Natural History Books

Book SynopsisFor centuries, cats have been worshipped, adored and mistrusted in equal measure. This beautiful gift book contains a selection of essays, stories, and poems on cats by writers from across the ages. In these pages, writers reflect on the curious feline qualities that inspire such devotion in their owners, even when it seems one-sided. Cats' affections are hard-won and often fickle. Freud considered his cat an embodiment of true egoism; Hilaire Belloc found peace in his feline companion's complacency; and Hemingway-a famous cat-lover-wrote of drinking with his eleven cats and the pleasant distraction they gave him. Edward Gorey can't turn down a stray despite the trouble they cause him, and admits he has no idea what they're thinking about; Muriel Spark gives practical advice on how to teach a cat to play ping-pong; Nikola Tesla, who helped design the modern electricity supply system, describes a seminal experience with a cat that first sparked his fascination with electricity; and Caitlin Moran considers the unexpected feelings of loss after the death of her family cat. These writers, and many others (including Mary Gaitskill, Alice Walker, Ursula K. Le Guin, John Keats, James Bowen, Lynne Truss, and more), paint a joyful portrait of cats and their mysterious and loveable ways. As Hemingway wrote, "one cat leads to another." The book features six black-and-white cat portraits by photographer Elliot Ross.

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Book SynopsisAn essential field guide companion covering species pairs or groups that are difficult to identify. This book covers difficult identification issues by looking at tricky species pairs or groups of birds, and comparing and contrasting their respective features. Designed as a field companion, it supplements the standard field guides and provides much additional information. As well as detailed texts, the books include extensive illustrations of all relevant ages and plummages of the species concerned.Trade Review...a godsend to anyone wanting to tell a bar-tailed from a black-tailed godwit, a firecrest from a goldcrest or a greenfinch from a siskin. * Daily Express *...a helpful new book. ...It is carefully detailed but it is also agreeably written. * The Times *It does exactly as it says on the cover...a fine book * Sunday Express *...this is an indispensable addition to your library. * Scottish Birds *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction How to Use this Book Short Cuts to Identification Glossary Topographical Tips Moult and Ageing Species (22-375) General bibliography Specific bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA tale of some of the most amazing creatures ever to grace this tiny planet—unearth how the science fiction of the Jurassic World franchise inspired the evolution of dinosaur science. It all began in 1993. Jurassic Park was a movie landmark in the development of computer-generated imagery and animatronic visual effects. Jurassic Park became the highest-grossing movie of that year, and the highest-grossing film ever at the time, a record held until the 1997 release of Titanic. The field of dinosaur science has blossomed by leaps and bounds and branched out in recent years, in no small part to this iconic movie series. In The Science of Jurassic World, we experience the amazing story of the birth of the dinosaurs, how they evolved to world dominance, how some became gargantuan in size, how others grew wings and flew, and how the rest of them met an untimely end. Chapters include: How did Jurassic Park transform dinosaur science? Was Dr. Alan Grant’s job a walk in the park? What’s with the giant dinosaur poop? When will we clone dinosaurs? And so much more! Discover how some of cinema’s most incredible creations do justice to the jaw-dropping evolution of these fantastic creatures.Trade Review“This book is a Jurassic joy: a lively and informative tour 'round dino-world. As packed with facts as a velociraptor's mouth is with teeth!”—Adam Roberts, science fiction novelist and critic, award-winning author of Purgatory Mount "Recommended for any library collection."—Booklist

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Book Synopsis''I think that, if required on pain of death to name instantly the most perfect thing in the universe, I should risk my fate on a bird''s egg'' Thomas Wentworth Higginson, 1862How are eggs of different shapes made, and why are they the shape they are? When does the shell of an egg harden? Why do some eggs contain two yolks? How are the colours and patterns of an eggshell created, and why do they vary? And which end of an egg is laid first the blunt end or the pointy end?These are just some of the questions A Bird's Egg answers, as the journey of a bird's egg from creation and fertilisation to its eventual hatching is examined, with current scientific knowledge placed within an historical context. Beginning with an examination of the stunning eggs of the guillemot, each of which is so variable in pattern and colour that no two are ever the same, acclaimed ornithologist Tim Birkhead then looks at the eggs of hens, cuckoos and many other birds, revealing weird and wonderful facts Trade ReviewThe title is also a perfect description of the book itself - full of wonder and surprise and beautifully written -- Nick Davies, author of CuckooBirkhead’s approach to writing – hard, clear sentences; deep, revelatory looking – has the same effect as his microscope, bringing objects to light that were previously hidden, making us see the familiar with new eyes … After reading The Most Perfect Thing, you’ll never dip your morning soldiers without a shiver of wonder at the complexity and resourcefulness of the humble egg. -- Alex Preston * Observer *Eye-opening … Thoroughly engaging, it also gives us a thrilling sense of the vast, unmapped territories that lie beyond, waiting to be discovered * Sunday Times *Superb ... like having the top of your own head lifted off and its contents deliciously stirred: no one after reading this book could think it was possible to know too much, no one could think science removes us from feeling * Observer *What Birkhead does is show to anyone interested in nature why any such object is a source of wonder and fascination … Innovative work. Birkhead has made birds’ eggs interesting again, by giving us a new way of looking at them: not as commodities to be drooled over and collected, but as wonders of natural science … Birkhead answers all the basic questions with panache, but other, stranger facts caught my imagination even more … Yet it is the incredible mechanisms of the life-support system, which Birkhead lays bare with perfect clarity, that are the most wondrous -- Michael McCarthy * Independent *Quirky and revealing … Many fascinating facts … Birkhead writes in a jaunty and compelling style, and is not afraid to deal head-on with the politics of eggs … This book is illustrated with a fine selection of photographs showing the extraordinary variety of shapes, sizes and colours of eggs … Tim Birkhead is one of Britain’s leading zoologists, yet he skilfully bridges the gap between scientists and non-scientists … Impressive – an important contribution to our understanding of the world around us, and its extraordinary natural wonders -- Stephen Moss * Daily Mail *Birkhead has made birds’ eggs interesting again, by giving us a new way of looking at them: not as commodities to be drooled over and collected, but as wonders of natural science * Independent *So full of fascinating facts. The author is to be congratulated on a major step forward in our understanding of eggs that in the past we just accepted and did not query. The reader will never look in eggs the same way again -- Ray Collier * Highland News Group *He takes us on an epic journey, from the outer shell of an egg to its genetic core … It is a voyage packed with astonishing details -- James Attlee * Independent *Justly acclaimed for his brilliance at explaining complex science in a beguilingly lively style … Though it is only April, I suspect that this beautifully written volume will end up the best bird book of 2016 * BBC Wildlife *Excellent … the author is exceptionally versed in the literature on eggs, from speculative 17th-century texts to the sprawling data pumped out by the poultry industry today * Wall Street Journal *Anyone drawn to the natural sciences will relish it … There are curiosities at every stage * Spectator *A wonderful insight into one of nature’s most fascinating processes * Countryside Photographer *A text that bubbles with enthusiasm ... A book that will keep you enthralled from your morning egg to your evening quiche. A delight * New Scientist *Anyone drawn to the natural sciences will relish it … The story of learning delights Birkhead as much as our current accumulation … Birkhead’s telling is joyful -- Horatio Clare * Spectator *Superb … an enthralling, immensely readable book that combines deep scientific knowledge, lightly worn, with an awareness of history and a refreshing willingness to give the early pioneers of British ornithology – notably Francis Willoughby and John Ray – their due -- Nigel Andrew * Literary Review *Birkhead’s enthusiasm for this “everyday miracle of nature” is infectious and his erudition lightly worn … A magical account * Times Literary Supplement *A delightful blend of amazing facts and hard science. You’ll never look at a chicken in quite the same way again -- Stephen Moss * Guardian *From the handsome coloured pictures to the fascinating details about the sex life of birds, this is that rare thing: a scientific book to delight the general reader -- Books of the Year * Daily Mail *I cannot think of a science book that is better written -- John Lewis-Stempel * The Times *

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Book SynopsisAbigail Wheatley (Author) Growing up in Australia and the UK, Abigail often found herself covered in paint or flour, or lost in a book. After a BA in English and a PhD on Medieval Castles, she combined her interests writing Usborne children's books - from cookery, craft and castles to science and unicorns.

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Book SynopsisA rockhound's must-have resource! Easy to use and lavishly illustrated, this new and completely revised and expanded edition of Collecting Rocks, Gems, and Minerals is designed with beginners in mind, yet filled with valuable technical information for seasoned collectors. This guide takes you from being simply someone who enjoys rocks to a knowledgeable enthusiast in no time and features:   • An easy-to-use, quick reference format arranged by category and color of stone   • 800+ beautiful color photographs   • Values and tips for locating, buying and collecting   • Both lapidary and mineral display materials   • Decades of rock-collecting know-how of the authorForeword by Johann Zenz, world-renowned agate expert, author and lecturer.

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate cat book with 512 descriptive pages of breeds, expert advice and images

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Book Synopsis'This is one of those special books . . . Even if it were only a book about eels, it would be wonderful.' - Sunday Times'I never thought I would see myself in an eel, until I read Svensson’s beautiful book, in which he anthropomorphizes eels and shows how mysterious they are, and how little we know about them. It’s a beautiful book that makes you realize that the eel is our cousin — we are the eel, and the eel is us.' - Michaela Coel’I can’t recall us ever talking about anything other than eels and how to best catch them, down there by the stream. Actually, I can’t remember us speaking at all. Maybe because we never did.’The European eel, Anguilla anguilla, is one of the strangest creatures nature ever created. Remarkably little is known about the eel, even today. What we do know is that it’s born as a tiny willow-leaf shaped larva in the Sargasso Sea, travels on the ocean currents toward the coasts of Europe – a journey of about four thousand miles that takes at least two years. Upon arrival, it transforms itself into a glass eel and then into a yellow eel before it wanders up into fresh water. It lives a solitary life, hiding from both light and science, for ten, twenty, fifty years, before migrating back to the sea in the autumn, morphing into a silver eel and swimming all the way back to the Sargasso Sea, where it breeds and dies.And yet . . . There is still so much we don’t know about eels. No human has ever seen eels reproduce; no one can give a complete account of the eel’s metamorphoses or say why they are born and die in the Sargasso Sea; no human has even seen a mature eel in the Sargasso Sea. Ever. And now the eel is disappearing, and we don’t know exactly why.What we do know is that eels and their mysterious lives captivate us.This is the basis for The Gospel of the Eels, Patrik Svensson’s quite unique natural science memoir; his ongoing fascination with this secretive fish, but also the equally perplexing and often murky relationship he shared with his father, whose only passion in life was fishing for this obscure creature.Through the exploration of eels in literature (Günter Grass and Graham Swift feature, amongst others) and the history of science (we learn about Aristotle’s and Sigmund Freud’s complicated relationships with eels) as well as modern marine biology (Rachel Carson and others) we get to know this peculiar animal. In this exploration, we also learn about the human condition, life and death, through natural science and nature writing at its very best.As Patrik Svensson concludes: 'by writing about eels, I have in some ways found my way home again.'Trade ReviewThe best mysteries are those science hasn’t yet cracked, and top of the list comes the sex life of eels. -- Melanie Reid * The Times *Extraordinary . . . Such is his skill that the echoes and parallels he finds never seem stretched. It’s as if the eel’s mysteriousness is snaking out, beyond its extraordinary life cycle and uncanny ability to confound scientists, and into the writing. * Observer *This beguiling book . . . completely won me over to these astonishing, mysterious creatures . . . Beautifully written, The Gospel of the Eels left me in awe of the animal. * Sunday Times ‘Nature Books of the Year’ *A gorgeously evocative blend of science, nature writing and family memoir * Guardian *What a joy! Patrick Svensson’s sinuous weaving of natural history, philosophy, psychology and autobiography is as compelling and rewarding as a silver eel’s return to the Sargasso Sea. I loved every moment. * Isabella Tree, author of Wilding *I’m still not sure I like eels, but I loved this book. * Sunday Times *In this lovely, thoughtful blend of natural science and memoir, Patrik Svensson elevates the European eel . . . to an almost mythical status . . . We must hope this marvellous book is not the eel's eulogy. * Mail on Sunday *Just as the eel glides between freshwater and salt, Svensson’s book swims in the seas of both natural history and memoir. Svensson’s father took the young Patrik eel fishing often, and their beautifully rendered nocturnal outings have the feel of occult ritual. * New York Times *Svensson’s book, like its subject, is a strange beast: a creature of metamorphosis, a shape-shifter that moves among realms. It is a book of natural history, and a memoir about a son and his father. It is also an exploration of literature and religion and custom, and what it means to live in a world full of questions we can’t always answer. * New Yorker *There’s an underlying theme here that made me think science is about discovery, not always about perfect answers. * Forbes, ‘Best Summer Reads For Those Stuck Inside Working Remotely’ *Drawing from literature, science and his own studies, Svensson inspires readers to see eels in a whole new way. * Los Angeles Times, ‘21 new and classic books to keep you in touch with the natural world’ *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Winner of the Nature Guidebook Award, National Outdoor Book Awards""I highly recommend this book. It may change your life in ways you never imagined possible."---David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds

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Book SynopsisWinner of the 2022 Rachel Carson Environment Book Award * Winner of the 2022 Science in Society Journalism Award (Books) * Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize?Thoughtful, insightful, and wise, Wild Souls is a landmark work.?--Ed Yong, author of An Immense World"Fascinating . . . hands-on philosophy, put to test in the real world . . . Marris believes that our idea of wildness--our obsession with purity--is misguided. No animal remains untouched by human hands . . . the science isn''t the hard part. The real challenge is the ethics, the act of imagining our appropriate place in that world." --Outside MagazineFrom an acclaimed environmental writer, a groundbreaking and provocative new vision for our relationships with--and responsibilities toward--the planet''s wild animals.Protecting wild animals and preserving the environment are two ideals so seemingly compatible as to be almost inseparable. But in fact, between animal welfare and conservation science there exists a space of underexamined and unresolved tension: wildness itself. When is it right to capture or feed wild animals for the good of their species? How do we balance the rights of introduced species with those already established within an ecosystem? Can hunting be ecological? Are any animals truly wild on a planet that humans have so thoroughly changed? No clear guidelines yet exist to help us resolve such questions.Transporting readers into the field with scientists tackling these profound challenges, Emma Marris tells the affecting and inspiring stories of animals around the globe--from Peruvian monkeys to Australian bilbies, rare Hawai''ian birds to majestic Oregon wolves. And she offers a companionable tour of the philosophical ideas that may steer our search for sustainability and justice in the non-human world. Revealing just how intertwined animal life and human life really are, Wild Souls will change the way we think about nature-and our place within it.

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Book SynopsisAn eye-opening introduction to the complexity, wonder, and vital roles of coral reefs Trade Review“In this book, Sale takes the reader on a journey to make reefs real, building a sense of awe and wonder that they exist, and a commitment to caring about their plight.”—Reef in Review, the annual magazine of the Australian Coral Reef Society“Peter Sale takes readers on a dazzling tour of coral reefs, explaining the science, humanizing the scientists, and persuasively arguing why preservation of what remains is vital.”—Margaret Lowman, author of The Arbornaut“An inspiring and readable explanation of what reefs are, where they came from, how they’re put together, what goes on inside them, why they’re important and how to save them.”—Joan Roughgarden, author of Evolution’s Rainbow: Diversity, Gender and Sexuality in Nature and People“This is Peter Sale’s love song to the coral reef—that beautiful but imperiled ecosystem. Sale writes with passion and grace about reefs, reef creatures, and the scientists who study them.”—Stephen Heard, author of Charles Darwin’s Barnacle and David Bowie’s Spider“Peter Sale, an insightful scientist drawing on a lifetime of experience, offers original points of view that are compelling, persuasive, and occasionally paradoxical and a major contribution to our understanding of why coral reefs are so special.”—J. E. N. Veron, author of A Reef in Time: The Great Barrier Reef from Beginning to End

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Book SynopsisHave fun at the farm with this new collection of minis from Kerry Lord and her Edward’s Menagerie animals. This is one of the new gift series from TOFT (Kerry’s yarn company), which contains four books, each with 25 crochet patterns on a different theme: Ocean, Wild, Farm and Pets. These mini animals are quick and easy to make so they are perfect for the beginner as well as giving the more advanced crocheter an afternoon’s fun. The books are practically organised so you start with the easiest pattern and, as you grow in confidence, you continue through the book, mastering the art of crocheting animals, from the humble mouse to the angora rabbit, producing high-quality collectibles to keep or give as thoughtful, homemade gifts. This range of mini animals are totally new patterns for fans, new and old, to get hooked to. Sitting at 8cm (3 inches) tall, you can make your own cute collection, which could be used to create a nursery mobile, a board game, key rings and much more! Whether you’re in front of the TV, commuting to work or having a relaxing afternoon, these projects are perfect for bringing mindfulness and creativity into your day. Patterns in the series will include:Pets: Cockapoo, Iguana, Angora Bunny, Tabby Cat, TarantulaFarm: Pony, Alpaca, Sheep, Goat, PigOcean: Whale, Shark, Lobster, Starfish, Manta RayWild: Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, BuffaloTrade Review‘Quick to make and not too dependent on tension – perfect for quick last-minute gifts for children big or small’ -- Knitting

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Book SynopsisWelcome to the world of traditional Chinese medicine—for cats and dogs! For the growing number of animal lovers seeking an alternative to Western medicine, this thoughtful and comprehensive approach to home animal care is a virtual godsend. FOUR PAWS, FIVE DIRECTIONS includes descriptions of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatments, with special emphasis placed on clear, uncomplicated approaches to acupressure and diet that you can do at home. And just wait till you see the photographs! These vivid color portraits accurately chart the meridians and acupressure points of thirty-two gorgeous, furry models. Pet owners and students of veterinary medicine alike will appreciate this unique and upbeat guide to interacting more holistically with our beloved feline and canine friends.

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Book Synopsis''The best piece of nature writing since H is for Hawk, and the most powerful work of biography I have read in years'' Neil Gaiman''Wonderful - I can''t recommend it too highly'' Helen Macdonald''One of those rare, enchanted books'' Isabella Tree''Beautiful - it made me cry'' Simon Amstell''I was entranced'' Cathy RentzenbrinkThis is a story about birds and fathers.About the young magpie that fell from its nest in a Bermondsey junkyard into Charlie Gilmour''s life - and swiftly changed it. Demanding worms around the clock, riffling through his wallet, sharing his baths and roosting in his hair... About the jackdaw kept at a Cornish stately home by Heathcote Williams, anarchist, poet, magician, stealer of Christmas, and Charlie''s biological father who vanished from his life in the dead of night. It is a story about repetition across generations and birds that run in the blooTrade ReviewFeatherhood is one of the best books I've ever read. I urge you to seek it out, buy it, and be enchanted. It's incredibly moving and I loved every single page * Elton John *The best piece of nature writing since H is for Hawk, and the most powerful work of biography I have read in years. It announces Charlie Gilmour as a major new writing talent * Neil Gaiman *Wonderful - I can't recommend it too highly * Helen Macdonald, author of H IS FOR HAWK *Beautiful, wise, compassionate and powerful, Featherhood is one of those rare, enchanted books that sings to the soul of what it is to be * Isabella Tree, author of WILDING *What a book! I was entranced. A personal reckoning which is simultaneously brutal and joyous. It's full of light. I want to tell everyone about it * Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of THE LAST ACT OF LOVE *This stunning memoir flashes with as many colours as its enchanting subject, and draws us into a world of eccentric characters impossible to predict or forget. Savage, mischievous, moving, sublime * Rhik Samadder, author of I NEVER SAID I LOVED YOU *FEATHERHOOD, it would be tempting to say, is where Helen Macdonald's H Is For Hawk meets Gerald Durrell's My Family And Other Animals. But Charlie Gilmour's memoir is so original and ingeniously wrought, it stands on its own as a book to which others will surely be compared... Gilmour's language is as precise as his gaze is forensic. He is something of a magician himself, conjuring whole vivid personalities with a few deft strokes of his pen... He can slay you with his succinct summoning of a small boy's struggles... and he can dazzle you with the gem-like images of nature he creates which, like all writers who draw you into their orbit, thrum with life... Remarkable.' -- Ginny Dougary * DAILY MAIL, Book of the Week *It is wise, self-aware, never forced, often funny, beautifully crafted, and, in the end, as moving as Kes, that other great work about a boy who is given the gift of liberation by a bird. -- Craig Brown * MAIL ON SUNDAY *A soaring debut... A sincere and searing tale of loss, addictive despair, the redemptive power of love, the natural world and a shit-dropping, feather-moulting talking magpie... This will undoubtedly be held up alongside H Is for Hawk, Helen Macdonald's memoir that saw her tame her grief and a bird of prey in her living room. But Featherhood is an equal, if not better, work of magpie investigation that ranks among the best modern coming-of-age memoirs. -- Helen Davies * SUNDAY TIMES CULTURE *A profound exploration of grief, fragmented families, nature versus nurture and whether we are doomed to repeat the sins of our fathers. But it is also a gladdening celebration of what it is to nurture and bring forth new life. -- Caroline Sanderson * SUNDAY EXPRESS S MAGAZINE *A beautiful book, sensitive and compelling - it made me cry * Simon Amstell *I loved Featherhood. About nature and growth, about belonging and not belonging, it is beautiful * Andrew O’Hagan, author of THE ILLUMINATIONS *Utterly absorbing, astonishingly well-written, full of heart, Featherhood is the most arresting book I've read for a very long time * Cressida Connolly, author of AFTER THE PARTY *The extraordinary story of an extraordinary family * Sophie Heawood, author of THE HANGOVER GAMES *Featherhood is an incisive, funny and at times traumatic study of the damage done by destructive father-son relationships and the struggle to smash generational cycles. -- David Marsland * EVENING STANDARD *A wonderful, moving book. His account of raising a young magpie offers a lovely insight into this fascinating bird * James Macdonald Lockhart, author of RAPTOR *[An] affecting and beautifully written memoir. * THE BOOKSELLER, Editor's Choice *A good time in a weird way - I have never read anything so filthy * Nell Zink, author of THE WALL CREEPER *Emotional, touching and often odd, Gilmour's memoir about two key relationships - one with his late father and the other with a magpie - lingers long after the final page. -- Sarah Hughes * I NEWSPAPER *I'm having a lovely time with Featherhood by Charlie Gilmour. He is such a tender writer, the book is a magical encounter with birds and fathers. * Andrew O'Hagan in GUARDIAN *Touching and true, with flashes of black humour, it's a fascinating story. It's also a brilliant examination of nature vs nurture. Gilmour is certainly a born writer. -- Cressida Connelly * THE SPECTATOR, Books of the Year *Written with economy, insight, and rare beauty - a perfect nature memoir for our times -- Andrew Lycett * THE SPECTATOR *A tender coming-of-age memoir. It's an intelligent debut that shows that Gilmour, for all his celebrity family connections, is undoubtedly a remarkable writer in his own right. -- Lucy Knight * THE SUNDAY TIMES, Memoir of the Year *Featherhood is an incisive, funny and at times traumatic study of the damage done by destructive father-son relationships. * THE OLDIE *Gilmour's unforgettable memoir is both a beautiful piece of nature writing about caring for a magpie and a brutally honest account of his difficult relationship with his late father, the poet Heathcote Williams. -- Sarah Hughes * I NEWSPAPER, Best Books of 2020 *A delicately choreographed story of salvation through a bird, with echoes of Barry Hines's classic A Kestrel For A Knave. -- Craig Brown * MAIL ON SUNDAY, Best Books of the Year *Bird and author explore this explosive terrain in an exhilarating dance of transformation, from wild to tame, captivity to freedom and darkness to light. -- Ariane Bankes * THE TABLET, Best Books of the Year *Gilmour... is fearless in sharing himself with readers. As he works through his relationships, the emotional freight is not always subtle, but this comes from a generosity and openness on his part, which, ultimately, is what makes "Featherhood" so lovely and inviting. Gilmour practices no magic here; he distracts the reader with no glitzy baubles. He gives us a man and a bird and tells us, best he can, what they've come to know about the world as it is. He is willing to spill a little blood. -- C J Hauser * THE NEW YORK TIMES *Redemptive, beautifully written and often very funny, this is a moving study of the power of human (and magpie) love to repair even the most wounded heart. -- Jane Shilling * DAILY MAIL *

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Book SynopsisPaleontologist Dr David Horne explores the frontiers of dinosaur discovery.

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Book Synopsis A beautifully presented, practical gift guide for all surf seekers. Explained with fascinating, easy-to-understand commentary from surfer and scientist Easkey Britton, this guide helps you soak up maximum vitamin sea. The book is divided into six main sections – each filled with exercises, ideas and fun facts to help you reconnect with your oceanic roots and create special moments by the sea… Reading the Sea – watch waves, move with the tides, understand rips and currents, getting to know the sea and your limits.What the Sea Does for Us – appreciate the food, feel-good factors, and even medicines that the sea has to offer. Plus learn about its fundamental role in climate control.We are Ocean – explore the multi-sensory environment the sea has to offer.The Power of the Sea to Heal – from seaweed and ocean plasma to social change and ocean therapy.The Sea is Calling – try your hand at beach combing, wave play, rockpooling, bird watching, searching for jellyfish and bioluminescence and swimming in the sea.Things to Do for the Sea – with guides to beach clean-ups, sustainable foraging, restoring coastal habitats and inclusion and diversity ideas to make the sea accessible to all, you’ll have everything you need to be the hero our seas need. Taking an inclusive global outlook on the subject, and complemented by Maria Nilsson’s captivating drawings, this timely book will show you the benefits of doing things by and for the sea – and how those benefits can spill over into your daily life.Trade Review‘If you have been unable to visit the coast during the last year due to the pandemic, this lovely book is a small step towards soothing your seaside cravings’ -- Country Life‘There’s something for everyone in this exploration of the sea’ -- Devon Life

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Book SynopsisWalking guide to the South Downs National Park, with 20 best routes chosen by the park rangers. Each walk varies in length from 2 to 10 km and can be completed in less than 4 hours.20 best routes chosen and written by National Park rangersWalks from 2 to 10kmDetailed description for each walk with highlights clearly marked on the map along with an accompanying map and photographsGeneral information about the National Park plus basic advice on walkingThis and the South Downs National Park Pocket Map (ISBN: 9780008439200) are the perfect companions for exploring this superb walking area of South East England.Trade Review“Walking guides from Collins will have you expertly traversing the landscape like a park ranger.” – Great British Life

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Book SynopsisCan you read the skies? Clouds produce an ever-changing skyscape and a vital clue to predicting whether it’s going to rain or shine. This handy little cloud-spotting guide explains: • How to identify each type of cloud • The processes are at work to produce them • The significance they have for our weather • Optical phenomena produced by certain clouds Learn the lost countryside art of cloud reading and understand the most essential of nature’s clues and signs.

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Reflecting on nature's unknowable and mysterious qualities, Grounded explores how we can therapeutically benefit from a deeper connection with nature, finding within it balance, stillness, solitude, resilience, contentment, activity, fearlessness – and our own wild voice.In addition to practical exercises and mindful activities, there are personal stories and thought-provoking questions that will help us understand what it means to be alive in the natural world, and in the moment.

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Book SynopsisMaking the most of the longest days of the year.Summer is a season of sun, heat and daylight that brings activity to all corners of life, from plants bearing fruit to animals and birds feeding their young. It also brings people together in the open air, whether on holiday, a day trip to the beach, celebrating the longest day of the year or just making the most of the weather. Through inspirational quotes, interesting facts, fascinating trivia The Little Book of Summer explores what makes three months of every year summer as well as our relationship with the great outdoors and with each other during the warmest season of the year.'Summer afternoon – summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language' Henry JamesIf you can hear crickets chirping on a balmy summer evening, you can use their chirps to determine the temperature. Crickets are cold-blooded creatures and chirp at a frequency consistent with the air temperature. For a Celsius reading, count the number of chirps over 25 seconds, then divide that number by 3 and add 4. For Fahrenheit, count the number of chirps in 14 seconds, then add 40. Table of ContentsLazy Summer Days • Balmy Summer Nights • Summer Romance… or Summertime Blues • The Summer Solstice and Midsummer • Other Summertime Customs • International Festivals.

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Book SynopsisTold through a series of walks beside the sea, this is a story of the most beautiful 742 miles of coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: their rocks, plants and animals, their views, walks and history, and the people who have made their lives within sight of the waves. As he travels along coastal paths, visits beaches and explores coves, Barkham reflects on the long campaign to protect our shoreline from tidal erosion and human damage and weaves together fascinating tales about every aspect of the coast - from ancient conquests and smuggler's routes, to exotic migratory birds and bucket-and-spade holidays - to tell a more profound story about our island nation and the way we are shaped by our shores.

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Book SynopsisIt is difficult to think of a more quintessential symbol of the British countryside than the British Hedgerow, bursting with blackberries, hazelnuts and sloes, and home to oak and ash, field mice and butterflies. But as much as we might dream about foraging for mushrooms or collecting wayside nettles for soup, most of us are unaware of quite how profoundly hedgerows have shaped the history of our landscape and our fellow species. One of Britain's best known naturalists, John Wright introduces us to the natural and cultural history of hedges (as well as ditches, dykes and dry stone walls) - from the arrival of the first settlers in the British Isles to the modern day, when we have finally begun to recognise the importance of these unique ecosystems. His intimate knowledge of the countryside and its inhabitants brings this guide to life, whether discussing the skills and craft of hedge maintenance or the rich variety of animals, plants, algae and fungi who call them home. Informative, practical, entertaining and richly illustrated in colour throughout, A Natural History of the Hedgerow is a book to stuff into your pocket for country walks in every season, or to savour in winter before a roaring fire.Trade ReviewA beautifully presented field guide. -- Robbie Millen * Times *A true labour of love spiced with a fine dry humour... a rich and spellbinding love letter to the great British hedgerow... [not] just a delightful one-off read, but an invaluable work of reference that will remain on my bookshelves for good. -- Christopher Hart * The Sunday Times *This illustrated survey is historically detailed, enriched by the author's deep knowledge of British landscapes and natural history. * Guardian *After reading this delightful book, you'll see those humble boundaries as living archives of our island story. * Daily Mail *Fascinating... his book grows on me, like honeysuckle... shows a clean limb and a sense of humour... he does the hedgerow good. * Country Life *Hugely enjoyable ... such a pleasure to read ... laced with humour and an abundance of first-hand knowledge. * BBC Countryfile *Engaging... plants are described with tremendous knowledge and enthusiasm that can only come from someone who knows and loves them like old friends... [A] great educational tool - not to say fascinating read. * English Garden *Wright covers a respectable amount of ground in this hybrid field guide... Often humorous and richly informative, this a perfect book for dipping into. * The Lady *Praise for The Naming of the Shrew: Who would have thought that a book about Latin names could be quite so compelling! * Alan Titchmarsh *Brims with verbal curiosities * Nature *Nature writing at its best: insightful, entertaining and often very funny * British Wildlife *Weird and wonderful * Sunday Telegraph *Charming. * The Lady *The pleasure of Wright's book is the contrast between the rigour required for giving names and the careless minds and mischievous humour of those who devise them. * The Times *Fascinating and funny. * BBC Countrylife *Erudite but whimsical ... a book as charming as it is wise. * Irish Examiner *A great read. * Grow Your Own *

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Book SynopsisIn this enchanting work of scientific exploration, acclaimed science author Frank Ryan explains how metamorphosis - the intricate trick of nature by which caterpillars transform into butterflies - reveals secrets that are shaking the scientific world. Ryan brings to life the work of pioneering naturalists who have traced metamorphosis in myriad species, from amphibians to marine creatures, even human puberty, to rewrite some of our longest-held beliefs about evolution. Lyrical and provocative, The Mystery of Metamorphosis offers a new understanding of some of the most ancient miracles of the nature.Trade Review"A well-researched piece of popular science... Ryan successfully shows that a deeper knowledge of metamorphosis could have far-reaching consequences." * The Big Issue *“A brilliant book…a superb story, some excellent scientific insights, and a fascinating theory. Recommended.” Brian Clegg * PopularScience.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisCats and women share many traits: beauty, elegance, sensitivity, affectionate natures, a knack for nurturing and a love of the luxurious. Cats also embody the feminine dark side, with a tendency towards neurosis and fear of change. Then there are the qualities that cats possess which women long to emulate: fighting fiercely to protect themselves, never saying yes when they mean no, and being unafraid to claim the best seat in the house. Cats are loyal to those who love them but couldn't give a toss about what others think. They don't suffer self-esteem issues or worry if they're overweight. And then there is that enviable air of mystery, that slinky walk . . . oh to be a cat! They're the ultimate totem of female strength. Belinda Alexandra, writer and ardent cat lover, makes no apology for celebrating the special bond between women and their cats. In The Divine Feline, she shares her own experiences with cats, describes the relationship between women and cats throughout history and solves behavioural and philosophical issues in a whimsical and practical way. Viva la cat lady!

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Book SynopsisWith a new afterword, Why You Are Here: A speech on the opening of the COP26 climate summitAs a young man, I felt I was out there in the wild, experiencing the untouched natural world - but it was an illusion. The tragedy of our time has been happening all around us, barely noticeable from day to day - the loss of our planet's wild places, its biodiversity. I have been witness to this decline. A Life on Our Planet contains my witness statement, and my vision for the future - the story of how we came to make this, our greatest mistake, and how, if we act now, we can yet put it right.We have the opportunity to create the perfect home for ourselves and restore the wonderful world we inherited.All we need is the will do so.

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Book SynopsisAs the bombs rain down on the city, Belfast's first ever female zookeeper must fight to save the baby elephant in her charge in this gripping, uplifting tale based on a true story.1941. With the men away fighting, animal-lover Hettie Quin is made Belfast Zoo's first ever female zookeeper. She is put in charge of Violet, a three-year-old Indian elephant, and they soon form a special bond. With Violet at her side, Hettie can almost escape the grim reality of her life: the father who has abandoned her family; the sister who recently died; the war that's raging hundreds of miles away.But the devastation of war is closer than she thought. When the bombs begin to rain down on the city, Hettie must gather all her courage to protect those she loves the most. Can she save Violet - and get through unscathed herself?Based on a true story, The Zookeeper of Belfast is a gripping and uplifting tribute to what one woman's courage and tenacity can achieve in the most dire of circumstances - perfect for fans of Heather Morris, Natasha Lester, Kate Furnivall, Mandy Robotham and Fiona Valpy.Praise for THE ZOOKEEPER OF BELFAST:'Walsh delivers a turbulent portrait of life in a divided city . . . A unique perspective of a country at war and the lengths people will go for those they love.' - Kirkus Reviews'Sensitively rendered and finely drawn, this remarkable story, based on true events, is both uplifting and heartbreaking.' - Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train'Walsh has written a novel of deep affection and knife-edge suspense. A brilliant debut.' - Margot Livesey, author of The Boy in The Field'An elephant, a young zookeeper, the city of Belfast, bombings, and an IRA member are the improbable characters in this captivating and intimately felt novel that tells the story of a young woman's uncommon devotion and courage under fire.' - Lily Tuck, author of Sisters'A zoo in wartime Belfast and a young woman's fierce love for the elephant in her care come vividly to life in this beautiful, beguiling, and atmospheric debut novel.' - Dominic Smith, author of The Last Painting of Sara de Vos·Cinematic in scope and brimming with emotion, this is a soaring work of historical imagination.' - Karen Olsson, author of All the HousesTrade ReviewWalsh delivers a turbulent portrait of life in a divided city . . . A unique perspective of a country at war and the lengths people will go for those they love. * Kirkus Reviews *The Zookeeper of Belfast boasts not one but two dauntless heroines: Hettie, a young Irish zookeeper and Violet, a young Indian elephant. From their first meeting, Hettie is determined to protect Violet and as dangers mount, we cannot help cheering on her devotion and her resourcefulness. Walsh has written a novel of deep affection and knife-edge suspense. A brilliant debut. * Margot Livesey, author of The Boy in The Field *Sensitively rendered and finely drawn, this remarkable story, based on true events, is both uplifting and heartbreaking. * Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train and The Exiles *The Zookeeper of Belfast is a lovely book about a fascinating piece of history, and its two heroines--animal and human--are enthralling and beautifully drawn. S. Kirk Walsh writes wonderfully about heartbreak both personal and historic. * Elizabeth McCracken, author of Bowlaway *The Zookeeper of Belfast knocked me flat and picked me up, not just once but many times over the course of S. Kirk Walsh's deeply satisfying telling. There's so much life in these pages, life as well as death - we're in wartime Belfast, dear reader, and the Luftwaffe is dropping bombs - that I couldn't help but feel changed by the end, experienced. Only the best novels do that, and the very fine Elephant of Belfast belongs in that rank. * Ben Fountain author of Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk *An elephant, a young zookeeper, the city of Belfast, bombings, and an IRA member are the improbable characters in this captivating and intimately felt novel that tells the story of a young woman's uncommon devotion and courage under fire. * Lily Tuck, author of Sisters and The Double Life of Liliane *A zoo in wartime Belfast and a young woman's fierce love for the elephant in her care come vividly to life in this beautiful, beguiling, and atmospheric debut novel. * Dominic Smith, author of The Last Painting of Sara de Vos *Cinematic in scope and brimming with emotion, The Zookeeper of Belfast imagines the life of a young woman zookeeper who, in the wake of family tragedy, develops a strong bond with an Asian elephant under her care. S. Kirk Walsh delivers a powerful depiction of the devastations of the Belfast Blitz, even as she poignantly renders her heroine's coming of age and sexual awakening. With a tender portrait of one woman's persistence at its heart, this is a soaring work of historical imagination. * Karen Olsson, author of The Weil Conjectures and All the Houses *In S. Kirk Walsh's hands, the city of Belfast, its zoo, and the creatures who resided there during the Belfast Blitz, come vividly and brilliantly alive. The Zookeeper of Belfast is impeccably researched and thrillingly suspenseful. I churned through the pages, anxious to know what became of Hettie Quin and Violet, the elephant in her charge: a heartbreaking animal heroine to rival Tarka the otter and the rabbits of Watership Down. * Louisa Hall, author of Trinity & Speak *

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Book SynopsisSwifts live almost entirely in the air.They eat, drink, sleep, mate and gather their nesting materials on the wing, fly thousands of miles across the world, navigating their way around storms, never lighting on tree, cliff or ground, until they return home with the summer.Sarah Gibson has written a fascinating story of discovery, exploring what is known about these mysterious birds, their ancient ancestry and how they have been regarded through history.But the swifts are in real danger: often unintentionally, we are sealing our homes against wildlife of any kind.Cracks, gaps and crevices which for thousands of years have offered nesting space in buildings, are being closed off, while new housing rarely offers entry holes for nesting birds.Loss of breeding places is considered to be a significant factor in the steep decline of these birds over the last twenty years.Thankfully, there are people in the UK and across Europe striving to ensure a future for swifts. Their actions and stories Trade Review‘The moving tale of this ancient, mysterious bird’ RSPB’s Nature’s Home ‘lf you love swifts, this is the book for you. It's full of facts not likely to be found elsewhere.’ John Miles, Birdwatching magazine ‘[Swifts and Us] is an excellent introduction to our current state of knowledge of the European Swift and its interactions with people.’ British Ornithologists’ Union

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Book SynopsisA fully revised edition of this bestselling, easy-to-use identification guide to 278 bird species covering the most commonly seen in Sri Lanka. Written by an experienced birder with a track record for writing to a popular audience, this is an ideal, portable guide for residents and visitors alike. The author's top quality photographs are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, plumage, distribution, habits and habitat. The species accounts cover 75 of the 82 families of birds recorded in Sri Lanka and distinguish between highly scarce migrants and vagrants to explain what a realistic and good 'country list' and 'trip list' would be for residents and visitors respectively. The user-friendly introduction covers bird topography, bird orders, a novel photographic summary in taxonomic order of all 34 endemic birds that are key target species, and the main sites for viewing the listed species. Also included is a checklist of all of the birds of Sri Lanka encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific names as well as its national status.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the science behind wild and wonderful weather in this fact-packed book!Ever wondered what causes thunderstorms, how snowflakes form, or why our climate is changing? Get all the answers to these questions and more in this children''s book about the weather!Inside the pages of this responsibly sourced science picture book from DK Books, you''ll discover:- Beautiful illustrations to introduce scientific topics in a simple and accessible way- Stand out facts are presented clearly on each spread- Easy to understand text teaches children about climate change, meteorology, and geography- The science behind hot, cold, wet, and wild weather suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2 development From heatwaves and big freezes to tornadoes and fog, this science book gives your budding meteorologist a glimpse into all the action that happens in the sky. Learn about all kinds of weather and marvel at how powerful it can be!At a time when ex

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Book SynopsisNature is one of the best medicines for difficult times. An intimate awareness of the natural world, even within the city, can calm anxieties and help create healthy perspectives. This book will inspire and guide you as you deal with the current crisis, or any personal or worldly distress. Melanie Choukas-Bradley is a naturalist and certified forest therapy guide who leads nature and forest bathing walks for many organizations in Washington, D.C. and the American West. Learn from her the Japanese art of "forest bathing": how to tune in to the beauty and wonder around you with all your senses, even if your current sphere is a tree outside the window or a wild backyard. Discover how you can become a backyard naturalist, learning about the trees, wildflowers, birds and animals near your home. Nature immersion during stressful times can bring comfort and joy as well as opportunities for personal growth, expanded vision and transformation. The "Resilience Series" is the result of an intensive, collaborative effort of our authors in response to the 2020 coronavirus epidemic. Each volume offers expert advice for developing the practical, emotional and spiritual skills that you can master to become more resilient in a time of crisis.

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Book SynopsisA cloudspotter's interactive journal. Our interest in clouds is more profound than we ever thought. Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society and author of A Cloud A Day has been spreading the word via social media and hugely popular TED talks, and the response has been revelatory. Following on from his very successful A Cloud A Day book, he wants readers to take time each day to look at the shifting skies. To take a moment, as he says. Then, using the prompts and space in the journal, record the cloud, weather, and importantly their thoughts on that day. It is the perfect mindful occupation. To help readers understand the clouds they are looking at, the book includes a hugely useful pin wheel device – a cloud selector – at the back of the journal. The device allows the reader to visually match the cloud they see in the sky with the cloud in the selector device, which has all the information about that particular cloud they need. From the cloudlets of the altocumulus clouds to the rarer Lacunosus cloud (holes surrounded by fringes of cloud). In amongst the prompts and spaces are stunning images of clouds with bits of poetry, science and folklore. It is the ideal interactive journal for those interested in clouds and the weather but also for those looking for the perfect way to spend 10 minutes of the day to reconnect with nature and the passing of the seasons. Praise for A Cloud A Day: '[This] charming little volume reminds us that self-care is as available as a glance out the window, no matter your age or infirmities' The New York Times ‘A confident celebration of our ever-changing skies... I defy anyone who reads it not to start taking furtive peeks out the window.’ Robert Leigh-Pemberton, Daily Telegraph

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Book SynopsisSteve Mann, the UK's no.1 dog trainer, takes it beyond the basics and tackles even more of your dog dilemmas!When it comes to dog training, there is no 'one size fits all' solution. In Easy Peasy Doggy Squeezy, Steve's seven active ingredients will teach you how to solve any problem behaviours by giving you the tools you need to ask the right questions. You'll discover step-by-step guides on how to teach the most useful and practical techniques and improve your life with your dog by following simple exercises as well as more advanced training techniques and ideas.Learn crucial exercises such as RECALL and LOOSE LEAD WALKING, insights into BODY LANGUAGE, fun ideas to enjoy relaxing with your dog, as well as ways to help with problem behaviours such as SEPARATION ANXIETY, FEAR OF FIREWORKS and AGGRESSION TOWARDS STRANGERS - all covered in an easy-to-follow and fun style.With an emphasis on ethical, scientifically proven methods garnered from training over 100,000 dogs and owners worldwide, this is the book your dog would want you to read!Trade ReviewSteve is brilliant ... my puppy-training prophet and spiritual guide. His approach makes perfect sense. * Adrian Chiles, The Guardian *So easy to follow and it really works! * Lorraine Kelly *Dog Training Genius! * Emilia Clarke *Steve's training methods focus on positive reinforcement... it includes lots of information to help you understand training from the puppy's perspective. * Dogs Monthly *Owning a dog is not easy, but training doesn't have to be hard. Steve offers lots of useful solutions that keeps training fun. * Dogs Today *

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