After a Shetland ewe captured his heart as a boy, Derek grew up to become a farmer with a passion for ancient breeds. When he realised how many of our species were close to extinction – even on his own land – Derek tore down fences literally and metaphorically, transforming his traditional Devon farm into a 300-acre rewilding haven for beavers, water voles, lynx, wildcats, harvest mice, wild boar and more. A project that is still ongoing today.

‘One of the most remarkable figures in British conservation.’ - Observer

‘Gow reinvents what it means to be a guardian of the countryside.’ - Guardian

‘Courageous, visionary, funny.’ - Isabella Tree

‘A brilliant read.’ - Benedict Macdonald