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Cornerstones: Wild Forces that can Change Our World
Transform your understanding of the natural world forever and discover the wild forces that once supported Britain's extraordinary natural riches, and could again.
Our precious archipelago is ravaged by climate change, bereft of natural ecosystems and lies at the mercy of global warming, flooding, drought and catastrophic biodiversity loss. But could restoring species that once helped protect our islands help turn this crisis around?
From familiar yet imperilled honeybees and ancient oak woods to returning natives like beavers and boars, Britain's cornerstone species may hold the key to recovering our biodiversity on land and in our seas.
In Cornerstones, we discover how beavers craft wetlands, save fish, encourage otters, and prevent rivers from flooding. We learn how 'disruptive' boars are seasoned butterfly conservationists, why whales are crucial for restoring seabird cities and how wolves and lynx could save our trees, help sequester carbon and protect our most threatened birds.
Benedict Macdonald transforms our understanding of the natural world forever, revealing lives that once supported extraordinary natural riches and explaining how humans – the most important cornerstone species of all – can become the greatest stewards of the natural world.
Our precious archipelago is ravaged by climate change, bereft of natural ecosystems and lies at the mercy of global warming, flooding, drought and catastrophic biodiversity loss. But could restoring species that once helped protect our islands help turn this crisis around?
From familiar yet imperilled honeybees and ancient oak woods to returning natives like beavers and boars, Britain's cornerstone species may hold the key to recovering our biodiversity on land and in our seas.
In Cornerstones, we discover how beavers craft wetlands, save fish, encourage otters, and prevent rivers from flooding. We learn how 'disruptive' boars are seasoned butterfly conservationists, why whales are crucial for restoring seabird cities and how wolves and lynx could save our trees, help sequester carbon and protect our most threatened birds.
Benedict Macdonald transforms our understanding of the natural world forever, revealing lives that once supported extraordinary natural riches and explaining how humans – the most important cornerstone species of all – can become the greatest stewards of the natural world.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2022
28 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
Benedict Macdonald
5 books39 followersI'm a conservation writer, producer in wildlife television, and naturalist, passionate about restoring Britain's wildlife, pelicans very much included, in my lifetime. In television I have worked on projects for the BBC, ITV, Netflix and Apple. Sir David Attenborough's Our Planet (Netflix), a series I worked on for three years, was awarded two Emmy's in 2019. As a writer I am the author of Rebirding and co-author of Orchard. My third book, Cornerstones, was released in July 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 25, 2023
Another Fabulous Nature Treat from Benedict Macdonald.
Macdonald writes with not only a deep knowledge of nature but with eloquence and panache. His Rebirding was the best of many books I read on rewilding. This book gives a chapter each to cornerstone species. His depth of knowledge and sympathetic approach make this book a joy to read
Macdonald writes with not only a deep knowledge of nature but with eloquence and panache. His Rebirding was the best of many books I read on rewilding. This book gives a chapter each to cornerstone species. His depth of knowledge and sympathetic approach make this book a joy to read
June 6, 2023
“Now, the most powerful architect walks on two legs, reforming the world in its image.” ~Benedict Macdonald
In “Cornerstones: Wild Forces That Can Change Our World”, Benedict Macdonald takes you on an adventure through the British Isles. He introduces you to the different creatures that once used to shape this part of the world, but are now on the brink of extinction, or have completely disappeared from the island.
📗 This book will help you to better understand the intricate relationships between animals and how the removal of just one species can have a devastating impact on an entire ecosystem.
🐂 “Cornerstones” will show you the importance of rewilding and how reintroducing species (that have disappeared from a landscape) can provide benefits for both nature and humans.
💚 By reading this book you will discover how boars promote the abundance of butterflies, how the presence of birds of prey protects fruit orchards and helps to promote grassland biodiversity, why beavers are the guardians of many fish species, how whales used to transform the North Sea and why they can be a fishermen’s best friend, how trees protect their “young” even in death, and the importance of having lynx and wolves around. Benedict ends the book with some surprising ways in which humans, the world’s most powerful ecosystem engineers, are impacting the world around us.
Without a doubt, this book was (so far) the most fascinating read of this year and I can’t wait to read the other two books by this author.
In “Cornerstones: Wild Forces That Can Change Our World”, Benedict Macdonald takes you on an adventure through the British Isles. He introduces you to the different creatures that once used to shape this part of the world, but are now on the brink of extinction, or have completely disappeared from the island.
📗 This book will help you to better understand the intricate relationships between animals and how the removal of just one species can have a devastating impact on an entire ecosystem.
🐂 “Cornerstones” will show you the importance of rewilding and how reintroducing species (that have disappeared from a landscape) can provide benefits for both nature and humans.
💚 By reading this book you will discover how boars promote the abundance of butterflies, how the presence of birds of prey protects fruit orchards and helps to promote grassland biodiversity, why beavers are the guardians of many fish species, how whales used to transform the North Sea and why they can be a fishermen’s best friend, how trees protect their “young” even in death, and the importance of having lynx and wolves around. Benedict ends the book with some surprising ways in which humans, the world’s most powerful ecosystem engineers, are impacting the world around us.
Without a doubt, this book was (so far) the most fascinating read of this year and I can’t wait to read the other two books by this author.
June 12, 2025
To some extent if you've read one of these books you've read them all. Decent conceit with the focus on ecosystem engineers/cornerstone species but doesn't hold a candle to Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm or Feral: Rewilding the Land, the Sea and Human Life.
Where the book becomes a bit of a let down is in the final chapter, the "What is to be Done?" chapter that every ecology book is seemingly mandated to finish off with. As you might expect from someone with Benedict's cultural background, the proposed solutions would offer lots of concessions to landowners/famers (fitting every potential wolf introduced to the UK with collars to shock them if they go close to farms or hoping that grouse shooting will magically disappear?), no changes to our diets (no real mention of plant-based diets or, at the very least, of reducing/eliminating lamb) and wishfully imagining that holistic livestock farming can produce enough food at an affordable price for people.
Overall good and I enjoyed most of the content but I just don't believe that Britain's ecosystems can be restored under our current economic system, with no societal changes in meat and dairy [over]consumption.
Where the book becomes a bit of a let down is in the final chapter, the "What is to be Done?" chapter that every ecology book is seemingly mandated to finish off with. As you might expect from someone with Benedict's cultural background, the proposed solutions would offer lots of concessions to landowners/famers (fitting every potential wolf introduced to the UK with collars to shock them if they go close to farms or hoping that grouse shooting will magically disappear?), no changes to our diets (no real mention of plant-based diets or, at the very least, of reducing/eliminating lamb) and wishfully imagining that holistic livestock farming can produce enough food at an affordable price for people.
Overall good and I enjoyed most of the content but I just don't believe that Britain's ecosystems can be restored under our current economic system, with no societal changes in meat and dairy [over]consumption.
February 1, 2026
Very well researched and a terrific, balanced and convincing argument for each of the species he highlights as vital to restoring the natural ecosystems we crave and depend on.
April 14, 2023
I never knew Beavers were native to Britain, nor that they are such interesting and environmentally important creatures! The author is passionate about the subject on which he writes....and so he should, considering that the future of the land and ocean depend on the re-introduction and stability of key cornerstone species whose existence is of primary importance in making sure there is a future.
December 27, 2022
Light enough to get through easily but plenty of impactful science. Part feeling we’re fucked, part feeling there’s hope
July 23, 2023
Book Review
Title CORNERSTONES- Wild Forces That Can Change Our World
Author Benedict Macdonald
Publisher Bloomsbury Wildlife
One more book, one more organization, one more group of people that have become part of my journey into environmental issues and beyond. I had not even heard of Macdonald or his co-author in their book Orchard, Nicholas Gates, until I read Cornwall Wildlife Trust magazine. In it I found out more about where I used to live and in a piece on Hamatethy Manor that we had driven past countless times. It is still a functioning farm but now extensive and letting the wild back in.
Cornerstones is about the hierarchy of plants where they fit in with the other hierarchy of the mammal and bird worlds. The dysfunction of all of that has been created by the human need for control in an effort to sustain itself at the extreme expense of habitat loss, over use of chemicals to control the bugs and excessive use of petrochemicals. At the very end of this destruction lies the end of humanity.
That is not cheerful to hear but the book is hopeful. There are Beavers in England and the effect of their introduction is discussed. Streams have less of a rush to the sea and are reduced to their once natural state with detours and ponds created for other wildlife to flourish. And that includes trees too.
There will always be an area of conflict between the wild and the need for human control of the land. Mention Wolves or Lynx and farmers will envisage dead livestock. Consequently we have lost control of deer populations where the only apex predator is human. This book deals with predators and their effect on their need to eat which is natural culling.
Finally this quote “…..will transform your understanding of the natural world forever and reveal the wild forces that once supported Britain’s extraordinary natural resources, and could again.”
Title CORNERSTONES- Wild Forces That Can Change Our World
Author Benedict Macdonald
Publisher Bloomsbury Wildlife
One more book, one more organization, one more group of people that have become part of my journey into environmental issues and beyond. I had not even heard of Macdonald or his co-author in their book Orchard, Nicholas Gates, until I read Cornwall Wildlife Trust magazine. In it I found out more about where I used to live and in a piece on Hamatethy Manor that we had driven past countless times. It is still a functioning farm but now extensive and letting the wild back in.
Cornerstones is about the hierarchy of plants where they fit in with the other hierarchy of the mammal and bird worlds. The dysfunction of all of that has been created by the human need for control in an effort to sustain itself at the extreme expense of habitat loss, over use of chemicals to control the bugs and excessive use of petrochemicals. At the very end of this destruction lies the end of humanity.
That is not cheerful to hear but the book is hopeful. There are Beavers in England and the effect of their introduction is discussed. Streams have less of a rush to the sea and are reduced to their once natural state with detours and ponds created for other wildlife to flourish. And that includes trees too.
There will always be an area of conflict between the wild and the need for human control of the land. Mention Wolves or Lynx and farmers will envisage dead livestock. Consequently we have lost control of deer populations where the only apex predator is human. This book deals with predators and their effect on their need to eat which is natural culling.
Finally this quote “…..will transform your understanding of the natural world forever and reveal the wild forces that once supported Britain’s extraordinary natural resources, and could again.”
April 27, 2025
Cornerstones: Wild Forces That Can Change Our World tells about 9 "cornerstones", 9 species that influence and change their environment. It shows the links (which might not be obvious at first glance) between several species.
These are the species that are discussed in the different chapters:
1: The boar. I found this chapter quite refreshing, because the relation between humans and boars is very difficult where I live (Belgium). Indeed, boars are hunted even in nature reserves (otherwise we have to pay compensation to neighbouring farmers for the damage, conservators are afraid that boars will predate groundnesting birds and drivers are afraid of collisions.). So reading that this animal (my favourite when I was a child) is not actually as bad as everybody pretends, and even great for biodiversity, was really nice.
2: birds of prey and their influence on predators. I found it interesting as well.
3: beavers as landscape architects.
4: whales. In this chapter, we dive into the story of the whale poo that allows plankton to flourish. I found it surprising and interesting.
5: the different benefits of bees and other pollinating insects. This chapter quotes Dave Goulson whose books I've already read and which I recommend.
6: Cattle and horses are discussed as landscape architects. Here, the author talks about Knepp and Isabella Tree who wrote the great book Wilding, which I also strongly recommend.
7: several tree species (not only oak) and their importance for biodiversity, whether they be dead or alive. This chapter underlines that we should not forget that trees are supposed to be wild.
8: the lynx and wolves.
9: the good and bad effects of the species that probably has the biggest influence on the environment: humans.
These are the species that are discussed in the different chapters:
1: The boar. I found this chapter quite refreshing, because the relation between humans and boars is very difficult where I live (Belgium). Indeed, boars are hunted even in nature reserves (otherwise we have to pay compensation to neighbouring farmers for the damage, conservators are afraid that boars will predate groundnesting birds and drivers are afraid of collisions.). So reading that this animal (my favourite when I was a child) is not actually as bad as everybody pretends, and even great for biodiversity, was really nice.
2: birds of prey and their influence on predators. I found it interesting as well.
3: beavers as landscape architects.
4: whales. In this chapter, we dive into the story of the whale poo that allows plankton to flourish. I found it surprising and interesting.
5: the different benefits of bees and other pollinating insects. This chapter quotes Dave Goulson whose books I've already read and which I recommend.
6: Cattle and horses are discussed as landscape architects. Here, the author talks about Knepp and Isabella Tree who wrote the great book Wilding, which I also strongly recommend.
7: several tree species (not only oak) and their importance for biodiversity, whether they be dead or alive. This chapter underlines that we should not forget that trees are supposed to be wild.
8: the lynx and wolves.
9: the good and bad effects of the species that probably has the biggest influence on the environment: humans.
Currently reading
November 23, 2025It is now widely accepted (by conservationists) that the loss of the cornerstone species over the past centuries impoverished the world ecosystems. So opens Benedict MacDonald his latest book to continue that now a growing movement is working to restore lost landscapes and return lost species to Britain. As with any other movement this is not without controversy as many people prefer to keep things as they are… even if that is not how it was meant to be. To paraphrase the quote used in the book of Sir Richard Attenborough ‘we must rewild the world’ to protect our world from climate change and save our species from the sixth mass extinction.
This book takes you through 8 chapters each covering one or two cornerstone species. To end with a chapter on the ultimate species that has no doubt most changed the world as we know it : humans. As we can contribute as well to a better place. And learn from past mistakes : instead of hunting down species or destroying ruthlessly their habitats we can do better… and that is perhaps the best thing about this book .. it focuses on solutions and what those species can bring and how we can help them thrive once more. It is a book that brings hope rather then doom and for that alone o need to recommend this book to you all. It is interesting, well written and provide valuable insight how our ecosystems work. Rewilding at its best !
This book takes you through 8 chapters each covering one or two cornerstone species. To end with a chapter on the ultimate species that has no doubt most changed the world as we know it : humans. As we can contribute as well to a better place. And learn from past mistakes : instead of hunting down species or destroying ruthlessly their habitats we can do better… and that is perhaps the best thing about this book .. it focuses on solutions and what those species can bring and how we can help them thrive once more. It is a book that brings hope rather then doom and for that alone o need to recommend this book to you all. It is interesting, well written and provide valuable insight how our ecosystems work. Rewilding at its best !
November 19, 2022
Disturbing, Heartening, & Inspiring
This is a wonderful, inspiring, and beautifully written book. I learned so much about the vital role of cornerstone species from reading it, and Benedict Macdonald, whilst realistic about the problems facing their return to the UK, makes much that had seemed impossible possible. I particularly loved the chapters on beavers, horses/cattle, and whales, which are thought-provoking and full of wonder.
I thought for a long time about how many stars to give and would have given 4.75 if I could, but there was something about the last chapter on humans as a cornerstone species that felt forced and left me feeling a little despairing, which was especially sad having been lifted by the rest of the book. Mind you, it was an almost impossible task to summarise what we are and might be without it feeling as it does.
All in all, I loved 'Cornerstones', and will be reflecting on it long after having finished reading it I know. I am looking forward to reading another of Benedict Macdonald's books very soon.
This is a wonderful, inspiring, and beautifully written book. I learned so much about the vital role of cornerstone species from reading it, and Benedict Macdonald, whilst realistic about the problems facing their return to the UK, makes much that had seemed impossible possible. I particularly loved the chapters on beavers, horses/cattle, and whales, which are thought-provoking and full of wonder.
I thought for a long time about how many stars to give and would have given 4.75 if I could, but there was something about the last chapter on humans as a cornerstone species that felt forced and left me feeling a little despairing, which was especially sad having been lifted by the rest of the book. Mind you, it was an almost impossible task to summarise what we are and might be without it feeling as it does.
All in all, I loved 'Cornerstones', and will be reflecting on it long after having finished reading it I know. I am looking forward to reading another of Benedict Macdonald's books very soon.
September 22, 2022
A beautifully written book detailing how key British species of plants and animals shape the countryside and the ecosystems that they support. Combining modern research with Tolkein-esque , emotional accounts of nature to educate the reader, MacDonald successfully creates the case for re-wilding. This is to support not only biodiversity, but to: mitigate climate change; improve farming practices; support ethical consumer choices; and bring the British public closer to nature. This is a great read for anyone interested in the natural world and indeed, also for those that know nothing about the environment
January 28, 2023
What a magical and beautiful book. I've learnt so much from Benedict Macdonald's "Cornerstones" about ecosystems and how different animals and plants shape their environment. The book enchantingly illustrates how profoundly wise and intelligent nature is and - when left alone and not meddled with - builds thriving, abundant ecosystems where plants and animals live harmoniously and to one another's benefit. "Cornerstones" is absolutely stunning and one of the best books I have ever had the privilege of reading.
Thank you, Benedict, for writing such a magical book!
Thank you, Benedict, for writing such a magical book!
March 4, 2025
It's remarkable that when you start a book you don't know what you will learn and how you will change because of it , however rapidly after a few chapters you can get an inkling that you are changing.
This book made me rethink the world around me and see it in another way , I can say full heartedly that this book changed me
Thank you so much
This book made me rethink the world around me and see it in another way , I can say full heartedly that this book changed me
Thank you so much
May 10, 2025
Fascinating book split into simple, easy chapters for each species that does and could make such a difference to our ecosystems. So much of the world has allowed these species to exist and noticed the real benefits, but in the UK we need to catch up, if we're ever going to improve and restore our natural spaces and even help us as humans survive.
March 5, 2023
Really convincing on both why we should, and how we could, bring back keystone species to our nature-deficient landscapes. Even if the last chapter 'humans' was a re-run of a similar chapter in Rebirding, it's worth re-stating these bold predictions for more wildlife-rich land and seas.
July 26, 2023
Really enjoyed the content but felt at times like the book repeated itself, as if the author had written a few versions of the opening sentence of each paragraph and couldn’t decide which was best so left them all in.
December 31, 2023
Very good book. Insightful, surprising (for a non expert), easy to read and hopeful. Strong recommend.
I'd say a good intro before this author's other book I read, Rebirding, which is a 5* hit but more detailed.
I'd say a good intro before this author's other book I read, Rebirding, which is a 5* hit but more detailed.
August 12, 2025
A really interesting book dealing with a different species each chapter and how they can help us to overcome the environmental and climate emergency we are in right now. a surprisingly positive book. Perhaps my least favourite was the last human chapter, otherwise it would have been 5 stars.
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October 11, 2025An utterly brilliant book about the essential species we need back in the UK to restore some balance to our ecosystems in the UK. Easy to read and understand and very persuasive. I loved it. Regeneration is the way to go.
July 17, 2022
Excellent read.
September 18, 2022
Wonderfully well written book, very informative and accessible and a great basis for a book club discussion!
August 8, 2023
Beautifully written. Uplifting and inspiring.
August 22, 2024
The best explanation of the most prominent ecological problems facing Britain, of any book I’ve read.
Will be re-reading.
Will be re-reading.
July 30, 2025
ANIMAL RIGHTS ! NOW !
February 3, 2026
Really enjoyable read, beautiful storytelling!
December 4, 2023
My first book that I've read by Benedict Macdonald and I learned a lot as he's passionate and informative a fascinating read about the planet.
June 24, 2025
Benedict Macdonald writes with such passion you can feel his excitement leap off the page, making this such a easy read and the importance of his message so easy to digest.
“Rewilding” is the main discussion point here and this book raises many thought-provoking questions; Macdonald effectively presents the notion of allowing the natural world to self-govern more and reignites the issue of reintroducing important “cornerstone” species — beavers, wolves, lynx — once again.
I learned so much from this book — this had me in the palm of its hand. Very important and very convincing stuff. It leaves you in awe of nature’s wisdom, and equally frustrated by man’s meddling.
“We must not feel so threatened, perhaps, by those who help us. The more cornerstone species we have, the richer our world will become.”
5 / 5
“Rewilding” is the main discussion point here and this book raises many thought-provoking questions; Macdonald effectively presents the notion of allowing the natural world to self-govern more and reignites the issue of reintroducing important “cornerstone” species — beavers, wolves, lynx — once again.
I learned so much from this book — this had me in the palm of its hand. Very important and very convincing stuff. It leaves you in awe of nature’s wisdom, and equally frustrated by man’s meddling.
“We must not feel so threatened, perhaps, by those who help us. The more cornerstone species we have, the richer our world will become.”
5 / 5
November 27, 2023
A positive read in how we can make changes to our environment with rewilding that will help slow down the negative aspects of climate warming.
(Note the edition I read was paperback)
(Note the edition I read was paperback)
October 28, 2025
such a thought provoking and inspiring little book!
my only complaint is that I (personally) needed shorter chapters to maintain momentum
my only complaint is that I (personally) needed shorter chapters to maintain momentum
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews