Synopsis

Based on Isabella Tree’s best-selling book by the same title, Wilding tells the incredible story of a young couple that bets on nature for the future of their failing, four-hundred-year-old inherited Knepp estate. The first thing they were told when they took over the land was that they would never make a go of farming it, as the soil had been impoverished by over-intensive cultivation, so the couple decided to experiment with returning it to the wild. They set to work with their groundbreaking vision, battling entrenched tradition and major forces along the way, daring to place the fate of their farm in the hands of nature. Ripping down the fences, they set the land back to the wild and entrust its recovery to a motley mix of animals both tame and wild. It is the beginning of a grand experiment that will become one of the most significant rewilding experiments in Europe and beyond.

Critics Views

“Directed by David Allen, Wilding tells the remarkable story of Knepp’s transformation from a barren tract of marginal land to a fertile oasis. Not surprisingly, the film is visually stunning.” The Arts Desk

“There’s beautiful David Attenborough-type photography of the countryside reasserting itself and of the animals that returned to it. It was a kind of miracle.” Dog and Wolf

“You’ll never look at a green and pleasant pasture in the same way again after watching this documentary about the rewilding project at the Knepp estate in West Sussex.” Guardian

“This inspiring documentary adaptation of Isabella’s 2018 book of the same name is a fascinating story with much to teach us about stewardship of natural resources.” Reform

“David Allen’s Wilding documentary is a fairytale of biodiversity which charts an ambitious 3,500-acre rewilding project at Knepp Castle and Estate in Surrey. Packed with enchanting wildlife footage, irritating recreations and engaging narration, this is a flawed but winning story of gumption, privilege, hope and woo.” Hey U Guys

“Nature is healing in this soul-enhancing, hopeful ode to the British countryside” Time Out

Film Rating

IMDb
 Critics: 74%  Audience N/A

Rotten Tomatoes
Critics positive review N/A   Audience Liked It 83%

 Stockbridge Audience Score: 94%

Audience Comments

Very interesting & informative. Would like to see more documentary style films like this
Beautiful cinematography. A somewhat rose-tinted depiction of a journey that few of us could contemplate or have the means to achieve.
Extremely moving
Very thought provoking
Really pleased I had the opportunity to see this excellent film
“A wonderfully executed account of a wonderful project.
Inspirational. Would love to know more. ”
Brilliant film.
Very interesting film in terms of the content, cinematography and emotionally
moving. and thought provoking
Lovely photography, but lacking practical information, such as how it makes money, and how does this feed a population if it spreads.
Inspirational and uplifting. Wonderful nature filming.
It did raise lots of further questions which weren’t answered in the q and a.
I can understand why no direct Q&A’s… lots to ask! Excellent filming.
Although an excellent documentary with some obviously restaged scenes I found the director’s constant shots into the sun slightly annoying. Nevertheless the subject matter was fascinating and an eye-opener.
Sadly it will take a long time, perhaps too long, to convince people to be less tidy, sterile and obsessed with their lawns and gardens. And farmers even longer, its a big gamble for them to let go of their subsidies and stand alone. But the rewards would be limitless for the future. This film should be played in all schools – the children of today are our main hope for the future. They actually exert much pressure on adults to re-think and change. We all need nature for our health and for survival.
Very interesting film but no answer to the question of possibly being overrun by Tamworth pigs, etc.
Nice to have q&a at the end
Beautiful and inspiring
Inspirational, although the editing left many unanswered questions