Treewilding

There has never been a more important time for the world to understand trees. —Bruce Pascoe, author of Dark Emu Electrifying and insightful! With personal anecdotes and scientific rigour, Robinson charts our course to a more symbiotic existence with forests. Like the dendritic branching structures it so beautifully describes, Treewilding takes us on a journey through time, revealing the relationship between humans and trees is both ancient and complex - one that we break at our peril. —Tim Jarvis, adventurer and environmental scientist Whilst global in coverage this book looks at the Australian environment and covers the authors conversations with Bruce Pascoe and explores the impacts of recent change to our landscape and its ecological implications. As we clear millions of hectares of forests globally, the challenge of restoring these precious ecosystems becomes ever more pressing. The stakes are high: a staggering 95% of Earths land could succumb to degradation by 2050. While the task might appear straightforward - simply plant millions of trees - the reality is far more perplexing. Haphazard tree-planting in unsuitable locations can wreak havoc on ecosystems and jeopardise the livelihoods of local communities. The surge of interest in restoring forests has ushered in a wave of greenwashing, where deceptive environmental marketing and scientific mishaps undermine genuine efforts. Yet this new focus also brings forth a plethora of solutions and many rays of hope. Amidst such a landscape, cutting-edge science and Indigenous knowledge together can redefine our understanding in a way that not only helps regenerate nature but also allows human communities to thrive. This original, topical and engaging book navigates the complex realm of forest restoration. It reveals how a nuanced approach is required - one that integrates the latest scientific advancements (for instance in microbial ecology, acoustic technology and epigenetics), Indigenous leadership and a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of life within these vital ecosystems. Treewilding asks us to reflect on our relationship with trees and how we must see the woods (intricate social and ecological systems) for the wood (timber) - a realisation that is perhaps the biggest secret to restoring nature.