Wild Fell: Fighting for nature on a Lake District hill farm

Lee Schofield, an ecologist, is leading efforts to restore two hill farms and their thirty square kilometers of upland habitat in the Lake District. He sought out England's rarest mountain flower and traveled to Norway and the Alps for inspiration. The landscape is becoming richer, wilder, and better able to withstand the shocks of a changing climate, but success relies on finding a balance between rewilding and respecting cherished farming traditions. Wild Fell is a call to recognize that the solutions for a richer world lie at our feet.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Rewritten text:

Nestled amidst the remote eastern fells of the Lake District, England's last and loneliest golden eagle met its tragic end in an unmarked spot in 2015. This event marked a significant loss for the nation's wildlife, but it also ignited a passionate drive to restore the landscape that had been devastated. Lee Schofield, an ecologist and site manager for the RSPB Haweswater, is at the forefront of these efforts, leading a remarkable initiative to revitalize two hill farms and their expansive upland habitat spanning thirty square kilometers. These farms stand at the edge of the region's largest reservoir, where the remnants of a submerged village lie beneath the tranquil waters. The area's history, characterized by turbulence and its impact on both human and wildlife populations, has left its habitats in disrepair. Seeking inspiration, Lee embarked on a journey to discover England's rarest mountain flower. He traversed the rugged fells of Norway and the pristine meadows of the Alps, drawing upon the knowledge and insights of local land, history, and the people who have shaped it. Alongside his dedicated team, Lee has undertaken the arduous task of rewinding a straightened river and repairing damaged wetlands, meadows, and woods. Over time, the landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming richer, wilder, and more resilient to the challenges posed by a changing climate. However, in the complex landscape of the Lake District, the pursuit of change often encounters resistance, necessitating a delicate balance between rewilding and preserving cherished farming traditions. Wild Fell is a poignant testament to the belief that the solutions for a more prosperous world lie within our reach. By focusing on the beauty and significance of flowers, we can rebuild landscapes that are once again suitable for the majestic eagles to soar. This story transcends the realm of nature's recovery; it is a personal journey of Lee's connection to place, encompassing the highs and lows of working tirelessly for nature amidst fierce opposition. Through his unwavering dedication and unwavering commitment, Lee inspires us to recognize that the restoration of our natural world is not just a matter of ecological importance but also a deeply personal endeavor.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 365 x 165 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857527752