Directed by David Allen and written by Isabella Tree, who features in the documentary. Knepp is a beacon of hope for England’s wildlife. When Isabella and her husband inherited the estate to farm, they recognised how sick the land was. But after a groundbreaking radical experiment, it’s now a place where mussel-diving pigs, storks and butterflies find sanctuary, and where thriving flora and a vast array of animals have taken back the land. Also starring: Matthew Collyer, Rhiannon Hughes, Charlie Burrell and Rhiannon Neads.
The first of many wonderful things about Wilding is how welcoming it is, you’re greeted with this charming warmth as soon as it begins. It’s so well put together with a sincere elegance but at the same time it holds this down to earth and friendly tone. It creates the perfect atmosphere to explore its nature documentary meets agricultural diary and you can’t help but to be drawn in by it.
Though Wilding does explore that there were many people against this back to nature plan, it’s hard to imagine why because what Isabella Tree and her husband achieved is incredible. The idea in itself is terrific, to let every single element from the animals to the microbes in the soil simply do what they were intended to. It’s a beautiful thing to watch, capturing that magnificent change and the whole experience is so utterly wholesome and captures an infectious enthusiasm.
As well as the passion behind their project, the way that they documented their tricky but rewarding experience gives an educational feel. There’s plenty to learn along the way, you get pulled in by the loving way that Tree narrates their story. Not to mention that it’s all sitting atop of a stunning visual, starting with the nature itself which is as picture perfect as you can get. Then there’s a great use of animation, as well as an endearing use of recreation. The latter is something that’s often misused or clumsy but here it adds even more charm and a personal touch.
Wilding is a genuinely wholesome experience, it’s filled to the brim with enthusiasm and passion for nature. It’s effortless to be carried away by its enchanting, natural visuals and the fascinating journey returning the landscape back to its origins. The film has an exceptionally big heart, there’s lots to learn, it’s visually everything you could hope for and is an honestly wonderful way to spend seventy-five minutes.
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