We tend to speak so poetically of nature, describing our feelings for it and how we intend to change the world. With over 30 years experience working on the land, he has seen first hand the changes we have caused in our environment.Īs conservationists and nature writers, myself included, we are used to gushing statements of love for the world around us. We learn a lot about Jake’s childhood and his story of how he came to be so passionate about the natural world.
PLACE OF SHELTER: livestock can escape harsher weather conditions Instead I want to focus on the message of the book and on the author himself. I don’t want to say too much about the content of the book: I want you to read it for yourself and experience the real-time change in thought that I experienced. The evidence in favour of hedgerows speaks for itself and opened my eyes to a whole world which exists within them. Jake tells the reader that when he arrived at Holkham, the hedges were routinely cut to the familiar 6ft height, but within two years of being set free from this tradition were teeming with pollinator species and nesting birds, as well as providing a useful shelter for livestock. RICH PICKINGS: birds and insects feast in our hedgerows PICTURE: Graham Parkinson
It surprised me to learn that there are about half a million miles of hedgerows in England alone, responsible for 5% of carbon sequestration on English farms. The reader is immediately introduced to the opposing ideas of hedgerow management: the standard short trim we are so used to and the more natural look which encourages life to feast, nest and thrive within the thick embrace of the hedge. Using superb description, he conjures images of tangled foliage intertwining, decorated with juicy berries, with insects dancing and birds dining on the delights. Jake takes the reader on an explorative journey through the British hedgerows. T ANGLED FOLIAGE: wild hedgerows line a little-used country lane The book begins with ‘Hedge Porn’ – perhaps not a phrase you’d ever expect to see, however the reasoning behind this becomes clear as you delve through the pages. His new book explores how we can collaborate with nature, ensuring food security for ourselves while providing ideal habitats for the many species with whom we share the countryside. In his role as director of conservation at Holkham Hall, author Jake Fiennes is working hands-on to heal the landscape through habitat restoration. LAND HEALER is a direct, real and honest book about the relationship between humans and the countryside.
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