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Did you know the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world? The fact that there are 73 million fewer birds in the skies than there were in 1970 is just one significant statistic, and that’s why supporting the right projects through our travel choices is essential.
Celebrated worldwide for its rewilding efforts, Knepp is one such project. Made famous by Isabella Tree’s best-selling book Wilding — the Return of Nature to a British Farm, about the work she and her husband Charles Burrell have undertaken on this 3,500-acre estate, it is unique wildlife haven — as Juliet Kinsman and Jon Weeks discovered when they ventured there for this week’s Sustainable Travel Standard.
In episode two of our new sustainable travel podcast series, brought to you in partnership with Intrepid Travel, Juliet and Jon heard from Isabella Tree about the importance of encouraging biodiversity to counteract the climate crisis, and also enjoyed a walk with her son Ned Burrell through the Knepp Estate’s market garden, which is the source of the organic ingredients used at the Wilding Kitchen. Among other points of note, they learnt how the shop, restaurant and cafe have proven to be a great way of engaging and educating visitors about wider sustainability issues, through the medium of food.
As well as listening to this podcast, we’d recommend that you read Isabella’s book, and watch the documentary, Wilding — it’ll have you obsessed with beavers, turtle doves, purple emperor butterflies before you know it. You can then book a stay at Knepp (from £20 per person to camp) to properly immerse yourself in the experience.
Later in the episode, Juliet and Jon pull back the focus to discuss why the UK is such a good destination for nature and wellness breaks, and this includes a recommendation for 42 Acres in Frome, Somerset. Set in a rolling 173 acres of ancient woodland and rewilded meadows, this countryside retreat, which includes a working regenerative farm, is as suited to wellness escapes with friends, as couples or individuals. Find out more about staying there in our Eco Weekender column.
