REVIEWS & AWARDS

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​Reviews

• RESTORATION ECOLOGY (ACADEMIC JOURNAL)

"The beauty of Our Once and Future Planet is its in-depth treatment of on-the-ground ecological restoration projects around the globe. Woodworth has a knack for discovering novel and ambitious projects, and his adept journalistic prose makes them shine…Woodworth’s volume is an incredibly enjoyable and thought-provoking read for the restoration scholar and general public alike. It pushes us to think deeply and globally about the significance of and implications for ecological restoration practice and the human intervention in natural landscapes in the climate century. And it tells a really good story in the form of a hopeful narrative for the potential future of restoration, where 'the best restoration is not based on nostalgia for the past, but on an engagement with the present, which of course contains the past; and that this engagement can weave from the present a richer future'." (October 2015, Gretel Van Wieren)

• SCIENCE (ACADEMIC JOURNAL)

"[Woodworth] intersperses a clear and thoughtful description of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of restoration ecology with detailed accounts of projects from around the world… Through reflections on the primary literature and his interviews of many of the major players, he skillfully dissects the arguments surrounding the purpose and direction of ecological restoration… Woodworth makes brief but effective use of narrative techniques to enhance his presentation. His descriptions of the people he meets are often charming and revealing." (July 2014, William E. Stutz)

• THE IRISH EXAMINER (NEWSPAPER)

"An incisive analysis of the ethics and philosophy behind restoration ventures around the world. . . A comprehensively researched and eloquently written work." (January 2014, John Sweeney)

• BIOSCIENCE (ACADEMIC JOURNAL)

"Highly readable…he provides his readers with valuable access to the central topics, key developments, and contentious issues bound up in the young and evolving field of ecological restoration…This book is not a naive appraisal of the promise of ecological restoration but, rather, a clear-eyed assessment of its present state, including its limitations and inherent socio-political and ecological complexities…this book will bring the concept and application of ecological restoration to a broader audience and will help inspire a new generation of restoration practitioners and researchers. Those who are already specialists in one facet of restoration or in one part of the world are equally likely to find value in Our Once and Future Planet by reflecting on its global perspective and by evaluating its stated current practices in the field…Our Once and Future Planet is a useful platform for anyone pondering where ecological restoration stands in the future environmental movement— or for anyone intending to shape its future." (June 2014, Luke P. Shoo)

• SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE (ACADEMIC JOURNAL)

"Woodworth states that ‘ecological restoration is a message the world is waiting to hear’ and in this book he has provided a scholarly and most informed account of the current state of restoration ecology. The emphasis in this book is to inform both the lay reader and the experts of these many world-renowned restoration projects and also to give an up-to-date account of the state of the science. Essentially the book is an excellent critique of science at work." (January 2015, Roy Lubke)

• THE IRISH TIMES (NEWSPAPER)

"An important book…His unthreading of political, economic and social forces a work, both for success and failure, gives his field studies a keen practical value. Restoration often brings dissent and conflict. Whether a cultivated landscape in Italy or woodland “wilderness” beside Chicago, change is as much about people, their priorities and their attitudes as it is about the natural ecosystem…a stimulating field guide to some of the [conservation] options on offer." (November 2013, Michael Viney)

• SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN (MAGAZINE)

"Woodworth gives a stirring portrait of the hardworking environmentalists who are trying to restore landscapes to their former, untouched glory, but he also captures the dark side of the enterprise: it sometimes requires the brutal destruction of very large numbers of invasive species to make room for long-departed native ones." (November 2013)

• DUBLIN REVIEW OF BOOKS (JOURNAL)

"Paddy Woodworth’s [treatment of restoration] is certainly the best…could hardly be more timely…a freshness and clarity to Woodworth’s approach…Every project described here is wonderful and ground for hope, and taken together they weave a canvas of extraordinarily varied technique and approach." (June 2014, John Feehan)

• ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION (ACADEMIC JOURNAL)

"…provides a lively and accessible yet in-depth account of restoration ecology’s history…thoughtful and thought-provoking explorations of prominent case studies with nuanced consideration of challenges…I recommend it to everyone involved with restoration, to other scientists, to students, and to the interested public. It is a great read." (March 2016, Sara Webb)

• CHOICE (ACADEMIC JOURNAL)

"Offers a unique survey of restoration case studies emphasising process and outcome…unpacks the arguments --  ecological and social – in restoration efforts encompassing a suite of restoration goals. All the while, Woodworth probes the questions of defining the restoration goal, meeting public expectations, monitoring outcomes and using citizen workers. A much-needed resource for those interested in the implementation and sustenance of long-term restoration goals, the book will stimulate discussion and reassessment of restoration in multiple contexts. An excellent resource…highly recommended. Upper division undergraduates and above, general readers." (Leo Broberg)

• ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATION (ACADEMIC JOURNAL)

"Paddy Woodworth takes us on an odyssey, highlighting some of the world’s key restoration projects. As a journalist, he writes in an entertaining, easy-to-read way, making this book accessible to a range of readers. While it is targeted to the interested general public, it also has the ability to inspire the most jaded professional ecologist and/or restoration practitioner. On a whirlwind tour of the work done on all continents, Woodworth introduces us to an array of energetic, driven and larger-than-life individuals dedicated to their work, and it is these characters who make us believe that restoration of natural ecosystems is not only possible, but worthwhile and necessary for human survival." (September 2015, Suzanne Schibeci)

• NEW ZEALAND LANDCARE TRUST (ORGANISATION)

"Paddy Woodworth's latest book 'Our Once and Future Planet' tackles the immensely complicated relationship between people and our environment -- a subject often steeped in pessimism.
This well-researched book offers a positive perspective, celebrating the successes and challenges faced by those working on the front line of ecological restoration. It provides a detailed insight into the work of environmental scientists and others working in this field, considering a range of aspects -- from
project delivery through to final outcomes and evaluation. While a proactive note is struck, failure and success are both explored along with underlying scientific theories and philosophies. The level of technical detail will offer real value to scientists and policy makers while Woodworth's writing style along his practical examples, provide a balance to the material that will also appeal to a wider audience - those who wish to gain a deeper insight into the relatively new science of restoration ecology." (June 2014)


Awards:

• Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Title Awards 2013 -- WINNER
• Association of American Publishers: PROSE Book Award -- HONORABLE MENTION