Unwilded by Alastair Humphreys

Unwilded by Alastair Humphreys

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.

National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Alastair Humphreys has cycled around the globe, rowed the Atlantic, and pioneered "micro-adventures" such as walking a lap of the M25. These exploits have strongly informed his career as a prize-winning writer for both children and adults. His children's books include the The Boy Who Biked the World trilogy, The Girl Who Rowed the Ocean and Great Adventurers. For adults, he chronicles his travels in titles like Moods of Future Joys, Thunder and Sunshine about his cycling and the Wainwright-shortlisted Local.

In 2023 he received the Royal Geographical Society’s Ness Award for his longstanding contribution to greater public understanding of our world and encouraging engagement with the outdoors.