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Award-winning conservationist and best-selling environmental author, Isabella Tree, has been awarded an honorary doctorate at the first ceremony of the University of Sussex’s 2024 summer graduation, on Monday 22 July.  

Pioneering the Knepp Estate rewilding project in West Sussex, Isabella, along with her husband Charlie Burrell, turned what was a failing, conventional farm into a thriving environment for wildlife and biodiversity.   

The couple’s rewilding adventure began in 2002, when they realised that poor-quality clay soil was too challenging to make the farm profitable. They decided to establish the estate as a biodiverse wilderness area, letting free-roaming animals and water systems do the work.  

Over 20 years on, the estate is now flourishing – it is home to critically endangered nightingales, nesting peregrine falcons, 13 species of bat as well as an abundance of insects. Their experiences and knowledge have resulted in best-selling books and, more recently, the release of a critically acclaimed film, Wilding.  

Prof Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex, said:  

“Our summer graduation ceremonies are the occasion to celebrate our students’ achievements during their time at Sussex. This often includes carrying out research projects in the local community. Many of our undergraduate, Masters and PhD students have engaged with projects at the Knepp Estate and so we are delighted to be awarding Isabella Tree an honorary degree this year, recognising both the outstanding contributions she has made to the environmental regeneration of our region, as well as supporting the research endeavours of our staff and students. Isabella’s commitment and passion for sustainability aligns perfectly with ours at Sussex.” 

The Knepp rewilding project provides a rich resource for scientists at the University of Sussex. Prof Dave Goulson, a world leading expert in bee ecology and Dr Chris Sandom, an environmental biologist who specialises in rewilding, have both carried out research across the estate, working to understand how restoring natural landscapes affects wildlife and insect populations.   

Undergraduate and postgraduate students at Sussex have also carried out research at Knepp while studying Ecology and Conservation, Zoology and Biology. Through optional modules, students can visit the Knepp Estate to undertake research projects ranging from counting dung beetles to monitoring the grazing rates and habits of cattle.   

Isabella Tree said: 

“I am delighted to be receiving an honorary degree from the University of Sussex. We have long recognised the importance of academic research to support our rewilding project at Knepp, and our relationship with Sussex staff and students studying ecology and conservation has helped enormously in understanding what is happening to our landscape. Through their dedication and passion, we are developing the science to show how best to restore nature.” 
 

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