It was then that we encountered this idea of ‘rewilding’. Once we were released from that blinkered mindset, we were able to think creatively and objectively about what we could do – working with the land rather than battling against it. We realised intensive, modern agriculture was just not suited to this land and so we stopped. We inherited the farm in the 1980s and after 17 years of trying to farm intensively on our land – heavy Weald clay over a bedrock of limestone – we were left £1.5 million in debt. It was a question of economics, to be honest. Where does your personal motivation and inspiration for the project come from? The book offers a practical way of turning around some big issues, such as biodiversity and carbon loss, soil degradation and air and water pollution. We’ve devoted the 3,500-acre Knepp Estate, just south of Horsham in Sussex, to a rather radical project aimed at nature conservation. I wanted to write the book because what we were discovering is so astonishing and hopeful. We’ve been on a tremendous journey with our farm. Your book has been a big success and struck a chord with many people. Isabella is part of the line up at this year's Hay Festival within the 'Green Hay Forum', sponsored by Triodos Bank.
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