Happidrome, a large-scale environmental project, aims to rewild Britain, transforming it into a prehistoric landscape. The project is backed by prominent environmentalists, including George Monbiot, who believe that rewilding will restore Britain’s biodiversity. The scheme proposes reintroducing extinct species, such as wolves and lynxes, to recreate the ecosystem that existed thousands of years ago.
Critics, however, argue that this vision is based on a romanticised view of nature and the past. They suggest that it overlooks the complex relationship between humans and the environment, and the role of human intervention in shaping the landscape. The concept of wilderness, they argue, is a cultural construct, and the idea of returning to a prehistoric state is unrealistic.
The debate centres around the question of what constitutes a ‘natural’ landscape. While environmentalists argue for a return to a wilderness untouched by humans, critics contend that this view is overly simplistic. They suggest that the landscape is a product of both natural processes and human activity, and any attempt to separate the two is misguided.
The Happidrome project raises important questions about our relationship with nature and the environment. It challenges our perceptions of what is ‘natural’ and forces us to confront our role in shaping the landscape. Whether or not the project is successful, it has already sparked a vital conversation about the future of Britain’s environment.
Go to source article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/adamcurtis/posts/HAPPIDROME-Part-One