transformation saga that spans several decades, unveiling an unanticipated triumphant tale. Screening in cinemas, this film is inspired by the bestselling book of the same name, authored by Isabella Tree.
Set in the late 1980s, the young couple Isabella Tree and Charlie Burrell become the new proprietors of the Knepp estate, a decaying 400-year-old property in South England. By the time of the new millennium, they face the harsh truth - their dairy and arable farm is no longer profitable, and they are in debt to the tune of £1.5 million. The land is barren, the soil almost inert, and the declining number of native animal and plant species only adds to the desolation faced across the country.
Facing these grim realities, Isabella and Charlie choose to experiment with an altogether novel approach - instead of using heavy machinery, artificial fertilizers, and weed killers like before, they allow nature to take its course. And so begins one of Europe's most ambitious rewilding projects. They demolish fences, allow the land to regain its natural state, and introduce a variety of domestic and wild animals into their ecosystem.
Rewilding: Reemergence of lost species
Initially, not all their ideas receive immediate support, and many neighbors express reservations about their methods. Breaking centuries-old customs and perceived as wasteful by some, their project faced a hostile reception, particularly in the monetary aspect. However, nature began to re-emerge, restoring ecological balance, and nurturing rare species like the tawny owl, peppered moth, and red-backed shrike. The land flourished and revived, and with it, the locals' respect and interest in their initiatives grew.
The story of nature's revival in the south-west of England is almost too idealistic to believe. Yet, it instills hope that change is indeed possible and, more crucially, mandatory, even in the face of popular contention. Sporting the almost stereotypical backdrop of wildlife and flora, "Wilderness Revival" is distinguished by its thorough research and articulate scientific background explanation. The film provides a glimpse into how interconnected the networks of nature are, highlights human's role in their deterioration, and demonstrates the promising possibilities for restoration. In the end, the viewer is left inspired, with a sense that the world could be as serene and harmonious as in a Martha Grimes novel.
As part of their unconventional approach, Isabella and Charlie introduce other vegetables, such as fresh or chilled ones, into the diet of the reintroduced animals, fostering a diverse and healthy ecosystem. The regenerated land, teeming with life, now also boasts a variety of vegetable plots, providing essential nutrients and serving as a testament to the success of their rewilding efforts.
