Wilding (PG)
Directed by David Allen
★★★
 
 

THIS stunningly shot documentary recounts the extraordinary story of how the owners of Knepp Castle in West Sussex breathed new life into their 3,500 acres of land by conducting a radical experiment to rewild it. 
 
Acclaimed writer and conservationist Isabella Tree and her husband Sir Charles Burrell introduced native ponies, deer, pigs and other wildlife to transform their land into a thriving wildlife haven and an English landscape that has not been seen for hundreds of years. It has taken 20 years, but their barren soil is now teaming with life and at least 19 species of earthworms. One of the highlights of the film is seeing Sir Charles’s excitement over the discovery of earthworms. 
 
Directed by David Allen and written by Isabella, whose 2018 book this is based on, this proves a thought-provoking documentary. With its gorgeous photography and breathtaking landscapes it shows what can be done to save and reinvigorate the environment. 
 
The couple’s experiment has seen the return of turtle doves, storks and one of the rarest of butterflies, the Purple Emperor, which is now thriving at Knepp. 
 
The film shows the highs and lows of their endeavours including the staunch opposition they faced from neighbouring farmers and the eight years they spent trying to get a licence to introduce beavers on their land which seems wild. However, it is the animals that take centre stage, capturing hearts. 
 
Whether others will follow suit it is a case of wait and see. 

Out in cinemas, June 14