The Untrained Environmentalist: How an Australian Grazier Brought His Barren Property Back to Life

by John Fenton

Fifty years ago a young farmer named John Fenton took over his family's run-down sheep property in Victoria. Named Lanark, the property was barren, windswept, and environmentally all but dead. Fenton set about bringing the property back to life by bringing the environment back to life. He planted trees. He reinstated wetlands. He created wildlife reserves. Other farmers thought he had gone a little mad, but Fenton pressed on. As time went on, he came to realize he had stumbled on something extremely important for the Australian landscape as a an integrated, sustainable farming system that was in tune with nature. Thus, he became an environmentalist almost by chance. Year after year, the tree-planting continued. By the time Fenton handed over the property to his son a few years ago, he had planted close to 100,000 trees. He had turned a desolate, degraded farm into an oasis teeming with bird life. In this book he tells the inspiring story of how his miracle was achieved.

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 2010

Reviews

[Galena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and I couldn't finish it fast enough to get out there and plants trees on my farm. The writer is easy to relate to and I could help but feel engaged and inspired although the writer keeps it interesting and thoughtful. I bought it then put it aside because I thought it might be boring...but it was the opposite.

[David Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trees.
It is all about trees.
Planting them.
Planning to plant them.
The benefits of them.
Why others should plant them.
Planting more of them.

I borrowed this book from City of Sydney Library.

[Hannah Rolland · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was interesting and positive, however, I feel there was a lot of repetition and I don't think I learned anything I didn't already know

[Liam Everson · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Fenton shares very detailed into his life and how he practically stumbled into a love for the environment. With stories of moments of great meaning and learning through childhood, schooling and early work life; it’s pretty understandable to see where his passion for the environment developed.
Not only does John share stories but he shares his knowledge of great experience and more lessons from close friends and professionals. Some very simple ideas for how Australian farmers can try and rebuild life on their farm not only for their livestock but for Australian wildlife.

[Mark Bourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good so far.