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Book Review – Feral: Rewilding the Land, Sea and Human Life

By James Beck
11 June 2024

Feral: Rewilding the Land, Sea and Human Life
George Monbiot
Penguin, 2014, 336 pp

Within the pages of George Monbiot’s Feral lies a profound call to action—a call to reimagine our relationship with the natural world and embark on a journey towards ecological restoration.

Feral is filled with a sense of hope that will resonate deeply with ecologically inclined readers. He beautifully explains the stark reality of our planet’s ecological decline, focusing on the urgent need for intervention. However, instead of tumbling into despair, Monbiot presents a radical solution: rewilding.

Drawing upon a wealth of scientific evidence and personal anecdotes, Monbiot outlines the concept of rewilding as a way to restore balance to ecosystems and reconnect with nature. His vision extends beyond conservation; it encompasses a fundamental shift in our perception of the natural world and our role within it.

For those aligned with A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand’s mission of integrating faith and conservation, Feral offers a compelling narrative that resonates on multiple levels. Monbiot weaves together scientific inquiry with moral and ethical considerations, emphasising the inherent value of all living beings and our responsibility to steward God’s creation.

In essence, Feral stands as a testament to the power of hope, honesty, and grounded action in the face of ecological crisis. It challenges us to confront the realities of our world with clarity and resolve, while offering a vision of a future where nature thrives and humanity flourishes in harmony with the wild.

James Beck is the Eco Church Regional Coordinator for the South Island, the associate pastor at The River Ōpāwaho Church in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and the Environment Advisor at Wilberforce Foundation. He is also the host of the Ngā Here: The Many Connections podcast.