Unwilded

Humans once lived immersed in the natural world. Today, many of us spend our lives indoors, disconnected from the landscapes, wildlife and seasonal rhythms that shaped our ancestors for millennia. In Unwilded, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Alastair Humphreys explores the consequences of this growing separation from nature and how it affects our wellbeing, childhood, education, communities and sense of responsibility for the planet. At the heart of the book is the idea of shifting baseline syndrome: the gradual process by which each generation accepts a diminished natural world as normal. From the loss of the Sycamore Gap tree to the extinction of the passenger pigeon, Humphreys reveals how easily we forget what has been lost. Blending personal stories, environmental history and practical insight, Unwilded is an invitation to look more closely at the places we live and to rediscover the wonder, beauty and responsibility that come with paying attention.