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Wild Woman: Empowering Stories from Women Who Work in Nature
An engaging blend of conservation stories and humorous, personal anecdotes from Philippa Forrester about women who, like her, choose to live and work in the wild.
Surviving in the wilderness has long been associated with men, and traditionally conservation and environmental biology have been male-dominated subjects. Yet many remarkable women also choose to live and work in wild and challenging landscapes. In her new book, Philippa Forrester studies and celebrates what it means to be a wild woman.
Taking an anthropological approach, Philippa considers the grit and determination required for women to maintain connections to wildlife. She reveals stories of female conservation heroes and other extraordinary wild women and relates some of her own experiences from three decades spent travelling around the world working in some of the wildest places on Earth. What does it take for a woman to live or work in the wild? Which qualities help women to survive and thrive in the most challenging of natural environments?
Talking to women from around the world, she examines how these women benefit from a life spent in the wilderness and considers what the natural world gains from them. And as she explores our relationship with the wild, Philippa contemplates what we expect and need from nature and ponders why we still feel a pull towards it despite living pasteurised lives disconnected from the natural world.
Surviving in the wilderness has long been associated with men, and traditionally conservation and environmental biology have been male-dominated subjects. Yet many remarkable women also choose to live and work in wild and challenging landscapes. In her new book, Philippa Forrester studies and celebrates what it means to be a wild woman.
Taking an anthropological approach, Philippa considers the grit and determination required for women to maintain connections to wildlife. She reveals stories of female conservation heroes and other extraordinary wild women and relates some of her own experiences from three decades spent travelling around the world working in some of the wildest places on Earth. What does it take for a woman to live or work in the wild? Which qualities help women to survive and thrive in the most challenging of natural environments?
Talking to women from around the world, she examines how these women benefit from a life spent in the wilderness and considers what the natural world gains from them. And as she explores our relationship with the wild, Philippa contemplates what we expect and need from nature and ponders why we still feel a pull towards it despite living pasteurised lives disconnected from the natural world.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 30, 2024
48 people are currently reading
976 people want to read
About the author
Philippa Forrester
10 books7 followersPhilippa has been a well known TV and radio presenter and producer working primarily for the BBC for many years. She has always had a passion for the natural world and competed a part time degree in Ecology and Conservation while working on TV. She spent seven years living in Jackson hole Wyoming where she remotely completed a masters degree in writing and has continued to write, mainly about the natural world, for both adults and children
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 27, 2024
I loved this book and read it really quickly. It starts with sadness - Philippa and her husband have separated and she has returned to the UK to start again as a single mother with three sons. But it quickly starts to be something more hopeful as the author describes clearing the lane for the oil delivery to get through and brandishing a machete to clear brambles.
Throughout the book the narrative switches between Philippa's home life and her challenges with the land around her house and stories about women in nature who she has met or interviewed. The nature stories are about lions and bears and caribou and literally take place all around the world. It's all fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the first story about rewilding in South Africa and creating a reserve between two national parks that has the potential to act as a wildlife corridor.
Two things would have made this a five star read for me. Firstly more stories. Jane Goodall is mentioned in passing but I felt that a section covering her work would have been appropriate. And when rewilding was mentioned, I immediately thought of Isabella Tree and the UK rewilding project at Knepp. I'm not in the industry and these people were obvious to me. I like that the author included less obvious women but surely there are many, many more who were omitted? Secondly, I would have loved to hear more about the author's own work. The otter, featured in a previous book The River, is mentioned as is winning Wildlife Photographer of the Year, but really very little else.
Despite my last comments, I massively recommend this book. It is very well written and researched and full of really interesting stories.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Throughout the book the narrative switches between Philippa's home life and her challenges with the land around her house and stories about women in nature who she has met or interviewed. The nature stories are about lions and bears and caribou and literally take place all around the world. It's all fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the first story about rewilding in South Africa and creating a reserve between two national parks that has the potential to act as a wildlife corridor.
Two things would have made this a five star read for me. Firstly more stories. Jane Goodall is mentioned in passing but I felt that a section covering her work would have been appropriate. And when rewilding was mentioned, I immediately thought of Isabella Tree and the UK rewilding project at Knepp. I'm not in the industry and these people were obvious to me. I like that the author included less obvious women but surely there are many, many more who were omitted? Secondly, I would have loved to hear more about the author's own work. The otter, featured in a previous book The River, is mentioned as is winning Wildlife Photographer of the Year, but really very little else.
Despite my last comments, I massively recommend this book. It is very well written and researched and full of really interesting stories.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2024
Aussi beau à l’intérieur qu’à l’extérieur
April 16, 2024
While it feels somewhat scattered in approach, this is a lovely book of self-discovery. A women-centered look at the natural world and our part in it.
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October 27, 2024I really wanted to like this book more. It has some really interesting commentary on feminism and there are a few women I will be researching further into from this book! But some of it I just felt fell flat. Like the constant reminder that certain things are masculine and women don’t do them unless they are special, or at least that’s what it felt it insinuated. Rather than tackling I guess the more complicated matter of being socialised to think that. Also I just found some of the people she interviewed to not necessarily be likeable, despite them performing amazing feats. Maybe I’m just picky. I however did absolutely love her journey she went on through this research. My favourite parts were about when she’s tackling nature herself. Finding more of herself in the process. All in all I think the author writes beautifully, I guess the main problem was some of the interactions. I still would recommend this book <3
November 14, 2024
3.5/5. I thought I would like this book more than I did!! I loved the stories from the wild women she tracked down, especially the rewilding project in South Africa and the bear story still springs to my mind even though I’m writing this review a couple months after reading it. I would love to be part of a proper rewilding project, so it definitely inspired me. I would also reread the book because of these inspiring stories!!!
Where it fell flat for me, was honestly the authors voice. I found it a bit irksome and not entirely relatable. I don’t know it just seemed a bit vapid. Her determination to cling onto the “not being a tree hugger” bit was just a bit cringey and I couldn’t really relate to it. But then again I love hugging trees!!!
Where it fell flat for me, was honestly the authors voice. I found it a bit irksome and not entirely relatable. I don’t know it just seemed a bit vapid. Her determination to cling onto the “not being a tree hugger” bit was just a bit cringey and I couldn’t really relate to it. But then again I love hugging trees!!!
September 27, 2025
The blurb sells this as a celebration of female conservationists, but to me it was more of an exploration of the author finding her way back to the natural world, and herself, after her divorce, with a few cameo appearances from other “wild” women. I really wanted to enjoy this more than I did. Before I became disabled, I was a gardener and my happy place was out in nature with my hands in the soil. I was hoping that this would bring back some of the joy I lost when I could no longer work, but I actually struggled to find the “wild” side of the majority of the book.
I did love the stories from the other women she met with - particularly the rewilding project in South Africa - there just wasnt enough of them and the ones we did get were not long enough. It has encouraged me to go and research some of these projects for myself though.
One thing in particular that really grated on me about this book is the discussions around gender. It all comes across as a bit fatalistic, that women will only ever be a certain thing because thats what we have been told to be, we have to fit into this predetermined box, where this could have been more of a celebration of the featured womens achievements.
I also found the book to be quite disjointed, it seemed to almost skip from one thought to another without anything tying it together between chapters, and even though it was divided into seasons as parts, this didn’t actually bring any cohesion to it at all.
It is extremely well written and parts of it were very interesting. I think for the right person this could be an amazing book, but that person isnt me and I just didn’t gel with the authors style at all.
I did love the stories from the other women she met with - particularly the rewilding project in South Africa - there just wasnt enough of them and the ones we did get were not long enough. It has encouraged me to go and research some of these projects for myself though.
One thing in particular that really grated on me about this book is the discussions around gender. It all comes across as a bit fatalistic, that women will only ever be a certain thing because thats what we have been told to be, we have to fit into this predetermined box, where this could have been more of a celebration of the featured womens achievements.
I also found the book to be quite disjointed, it seemed to almost skip from one thought to another without anything tying it together between chapters, and even though it was divided into seasons as parts, this didn’t actually bring any cohesion to it at all.
It is extremely well written and parts of it were very interesting. I think for the right person this could be an amazing book, but that person isnt me and I just didn’t gel with the authors style at all.
April 10, 2024
I found this book a bit disorganised as it jumped about quite a bit but it was interesting and enjoyable.
I preferred the chapters where she is meeting inspirational "wild" women though I felt she could have met more of them. I loved the African nature reserve chapter which makes you appreciate how finely balanced our eco systems are - bringing back cheetahs and spekblom meant jackals returned to being scavangers rather than predators.
And respect to the women anti-poaching brigade, instigated by Damian to provide a way out of their down-trodden lives. Because women tend to have a different approach to men in that they reason, educate and de-escalate rather than being confrontational, results have been good.
In the chapter about caribou it is clear that we shouldn't underestimate the wisdom of indigenous people.
I learnt that you get crayfish in rivers, that octopus are fascinating and bears are tricky.
I didn't like the thread of hugging trees, I found it silly and I found the chapter on Commerson and her sheer distain for the husband who took more credit than he deserved childish and grating.
I preferred the chapters where she is meeting inspirational "wild" women though I felt she could have met more of them. I loved the African nature reserve chapter which makes you appreciate how finely balanced our eco systems are - bringing back cheetahs and spekblom meant jackals returned to being scavangers rather than predators.
And respect to the women anti-poaching brigade, instigated by Damian to provide a way out of their down-trodden lives. Because women tend to have a different approach to men in that they reason, educate and de-escalate rather than being confrontational, results have been good.
In the chapter about caribou it is clear that we shouldn't underestimate the wisdom of indigenous people.
I learnt that you get crayfish in rivers, that octopus are fascinating and bears are tricky.
I didn't like the thread of hugging trees, I found it silly and I found the chapter on Commerson and her sheer distain for the husband who took more credit than he deserved childish and grating.
February 7, 2026
If you like anecdotes about nature, conservation, and escaping the urban chaos then this is for you. A blend of storytelling and personal reflection alongside education on a range of biological and environmental sciences including biodiversity, zoology and genetics, in an engaging and light hearted tone. It was very insightful to follow Philippa while she worked to navigate her relationship with the great outdoors in a bid to discover her “wild” self.
I LOVED reading about swimming in the river, the health benefits of forest walks, grizzly bears in Wyoming, botanical medicine, cheetah conservation work in South Africa, tree hugging, and general badass women!
A relative chunk of the book discussed evolution which doesn’t align with my personal beliefs, and I feel the title was misleading as the book touched on some prominent women’s stories but delves into numerous other topics in equal measure, so definitely not a book dedicated to “empowering stories about women who work in nature” per se. Nevertheless a valid and enjoyable read.
I LOVED reading about swimming in the river, the health benefits of forest walks, grizzly bears in Wyoming, botanical medicine, cheetah conservation work in South Africa, tree hugging, and general badass women!
A relative chunk of the book discussed evolution which doesn’t align with my personal beliefs, and I feel the title was misleading as the book touched on some prominent women’s stories but delves into numerous other topics in equal measure, so definitely not a book dedicated to “empowering stories about women who work in nature” per se. Nevertheless a valid and enjoyable read.
February 11, 2025
In Wild Woman the author takes us around the world and introduces us to women from the 16th century till today who are conservation naturalists. Between those chapters she also tells the story of her own healing from a difficult divorce and her move back to the UK from her own conservation work in Wyoming. This book won’t be for everyone, but if you enjoy nature and find it healing yourself, this book is for you.
For me, the most enlightening story was about botanist Jeanne Baret, a woman who suffered for her passion. How is it that I ever heard of her before? Nitzsche says, “All things are subject to interpretation, whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth" and clearly women have had no power in the interpretation of the past.
Loved the beautiful hardcover book flap!
For me, the most enlightening story was about botanist Jeanne Baret, a woman who suffered for her passion. How is it that I ever heard of her before? Nitzsche says, “All things are subject to interpretation, whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth" and clearly women have had no power in the interpretation of the past.
Loved the beautiful hardcover book flap!
October 1, 2025
This was such an engaging, eye opening read!
Philippa Forrester blends conservation stories with her own humorous anecdotes, shining a light on women who choose to live and work in the wild.
I really enjoyed how she wove together personal experience, anthropology, and inspiring conversations with women from around the globe.
What stood out most for me was the reminder that surviving and thriving in wild landscapes isn’t just a man’s game..it never was. These women show incredible grit, determination, and heart, and their stories had me feeling both empowered and deeply connected to nature.
If you love books about conservation, resilience, and extraordinary women living extraordinary lives, this is a wonderful and inspiring read.
Philippa Forrester blends conservation stories with her own humorous anecdotes, shining a light on women who choose to live and work in the wild.
I really enjoyed how she wove together personal experience, anthropology, and inspiring conversations with women from around the globe.
What stood out most for me was the reminder that surviving and thriving in wild landscapes isn’t just a man’s game..it never was. These women show incredible grit, determination, and heart, and their stories had me feeling both empowered and deeply connected to nature.
If you love books about conservation, resilience, and extraordinary women living extraordinary lives, this is a wonderful and inspiring read.
February 8, 2024
I've grown up watching philippa forester on TV so I knew I had to read this book!
The book switches between tales of getting her life back on track after the sad end to her marriage and moving back to the UK and stories of women she has either met or read about that to her are considered wild women.
The stories told are full of passion sometimes sad but all interesting.
A gem of a book if you enjoy nature writing.
The book switches between tales of getting her life back on track after the sad end to her marriage and moving back to the UK and stories of women she has either met or read about that to her are considered wild women.
The stories told are full of passion sometimes sad but all interesting.
A gem of a book if you enjoy nature writing.
June 27, 2024
This book was very much let down by the parts when Philippa was writing about dealing with her over grown field. This hardly equated her with the wild women the book promised and was frustrating.
However the sections on the small number of wild women she did write about were exceptional. Her writing seemed transform from being chatty to well written, and the women she'd tracked down were truely inspirational.
However the sections on the small number of wild women she did write about were exceptional. Her writing seemed transform from being chatty to well written, and the women she'd tracked down were truely inspirational.
January 4, 2026
A really interesting and insightful book that is a memoir and an exploration of pioneering women working in nature. My favourite story was of Jeanne Baret and I loved how straight talking many of the women were that Philippa interviewed. Her own story is told in snippets and is interwoven between chapters. I feel quite inspired by this book and will be looking up some of the amazing women covered in this book. I also enjoyed her underlying feminist rage. Go Philippa!!!
February 6, 2026
Initially I thought i wasn't going to enjoy this book- it just seemed a tad 'woe is me' but that sentiment is quickly swept away and the deeper dive in to women and their connections to nature becomes absorbing. Some truly interesting and thought provoking interviews and encounters that are captured in clean and often witty prose. The content is a little disjointed but maybe that's because the natural world can also be unpredictable. A good memorable read and one I will be lending to others.
February 8, 2026
When reading you are transporting into a environment filled with greens, yellows and blues. The sounds of leafs, wind and water come to mind. The descriptions of nature set the scene and the stories of women taking a leading role in nurturing nature is beautiful. While it is a wonderful collection of stories about women in nature, some of the conversation of womanhood were not my favourite.
Favourite stories:
The True Power of a Machete.
Perseverance.
An Enduring Theme
A State of Awe.
Favourite stories:
The True Power of a Machete.
Perseverance.
An Enduring Theme
A State of Awe.
July 1, 2024
It was good, just not for me. I loved the looks at conservation around the world, and smal acts everyone can do. It just didn’t land for me, especially some of the stuff about gender. It felt a bit deterministic. But, overall, for the right reader, I’m sure this is a great book. I’m not sure that reader was me.
October 1, 2025
Perhaps it resonated so deeply on a personal level that it earned the 5 stars but any nature lover (especially a woman) will appreciate the philosophical musings in this book. Poetic and beautiful. Heartbreaking. I dog eared pages, recorded quotes and journaled on their meaning. It made me want to hug a tree.
January 18, 2026
So I hate to say that I am sometimes reluctant to read books about women in nature specifically. I don’t know why. I am a woman who has a deep passion for conservation and the outdoors… what’s the hold up?
I read this at the beginning of this year and the hold up was definitely ridiculous. This is a great book that combines personal life experience with world history and science. I love how the author speaks about larger ideas of conservation and nature, then localizes it to her own experience.
It made me question a lot of my understood thinking’s related to our natural world and how, unfortunately, women in this field are working against the entire system because of <3 men <3 … men are kinda all over the place. Not just literally but in. My. Mind. In the way I understand the world. This book made me have to deal with that and try to unlearn some things… I need to read more books like this. I want to read more books like this!
I read this at the beginning of this year and the hold up was definitely ridiculous. This is a great book that combines personal life experience with world history and science. I love how the author speaks about larger ideas of conservation and nature, then localizes it to her own experience.
It made me question a lot of my understood thinking’s related to our natural world and how, unfortunately, women in this field are working against the entire system because of <3 men <3 … men are kinda all over the place. Not just literally but in. My. Mind. In the way I understand the world. This book made me have to deal with that and try to unlearn some things… I need to read more books like this. I want to read more books like this!
April 13, 2024
I absolutely loved this book.
The connection between a broken soul and the rebuilding of a life through the connection to nature, weaves wonderfully with inspiration and knowledge about women's place in our world.
The connection between a broken soul and the rebuilding of a life through the connection to nature, weaves wonderfully with inspiration and knowledge about women's place in our world.
June 19, 2024
I liked this more than I thought I would, not typically gravitating towards short stories - and this is much like a collection of loosely-related but unconnected stories. But the writing is charming, and the stories are interesting.
March 24, 2025
A beautifully written book that balances real life struggles, with meetings of women in conservation, making a real difference. It shows you how simple things like managing your own garden are all comparible to incredible women in the field.
July 6, 2025
A pleasant read - and even more pleasant audio book when read by the author - but I did find it similar to other books I've read about nature and humans and the inter-relatedness of it all. Maybe I've read too many in this genre but I found my self a bit bored with it personally.
January 11, 2026
This audiobook was an enjoyable, inspiring listen. I loved the different stories of women working in the wild around the world, including one about a female bear. Philippa's own story was initially sad but grew more hopeful as the book progressed.
dnf
February 14, 2026I was quite excited by the premise of this, and I honestly did not get far enough into it to be able to say if it delivered on what I thought it would be. But gosh, did this need some editing. The rambling storytelling style was distracting enough that I gave up on it.
March 12, 2024
Very interesting
June 19, 2024
Part memoir, part journalistic investigation, all heartfelt writing on the beauty and restorative power of our natural world.
December 1, 2024
This book will touch the deep parts of your soul that need snuggling. Its a reminder of what is real in an over consuming society. Women help each other to remember what their heart beats for.
January 19, 2025
A great read: inspirational without being intimidating or gate-keeping.
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February 25, 2025A very interesting variety of experiences and it is read like someone is having a conversation rather than reading a book (i was listening to the audiobook version). Really engaging.
March 26, 2025
This was unexpectedly wonderful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews