A common feature of the projects described throughout this
book is that they all originate in a particular place, borne of
particular needs and opportunities, powered by particular people.
These shoots of local action are pushing up through the cracks
of our faltering society – the wild expressing itself. We need to
celebrate these pioneers and dreamers. But at the same time, we
need to acknowledge our limitations. Whenever we impose our
will on nature, we cannot be sure what the response will be – often
it has led to disaster on a global scale. It’s all very well ‘making
plans for nature’, but we must also be ready to stand back, watch
and listen. Nature is not chaotic, yet neither is it as predictable as
we might like. Nature is complex, nuanced, rebellious, surprising,
resilient, always pursuing its own dynamics.
Nature and people can only be pushed so far. Now we need
to stand up for ourselves and for the integrity of nature. Living
with more trees in our lives can show us a deeper connection
with nature, and help us to accept our place in the web of life.
