Review – The Wild Green Yonder – Philippa Jamieson

The Wild Green Yonder is a gentle read, spiced occasionally with self-deprecating humour, and sometimes, downright ironic NZ wit.

Philippa takes us on a two and half year tour with her as she WWOOFs her way around New Zealand. WWOOFing is the participation in a scheme (Worldwide Opportunities On Organic Farms)to stay with and experience working on organic farms. Accommodation and keep are free in exchange for an official four hours work per day. We get to run around a paddock with Philippa in her hilarious townie attempts to direct sheep who are a good deal more wily than she had thought, to keep one eye constantly open for the bull, and to worryingly recognise that actually, farm fencing won’t contain a beast that does not wish to be contained. We stay with her on many organic fruit orchards, vegetable farms, grain farms and an assortment of other organic food producers, and learn with her along the way.

And herein lies the true value of this book. Many tidbits about organic food production, pest control and land development are laid out, so the book is a useful learning tool. The Wild Green Yonder is especially nice if New Zealand interests you. Philippa’s description of the land and people who feed us, offers a realistic view of a country whose primary industries have always included food production.

A worthwhile, and very enjoyable read. Recommended.