The 1600s Environmentalist Who Saw It Coming

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-16

John Aubrey might not be a household name, but his observations about the English countryside in the 1600s are startlingly relevant today. Historian Louise Ryland-Epton has brought Aubrey's newly published *Natural History* to light, revealing that concerns about deforestation and wildlife decline are nothing new. ### The Original Environmentalist Aubrey lived from 1626 to 1697, a time when England's woodlands were being cleared at an alarming rate to fuel industry and agriculture. He documented the changes he saw around him, noting the disappearance of forests and the animals that depended on them. His writings are among the earliest recorded warnings about human impact on the natural world. Ryland-Epton's research shows that Aubrey wasn't just a passive observer. He actively campaigned for the preservation of ancient trees and habitats, urging landowners to think twice before cutting down woods. In many ways, he was centuries ahead of his time. ### Echoes of Today Aubrey's concerns resonate with modern environmental debates. Then, as now, economic pressures drove land-use decisions. The demand for timber and agricultural land led to widespread deforestation, much like today's push for development and resources. But Aubrey's writings also offer hope. He believed that with awareness and effort, landscapes could be restored. His detailed records of species and habitats provide a baseline that modern conservationists can use to measure change. > "We often think of environmentalism as a modern movement," Ryland-Epton notes, "but Aubrey's work shows that the impulse to protect nature is deeply rooted in human history." ### Lessons for Today's Innovators For those in the startup world, Aubrey's story is a reminder that foresight and advocacy can create lasting impact. Just as Aubrey warned about deforestation, today's entrepreneurs are building solutions to climate challenges. The parallels are striking: both require courage to speak up, data to back up claims, and persistence to drive change. Aubrey's *Natural History* also highlights the importance of documentation. Without his meticulous notes, we might not know what England's landscapes looked like before large-scale development. Similarly, startups that track their environmental footprint can set benchmarks for improvement. ### A Call to Action So what can we learn from a 17th-century historian? Quite a lot, it turns out. Aubrey's work reminds us that environmental stewardship is not a passing trend but a long-standing responsibility. It also shows that one person's observations can spark change across generations. As Ryland-Epton's research gains attention, it's a chance to reflect on our own impact. Whether you're founding a startup or simply choosing where to live, consider the legacy you leave behind. Aubrey did, and his warnings still echo today.