These Top 10 lists I’ve been writing every now and again seem to be popular, so I may try to write one every month or so. The topic of this list is books on rewilding. But what is it? Rewilding is a conservation approach that focuses on restoring ecosystems to their natural, self-regulating states by reintroducing key species and allowing ecological processes to resume with minimal human intervention. Unlike traditional conservation, which often emphasises protecting individual species or habitats in isolation, rewilding seeks to rebuild entire ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, soil health, and climate resilience. A cornerstone of rewilding is the return of apex predators or large herbivores, which can trigger ‘trophic cascades’, complex chains of ecological effects that benefit multiple species and restore ecosystem balance. For example, reintroducing wolves to certain areas has been shown to reduce overgrazing by herbivores, allowing vegetation to recover and rivers to stabilise, demonstrating how a single species can catalyse widespread ecological recovery.

Rewilding is gaining traction because it addresses some of the shortcomings of conventional conservation in the face of accelerating environmental crises. As human-driven habitat loss, climate change, and species extinctions continue to escalate, conservationists recognise that piecemeal protections may not be sufficient to maintain ecosystem function. Rewilding offers a proactive strategy to build resilient landscapes capable of adapting to changing conditions while also supporting biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Additionally, it appeals to the public and policymakers because of its visible, transformative results, such as the return of charismatic wildlife, which can boost ecotourism and foster local community engagement. As such, rewilding represents both a scientific and cultural shift toward seeing humans as partners in restoring nature rather than solely as its managers or protectors. With that in mind, let’s look at the Top 10 books (in my opinion) on this topic in no particular order.

Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm by Isabella Tree (2019)

Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm by Isabella Tree tells the compelling story of how a failing conventional farm in West Sussex, England, was transformed into one of the UK’s most celebrated rewilding projects. Facing economic and ecological decline on the heavy clay soils of the Knepp Estate, Tree and her husband Sir Charles Burrell made the radical decision to halt intensive agriculture and let nature take the lead. Over two decades, through the introduction of free‑roaming grazing animals such as cattle, ponies, pigs and deer (considered proxies for the large herbivores that once shaped British landscapes) the estate began to develop into dynamic habitats. Rare and once‑common species like turtle doves, nightingales, purple emperor butterflies and numerous insects and birds returned, demonstrating that rich biodiversity can flourish when land is allowed space to self‑organise rather than being moulded by conventional farming practices.

Tree’s narrative blends memoir with ecology and broader conservation critique, making Wilding not just a case study of Knepp but also an argument for rethinking humanity’s relationship with nature. She writes with both scientific curiosity and lyrical appreciation for the landscape, detailing how the soil, flora and fauna responded over time when chemical inputs and mechanised farming were removed. The book has been widely praised for its inspirational quality and clear, persuasive storytelling, and it has won awards such as the Richard Jefferies Society Literature Award. Critics highlight both its hopeful message, that degraded land can recover surprisingly quickly, and its nuanced discussion of agricultural policy, ecological processes and cultural resistance to change.

However, Wilding isn’t without its challenges and complexities. While many readers and reviewers find Tree’s account deeply optimistic and uplifting, some note that the narrative occasionally delves into detailed ecological processes in ways that demand patience from the reader. Others point out that the Knepp model, while successful, exists within specific social and economic conditions (including private land ownership and access to subsidies) that may not be easily replicated everywhere. The book also acknowledges controversies around the concept of rewilding more broadly, especially debates about land use priorities and the balance between human management and non‑intervention. Overall, though, Wilding is widely seen as a landmark contribution to conservation literature: a vivid, thought‑provoking story that challenges assumptions about farming, stewardship and how humans can coexist with a thriving natural world.

Rebirding: Restoring Britain’s Wildlife by Benedict Macdonald (2020)

Rebirding: Restoring Britain’s Wildlife by Benedict Macdonald is a compelling and wide‑ranging exploration of why Britain’s wildlife has declined so dramatically and what could be done to reverse that trend. Rather than focusing narrowly on one species group, Macdonald takes readers through the deep history of British landscapes, from ancient ecosystems shaped by now‑extinct megafauna to the intensive agricultural and land‑management practices of recent centuries that have confined wildlife to fragmented pockets. The book highlights surprising facts — such as the large amount of undeveloped land in Britain and the relatively poor ecological outcomes on much of it — and argues that current conservation strategies often fail because they focus on managing small reserves or particular species rather than restoring ecosystems at scale. Macdonald weaves ecological science with vivid imagery to encourage readers to imagine what a more biodiverse and self‑regulating countryside might look like.

In the second half, Rebirding shifts toward solutions, advocating for ambitious rewilding measures that could transform not just habitats but rural economies. Macdonald suggests that Britain’s national parks, uplands and forests be managed for wildlife rather than for monocultural land uses like sheep grazing or grouse shooting, and he frames ecological restoration as both a natural and economic opportunity. By linking biodiversity recovery to jobs and rural revitalisation, he broadens the conversation beyond conservationists to include policymakers and the public. The book has been praised for its visionary and persuasive style, winning awards like the Wainwright Prize for Writing on Global Conservation, though some readers note that its bold proposals and critiques of current land‑use ‘traditions’ — including criticism of some conservation practices — may challenge conventional thinking.

Critically, Rebirding has elicited a range of responses: many reviewers find it inspirational and thought‑provoking, lauding its accessible prose and compelling arguments for large‑scale ecological restoration, while a few have questioned elements of its vision or treatment of certain stakeholders. Nevertheless, the consensus among nature writers and conservation experts is that Macdonald has made a substantial contribution to the literature on rewilding and landscape‑scale conservation, offering a bold call to rethink how the UK uses its land and how wildlife might be allowed to flourish once again.

Wilder: How Rewilding is Transforming Conservation and Changing the World by Millie Kerr (2022)

Wilder: How Rewilding is Transforming Conservation and Changing the World by Millie Kerr offers a panoramic, global exploration of how rewilding initiatives are reshaping conservation practice and thinking around the world. Drawing on detailed case studies from diverse ecosystems, including jaguar reintroductions in Argentina, pangolin restoration projects in South Africa, and giant tortoises aiding ecosystem recovery in the Galápagos Islands, Kerr illustrates the wide spectrum of rewilding in action, from passive restoration to highly interventionist programmes. Her approach frames rewilding as more than a conservation buzzword, presenting it as a radical departure from traditional ‘conserve and protect’ models toward efforts that actively seek to restore ecological processes and reintegrate species into landscapes where they have been lost. Throughout, Kerr’s narrative is grounded in real‑world conservation stories and the passionate people behind them, offering readers both scientific insight and human connection.

Readers and reviewers generally appreciate Wilder for its optimism and accessible storytelling, particularly in highlighting successes in the international fight against biodiversity loss. Outlets like New Scientist praise its readability and positive tone, and prominent conservation figures including Dr Jane Goodall have endorsed the book as a compelling guide to modern rewilding efforts. Many find value in Kerr’s ability to bring global projects to life and to present rewilding as an inspiring and hopeful alternative to the gloom often associated with environmental decline. At times, her personal reflections and narrative style help bridge the gap between scientific concepts and wider audiences, showing how reconnecting with nature is meaningful both ecologically and personally.

However, Wilder has also drawn critical commentary. Some readers feel that its broad range of examples can come across as uneven or that the book’s descriptive case studies lack a unifying theoretical backbone, making the text feel more like a series of stories than a coherent framework for rewilding as a discipline. On platforms like Goodreads, a number of readers describe the book as engaging but occasionally dry or overly memoir‑like, noting that the ecological details sometimes take a back seat to narrative elements. Others have pointed out that Wilder doesn’t deeply grapple with some of the conceptual debates around the definition and goals of rewilding, which can leave experienced conservationists wanting a sharper analytical edge (which is the view that I also share). Nonetheless, for many people interested in conservation and ecological restoration, it remains an informative, hopeful, and thought‑provoking read, especially for non-specialists or those looking to advance their understanding of the topic.

Rewilding the Sea: How to Save our Oceans by Charles Clover (2023)

Rewilding the Sea: How to Save Our Oceans by Charles Clover offers a hopeful and persuasive look at how the world’s oceans, long degraded by overfishing, destructive fishing gear and human exploitation, could be restored by giving nature room to recover. As a follow‑up to his influential The End of the Line, Clover draws on real case studies from around the globe to show what happens when harmful practices such as bottom trawling and dredging are reduced or stopped, allowing ecosystems like oyster beds, coral gardens and kelp forests to rebound. The book argues that many marine habitats have a remarkable capacity to heal themselves if human pressures are eased, and that this ‘rewilding’ can bring significant benefits for biodiversity, carbon storage and local communities reliant on healthy seas. It highlights success stories, from the return of bluefin tuna in Atlantic waters to the rapid growth of kelp off the British coast, illustrating that positive change is already underway in some places.

Clover’s narrative is grounded in both science and practical experience, and he doesn’t shy away from discussing why marine conservation has historically lagged behind terrestrial efforts. He emphasises that many current approaches can be too narrow or overly cautious, focusing on individual species or scientific studies rather than embracing broader ecosystem recovery. By framing ocean restoration as something that requires us to step back and allow natural processes to resume, Rewilding the Sea challenges conventional thinking about how we manage and use marine resources. The book has earned praise from environmental thinkers and public figures for its energising message and accessible style, and it was shortlisted for the 2023 Wainwright Prize for writing on global conservation, underlining its impact within conservation literature.

Reviews from readers are mixed but generally positive, with many appreciating its urgency and the breadth of examples Clover presents. Some praise it for bringing attention to under‑appreciated issues in ocean conservation, while others find its focus uneven or feel that parts of the writing are repetitive or lack depth. On platforms like Goodreads, reactions range from highly enthusiastic endorsements to criticisms that the book can be repetitive or doesn’t fully deliver on the ‘rewilding’ concept in a technical sense. Still, for many people interested in marine health and conservation policy, Rewilding the Sea serves as a compelling call to rethink our relationship with the oceans and offers a hopeful vision of how restoration efforts could play out on a large scale.

Feral: Rewilding the Land, Sea and Human Life by George Monbiot (2014)

Feral: Rewilding the Land, Sea and Human Life by George Monbiot is a passionate, wide‑ranging manifesto that blends travelogue, philosophy and ecological argument to advocate for a radical shift in how we think about nature and our place within it. Rather than accepting conventional conservation, which Monbiot criticises for ‘freezing’ ecosystems in degraded or artificial states, he urges readers to imagine landscapes and seas allowed to find their own balance through rewilding, stepping back from heavy human management and letting natural processes resume. The narrative takes in wild places from the rivers and coasts of Britain to forests in Eastern Europe, where wolves and lynx roam, and explores how removing humans from the role of controllers can lead to ecological renewal and richer biodiversity. In doing so, he also reflects on his own desire to reconnect with wildness and how this mirrors a deeper human longing for contact with the living world.

Monbiot’s writing has been praised for bringing hope and imagination to a topic often dominated by loss and crisis, and Feral is credited with helping propel rewilding from a fringe idea into mainstream conservation discourse. Reviewers highlight his lyrical style and the compelling way he grounds scientific insights in personal experience (from kayaking with dolphins in Wales to walking ancient forests) showing how rewilded environments can enrich human life as well as healing the planet. His core argument is that by restoring missing ecological actors such as top predators and reducing destructive practices, we allow ecosystems to self‑organise and rebalance, with benefits cascading across landscapes and seascapes.

However, Feral also attracts mixed responses from readers. Some find its tone (part memoir, part polemic) less structured than expected from a scientific treatise, with moments where personal narrative outweighs analytical clarity, and certain sections (such as Monbiot’s critiques of sheep grazing in the UK) can feel over‑emphasised for those not invested in those regional debates. Other critics on platforms like Goodreads appreciate the vision but note that the focus on the author’s adventures occasionally overshadows deeper engagement with ecological complexity. Nevertheless, even where opinion varies, many see Feral as a landmark work that broadens the ecological imagination and challenges us to rethink how landscapes and oceans might thrive if given the space to be self‑willed rather than human‑controlled. It is still a valuable book to read on the topic of rewilding.

Rewilding: The Radical New Science of Ecological Recovery by Paul Jepson and Cain Blythe (2020)

Rewilding: The Radical New Science of Ecological Recovery by Paul Jepson and Cain Blythe offers a thoughtful, science‑based overview of the emerging field of rewilding and its implications for conservation in the 21st century. Positioned as one of the first popular science books dedicated to the topic, it lays out the ecological principles that underpin rewilding, especially how restoring lost interactions between animals, plants and natural disturbances can regenerate degraded ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. The authors examine both ecological theory and practical examples, from beavers sculpting wetlands to ‘de‑domesticated’ grazing animals helping create dynamic grasslands, painting a picture of how ecosystems might thrive when released from human engineering and allowed to evolve more freely. This narrative draws on a wide range of disciplines, including evolutionary biology and palaeontology, to ground rewilding in scientific context rather than mere idealism.

What sets this book apart from many other conservation texts is its clear framing of rewilding not just as a conservation tactic but as a scientific paradigm shift. Jepson and Blythe trace rewilding’s intellectual roots, highlight its departure from static species‑centric conservation, and explore its potential to reshape policy and practice. They look at the changing role of large herbivores and megafauna, challenge assumptions about what natural ecosystems should look like, and discuss how rewilding might offer resilience in the face of climate change and ecological collapse. The book also ends with a set of predictions for the future of rewilding, encouraging readers to think about how ecological recovery could unfold at larger and more ambitious scales.

Reviews of Rewilding are generally positive, especially among conservation professionals and informed readers, who praise its accessibility and hopeful tone. I myself enjoy the easily accessible language and layout of the book. Publications like Publishers Weekly and Financial Times have noted that the book’s straightforward explanations and case studies make it a useful primer for those new to the topic, while seasoned practitioners might appreciate its exploration of core scientific ideas. At the same time, some critiques suggest the book’s focus on particular systems (like grasslands and megaherbivores) and perspectives can feel narrow, and it doesn’t always fully engage with broader global contexts or the more contested debates within rewilding science. You can’t please everyone and each of the books in this list have their limitations, which is why they are all complementary to one another. Nevertheless, it stands as a thought‑provoking and influential contribution to conservation literature that helps situate rewilding at the intersection of ecology, policy and public imagination

Rewild Yourself: 23 Spellbinding Ways to Make Nature More Visible by Simon Barnes (2020)

Rewild Yourself: 23 Spellbinding Ways to Make Nature More Visible by Simon Barnes is a celebration of everyday engagement with the natural world and a gentle invitation to rediscover the wildness around us. Rather than focusing on large‑scale ecological restoration like many rewilding books, Barnes offers practical, accessible ‘spells’ (read techniques and tips) to help readers see, notice, and connect with nature in their own surroundings. These range from learning how to identify animal tracks and bird songs to using simple tools like binoculars or moth traps, each designed to reveal species and behaviours often overlooked in daily life. Barnes’s underlying message is that we haven’t just lost wilderness, we’ve lost the habit of noticing it, and that by sharpening our observational skills we can make hidden wildlife visible again.

The book’s structure, 23 chapters each framed around a kind of ‘spell’, adds a playful, almost magical tone that many readers find refreshing. This whimsical approach helps draw readers into a deeper awareness of their environment, encouraging curiosity and mindfulness rather than scientific expertise. Quotes from children’s literature and the evocative language aim to stir the imagination and make nature feel less distant, even for those who live in urban or suburban settings. Reviewers from outlets like Waterstones and The Herald describe it as a clever, inspiring reminder that nature is all around us if we only take the time to look and listen.

Reader reactions are mixed but generally positive, with many enjoying its enthusiastic tone and find it motivating as an introduction to reconnecting with wildlife, while others feel it stays at a relatively basic level and may be most appealing to beginners. Some reviewers appreciate the subtle call to deepen our relationship with nature and recognise that the book’s true ‘rewilding’ is about shifting our own perception and awareness, making the everyday world feel richer and more alive. For anyone looking to cultivate a closer bond with the natural world, without needing expert knowledge or remote wilderness trips, Rewild Yourself offers a thoughtful, engaging, and often joyful path.

Restoring the Wild: True Stories of Rewilding Britain’s Skies, Woods and Waterways by Roy Dennis (2022)

Restoring the Wild: True Stories of Rewilding Britain’s Skies, Woods and Waterways by Roy Dennis is a deeply personal and authoritative account of species reintroduction and ecological restoration in the UK, written by one of the country’s most influential conservationists. Drawing on over six decades of hands‑on experience, Dennis recounts the long, often complicated campaigns to bring back iconic birds like the white‑tailed sea eagle, ospreys and red kites, as well as work with other species such as golden eagle and beaver. The book intertwines detailed narratives of fieldwork, bureaucracy and local engagement with reflections on what restoring these creatures means for British landscapes and ecosystems. Through these stories, he makes a compelling case for reintroduction (and by extension rewilding) as a vital tool for recovery in a country where many native species were lost due to historical persecution and habitat loss.

Readers have often described Restoring the Wild as both a memoir and an educational guide to the nuts and bolts of conservation practice. Dennis doesn’t shy away from discussing the practical challenges (from securing permits to navigating opposition from landowners and local stakeholders) giving the book a gritty, realistic feel that goes beyond romanticised ideas of nature recovery. His passion and perseverance shine through the detailed accounts of each project, making it clear why so many of his efforts, once fringe ideas, now inform mainstream restoration work in the UK. The narrative also highlights the broader ecological benefits of bringing species back into the wild, illustrating how each reintroduction can help rebuild more balanced and resilient ecosystems.

At the same time, Restoring the Wild isn’t universally described as an easy read, some find its level of detail (especially on the administrative and logistical aspects of reintroduction) dense or repetitive, particularly where Dennis recounts long sequences of meetings, licences and bureaucratic hurdles. However, many conservation professionals and enthusiasts value that very depth, because it reveals the real work behind headline‑grabbing wildlife comebacks. So, if you’re looking for a raw version of real events that don’t shy away from the reality of such actions then this book may be for you. Overall, the book is widely seen as an inspiring and practical contribution to rewilding literature, both a testament to one individual’s life’s work and a blueprint for future efforts to restore lost species and balance to Britain’s natural world.

An Irish Atlantic Rainforest: A Personal Journey into the Magic of Rewilding by Eoghan Daltun (2024)

An Irish Atlantic Rainforest: A Personal Journey into the Magic of Rewilding by Eoghan Daltun is an evocative memoir‑style account of one man’s long‑term effort to restore a piece of Ireland’s temperate rainforest on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork. In 2009 Daltun purchased a 73‑acre farm that had been ecologically degraded by overgrazing and invasive species, and over the years simply allowed nature to do the work, fencing out grazing animals, controlling invasives and giving seedlings the space to flourish, resulting in a vibrant forest that gradually renewed itself. The book blends powerful nature writing with reflections on climate breakdown, ecological collapse and what a healed landscape can look like when given the chance to recover, inviting readers to rethink how humans interact with the natural world.

Reviewers have praised An Irish Atlantic Rainforest for its descriptive and passionate storytelling, which brings to life the sights, sounds and textures of a regenerating ecosystem and conveys a deep love for the land. It won An Post Irish Book Award and has been described in the Irish Independent and Irish Times as an inspiring and thought‑provoking work that serves as a manifesto for letting nature lead, not just on Daltun’s farm but across damaged landscapes. His narrative moves fluidly between personal journey, environmental insight and broader conservation ideas, making the book accessible to both nature enthusiasts and readers curious about ecological restoration. I would add to that and say that it is the perfect companion to any of the other books in this list.

At the same time, reader reactions are mixed, particularly among those seeking a more technical or academic exploration of rewilding. Some reviewers on platforms like Goodreads appreciated Daltun’s passion but felt the book leaned heavily on personal experience and emotion rather than rigorous ecological analysis, with occasional critiques suggesting that the author’s lack of formal forestry background shows in places. Others found parts of the memoir slower or more reflective than expected, particularly if they hoped for detailed practical methodologies rather than philosophical musings. Nonetheless, An Irish Atlantic Rainforest is widely seen as a meaningful and heartfelt contribution to rewilding literature, one that celebrates nature’s capacity for renewal and challenges readers to consider the regenerative magic possible when land is given back to itself.

Rewilding Africa: Restoring the Wilderness on a War-ravaged Continent by Grant Fowlds and Graham Spence (2024)

Rewilding Africa: Restoring the Wilderness on a War‑ravaged Continent by Grant Fowlds and Graham Spence takes readers deep into the challenging world of wildlife conservation across some of the continent’s most iconic and ecologically important landscapes. Written by South African conservationist Grant Fowlds with journalist Graham Spence, the book chronicles Fowlds’s efforts to protect and restore Africa’s rhinos, elephants and other endangered wildlife in countries scarred by prolonged civil wars and social upheaval, including Angola, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Alongside vivid accounts of conservation fieldwork and negotiations with local communities, Fowlds describes dramatic confrontations with poachers and the complex political, economic and logistical obstacles that stand in the way of restoring wild spaces. Central themes include the devastating impact of conflict on biodiversity, the role of wildlife tourism in sustaining local communities, and the importance of securing habitat and funding to enable species to recover and recolonise former ranges.

Many readers and reviewers appreciate the narrative energy of the book and the personal commitment that underpins it. Fowlds’s storytelling brings hearing‑room negotiations, helicopter operations to manage disease transmission, and the emotional highs and lows of conservation work to life, giving a sense of what it really takes to try to ‘rewild’ parts of Africa. Some chapters focus on ambitious restoration efforts, such as expanding the ranges of African elephants and rescuing wildlife tourism after the COVID‑19 pandemic shut down critical income sources for parks and rural communities, illustrating how ecological and human well‑being are deeply interconnected. At its best, the book conveys both the urgency and hope of attempting to preserve wilderness in an era of rapid environmental change.

At the same time, Rewilding Africa has drawn a range of reactions. On platforms like Goodreads, some readers note that the book reads as much like a memoir and collection of conservation anecdotes as a systematic exploration of rewilding science or strategy, and that it can feel uneven in structure or detail. Others point out that while the narrative offers powerful first‑hand stories and insights into conservation challenges, it doesn’t always fully situate those within broader ecological theory or discuss how specific rewilding interventions are planned and measured. Still, for many interested in African wildlife and the human stories behind conservation efforts, it’s seen as an engaging and inspiring read that highlights the courage, sacrifice and complex reality involved in trying to restore wild places.

The books explored above offer a comprehensive and inspiring panorama of rewilding, blending personal journeys, scientific insights, and practical examples to show how humans can restore ecosystems on land and at sea. From Isabella Tree’s Wilding and Benedict Macdonald’s Rebirding, which explore transformative rewilding projects in Britain, to Millie Kerr’s Wilder and George Monbiot’s Feral, which place local efforts in a global and philosophical context, readers are invited to see conservation as both an urgent necessity and a hopeful possibility. Other works like Charles Clover’s Rewilding the Sea and Grant Fowlds & Graham Spence’s Rewilding Africa expand the scope to oceans and Africa’s war‑scarred wildernesses, while personal narratives such as Eoghan Daltun’s An Irish Atlantic Rainforest and Roy Dennis’s Restoring the Wild bring intimate, ground‑level perspectives on restoring species and habitats. Simon Barnes’ Rewild Yourself adds a practical, accessible approach for anyone seeking to reconnect with nature in their everyday life, emphasising that rewilding is as much about human perception and engagement as it is about ecology.

Readers should consider buying these books because they are both informative and transformative, offering a rare combination of scientific insight, compelling storytelling, and actionable ideas. Each book demonstrates the tangible successes and ongoing challenges of rewilding, whether through the return of apex predators, the resurgence of bird species, or the recovery of entire marine ecosystems. They make complex ecological principles accessible to a wide audience, inspiring curiosity, awareness, and a sense of agency in readers. Collectively, they provide a toolkit for understanding modern conservation, showing that rewilding is not just an environmental movement but a cultural and philosophical shift toward seeing humans as participants in, rather than controllers of nature, making them essential reading for anyone passionate about the future of our planet.

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