Natural History Books

Book SynopsisPiece together this 70-piece, whale-shaped puzzle to discover all your favourite ocean creatures beautifully illustrated by Yuval Zommer. Have you ever wondered what might be inside a whale's belly? Piece together this whale-shaped puzzle before peeking into its belly to spot plankton, fish, squid, octopus, and whatever else this whale had for lunch! The Big Belly of the Whale is an opportunity for children to explore the ocean and one of its most magical inhabitants the whale. Did you know that a sperm whale can hold its breath for over two hours? Or that a blue whale is bigger than the biggest dinosaur? Find all these facts and more in the poster that is included with the puzzle.

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Book SynopsisMindfulness in Wild Swimming explores how swimming in rivers, lakes and seas is the epitome of conscious living, guiding the reader through practical mindful exercises and technique tips, and reveals how wild swimming can be the ultimate physical meditation.Table of ContentsContents Introduction Chapter One: Taking the Plunge Chapter Two: The Solo Swim Chapter Three: Swimming with Friends Chapter Four: Swimming Adventures Chapter Five: Reflections from the Riverbank Chapter Six: Water Wisdom Further Reading & Websites The Mindfulness Series Index Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisThis guide covers the very best birding sites in Britain. In a formatfamiliar to readers of this popular series, each site is considered interms of ''Habitat'', Access'' and ''Birds'', allowing birdersof all levels to plan successful birding trips anywhere in Britain, and to maximise the chances of getting the best out ofeach site and each region. The book includes detailed maps of thelarger sites, plus general maps of the regions covered, and it isillustrated with attractive line drawings. This book has beenextensively revised, with several new sites added for this edition,together with information on disabled access for most sites.Praise for the 1st edition:There could be no better guide than this book Chris PackhamHighly recommended....the best guide of its kind RSPB BirdsDon''t leave home without it BirdingTrade Review"There could be no better guide than this book" Chris Packham "Highly recommended...the best guide of its kind" RSPB Birds "Don't leave home without it" Birding 'an absolutely invaluable addition to your birding library' Bird Watching, August 2010 'This is a cracking book...highly recommended.' Birds (February 2011) 'essential national site guide' Birdwatch (February 2011) 'A must have for those birding in Britain!' Birdbooker report (November 2010) 'provides a wealth of information' Highland News (August 2010) 'Absolutely invaluable for the travelling birdwatcher. As important to carry as binoculars or telescope.' Bexley Times (September 2010)Table of ContentsIntroduction Acknowledgements How to use this book Access for the disabled Key to the maps South-west England Isles of Scilly Cornwall Devon Somerset Avon Dorset South-east England Isle of Wight Hampshire West Sussex Surrey Berkshire Greater London East Sussex Kent East Anglia Essex Suffolk Norfolk Cambridgeshire Central England Bedfordshire Hertfordshire Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire Gloucestershire Worcestershire West Midlands Warwickshire Northamptonshire Leicestershie and Rutland Lincolnshire Nottinghamshire Derbyshire Staffordshire Northern England Cheshire & Wirral Greater Manchester Lancashire& North Merseyside Cumbria Yorkshire Celeveland Durham Northumberland Wales South Wales Mid Wales North Wales Scotland Dumfries & Galloway Borders Lothian Clyde Upper Forth Perth & Kinross (South) Fife Perth & Kinross (North) Angus & Dundee North-east Scotland Moray & Nairn Highland Argyll Outer Hebrides Orkney Shetland Top 100 species to see in Britain Index of sites

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Book Synopsis"A paradigm-smashing chronicle of joyous entanglement that will make you acknowledge your own entanglement in the ancient and ever-new web of being."--Charles Foster, author of Being a Beast Are trees social beings? In this international bestseller, forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in his woodland. After learning about the complex life of trees, a walk in the woods will never be the same again. Includes a Note From a Forest Scientist, by Dr.Suzanne SimardTrade Review"The matter-of-fact Mr. Wohlleben has delighted readers and talk-show audiences alike with the news -- long known to biologists -- that trees in the forest are social beings." --Sally McGrane, The New York Times "This fascinating book will intrigue readers who love a walk through the woods"--Publishers Weekly "If you read this book, I believe that forests will become magical places for you, too." --Tim Flannery "In this spirited exploration, [Wohlleben] guarantees that readers will never look at these life forms in quite the same way again." --Library Journal "A paradigm-smashing chronicle of joyous entanglement that will make you joyously acknowledge your own entanglement in the ancient and ever-new web of being." --Charles Foster, author of Being a Beast: Adventures Across the Species Divide "Soon after we begin to recognize trees for what they are -- gigantic beings thriving against incredible odds for hundreds of years -- we naturally come to ask, 'How do they do it?' This charming book tells how -- not as a lecture, more like a warm conversation with a favorite friend." --Hope Jahren, author of Lab Girl "A powerful reminder to slow down and tune into the language of nature." --Rachel Sussman, author of The Oldest Living Things in the World "Charming, provocative, fascinating. In the tradition of Jean-Henri Fabre and other great naturalist story-tellers, Wohlleben relates imaginative, enthralling tales of ecology." --David George Haskell, author of The Forest Unseen, Pulitzer finalist "Wohlleben's book is at once romantic and scientific, beautifully articulating his personal relationship with the trees he has dedicated his life to. His view of the forest calls on us all to reevaluate our relationships with the plant world." --Daniel Chamovitz, PhD, author of What a Plant Knows "With colorful and engaging descriptions of little-known phenomena in our natural world, Wohlleben helps readers appreciate the exciting processes at work in the forests around them." --Dr. Richard Karban, University of California, Davis, author of Plant Sensing and Communication "You will never look at a tree the same way after reading Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees, which reveals the mind-boggling properties and behavior of these terrestrial giants. Read this electrifying book, then go out and hug a tree -- with admiration and gratitude." --David Suzuki

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Book SynopsisOne of the world's top birding hotspots, South Africa's diverse habitats harbor more than 950 species. This beautifully illustrated guide covers over 140 familiar and unique species found in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and southern Mozambique and includes a map of birding hotspots. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, pocket-sized folding guide is an excellent source of portable information and ideal for field use by novices and experts alike.

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Book SynopsisA much-loved classic of nature writing from environmentalist and the author of Waterlog, Roger Deakin, Wildwood is an exploration of the element wood in nature, our culture and our lives. ''Breathtaking, vividly written . . . reading Wildwood is an elegiac experience'' Sunday Times''He writes nature as a blackbird sings, or a bird of prey rides thermals - effortlessly.'' Reader Review ________________From the walnut tree at his Suffolk home, he embarks upon a quest that takes him through Britain, across Europe, to Central Asia and Australia, in search of what lies behind man''s profound and enduring connection with wood and trees. Meeting woodlanders of all kinds, he lives in shacks and cabins, travels in search of the wild apple groves of Kazakhstan, goes coppicing in Suffolk, swims beneath the walnut trees of the Haut-Languedoc, and hunts bush plums with Aboriginal women in thTrade ReviewFull of delight and joy and wisdom * Sunday Telegraph *With this book Roger Deakin can be counted one of the greatest of all nature writers. His beautiful book should serve to make us appreciate more keenly all that we have here on earth * Mail on Sunday *A breathtaking book * Sunday Times *A masterpiece which deserves to be read and reread * Guardian *One of my favourite kind of books. Few books make you change your habits; this one changed mine -- Will Self * New Statesman *With this book Roger Deakin can be counted one of the greatest of all nature writers. His beautiful book should serve to make us appreciate more keenly all that we have here on earth * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Wales Creative Nonfiction Book of the Year 2019; Rediscover the light in the dark...; 'A treasure of a book, wonderfully attentive in outlook and generous in spirit.' - Amy Liptrot; As November stubs out the glow of autumn and the days tighten into shorter hours, winter's occupation begins. Preparing for winter has its own rhythms, as old as our exchanges with the land. Of all the seasons, it draws us together. But winter can be tough.; It is a time of introspection, of looking inwards. Seasonal sadness; winter blues; depression - such feelings are widespread in the darker months. But by looking outwards, by being in and observing nature, we can appreciate its rhythms. Mountains make sense in any weather. The voices of a wood always speak consolation. A brush of frost; subtle colours; days as bright as a magpie's cackle. We can learn to see and celebrate winter in all its shadows and lights.; In this moving and lyrical evocation of a British winter and the feelings it inspires, Horatio Clare raises a torch against the darkness, illuminating the blackest corners of the season, and delving into memory and myth to explore the powerful hold that winter has on us. By learning to see, we can find the magic, the light that burns bright at the heart of winter: spring will come again.; __________; 'The natural world has life and light on even the coldest darkest days of winter and that is Clare's salvation.' - Susan Hill, Daily Mail Christmas Books; 'Magical, moving and deeply atmospheric' - Patrick Barkham; A Guardian 'best book of 2018'Trade Review"[Clare] is a fine observer, and the lushness of his prose offers a striking contrast with the stark lineaments of the winter landscape, both physical and spiritual." - Jane Shilling, Evening Standard; "This is a very powerful book indeed .... Supremely well-written ... Clare is a brilliantly inventive prose stylist, and some of his descriptive writing here is so good it makes you stop and smile and immediately read it again." - Roger Cox, The Scotsman; "Vivid, luminous prose" - The Observer; "Magical, moving and deeply atmospheric - this is a hymn to nature, to the north and to the hardest of seasons" - Patrick Barkham; "A treasure of a book, wonderfully attentive in outlook and generous in spirit" - Amy Liptrot; "Enchanting" - Emma Mitchell; "Cosy as a log fire, bracing as a moorland squall ... a potential life-saver for those of us who - like Clare himself - are wont to enter a state of low morale come November ... When the mercury plummets, forget hygge, save on scented candles, and read this instead" - Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller; "This sensuous evocation of winter darkness is a startlingly honest escape from seasonal depression. Horatio Clare beams through his own despair by exposing the intimacy of family love in the fiercely shafting light of his glittering prose." - John Lister-Kaye; "An enthralling book of beauty and pain, tenderness and imaginative absorption ... [Horatio Clare is a] prose-poet of mesmerising lyricism" - Juliet Nicolson, Spectator; "Thoughtful, careful writing that speaks from the heart ... ideal for curling up with during the darker days, especially if you suffer at all from the winter blues. ... This is a quiet celebration of life" - New Welsh Review; "Lyrical and beautiful" - Kate Blincoe; "A beautifully written book that struck a chord with me on many occasions ... insightful and thought provoking" - Books and Me blog; "The Light in the Dark is a moving and poetic look at this time of year and one book I rejoice in. This is a torch to guide us through the dark winter days until spring's first rays of light warm us" - John Fish, The Last Word Book Review; "Inspiring ... If you're a fan of Matt Haig, I would definitely recommend this too" -- Buttercupreview; "Throughout the book there's a real magical quality to the imagery... I found that I spent some time going back over particular sentences because they were so lovely ... There is much to reflect upon in this winter journal, particularly if you too struggle with darker days" -- Jaffareadstoo; "A beautiful, moving and poignant meditation on the changing of the seasons. It gave me solace as the nights draw in ever faster and left me with a sense of hope for the spring to come. I adored reading this book and I know it will be one I read again in the years to come. I'll definitely be buying copies for friends and I'll be recommending it every chance I get. It's a beautiful book and one I won't forget!" - RatherTooFondofBooks.com; "As we all approach another winter, this book may provide not only solace, but an exemplar for those whose personal shadows are amplified in dark times. The lesson, `Look outwards' is a good one" - Peter Reason, Shiny New Books; "This was such a stunning read, full of wonderful imagery and beautiful writing... Horatio Clare made me realise that there is beauty to be found outside in the depths of winter, if I will seek it out" - Secret Library Book Blog; 5* - "Clare's writing is taut, sparse and charged with emotion" - Half Man Half Book; "It is a book to be read aloud ... There is no end to the irrepressible courage that has made this book possible. It is a triumph over affliction by a great writer and when the light returns and he knows he is coming through, my heart is full and I am cheering" - Sue Brooks, Caught by the River

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from its successful launch in 2009, Collins Wild Flower Guide the ultimate reference book for wild flower enthusiasts now enters its second edition.Featuring all flowering plants, including trees and grasses, and ferns, this fully revised and updated field guide to the wild flowers of Britain and northern Europe is the most complete illustrated, single-volume guide ever published.Leading botanical artists have been specially commissioned to ensure accurate, detailed illustrations. Species are described and illustrated on the same page, with up-to-date authoritative text aiding identification. Plants are arranged by family, with their key features highlighted for quick and easy reference. The text offers a complete account of over 1,900 wild flowers of Britain and Ireland, along with a summary of their European distribution.Collins Wild Flower Guide is an indispensable guide for all those with an interest in the countryside, whether amateur or expert.Trade Review'This book is a great achievement that will be hard to match … a beautiful and well-judged illustrated flora.' British Wildlife

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Book SynopsisThis book celebrates the special relationship between beloved British dogs and their devoted owners. Architects, fashion designers, florists, entrepreneurs - these and the other famous, creative and hyper-successful people have one thing in common when it comes to their canines: the strength of the bond between human and four-legged friend. This makes for tales of companionship that will be sure to uplift your spirits and make the heart sing. Exuberantly photographed by Dylan Thomas, with interviews by Poodle-mad Georgina Montagu, Top Dogs is a joyous read and lustrous eye-candy for dog lovers. From Jacobean manor to Cumbrian hill farm, and circus wagon to royal residence, the lucky hounds who are showcased in this sumptuous volume occupy some of the loveliest homes in the country.Table of ContentsForeword; Introduction; The Love Affair; Gnipper; Shadow; Mojito; Moon + Buzz; Bellini + Sugar + Spice + Margarita + Tequila; Fire; Romeo; The Barony Bassets; Ruby + Leto + Winston; Saffron; Rollo; Jiminy Cricket + Gyda; Lionel McGruff; Turlough Mor; Sami + Larry; Logan; Minnow; Vinnie; Lochie; Cookie; Storm; Lenny + Ronnie + Rita + Ruby; Coco + Trump; Cedric; Summer; Peggy + Jaguar + Banana + Ghost + Duppy; Bean; Pugsy Malone; Luna + Willow; Pizza Hairy Chainsaw; Behind the Lens; The Publisher; Acknowledgements

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Book Synopsis''The Faber Book of Beasts is a generous and intelligent round- up of old favourites, new juxtapositions, and poems we mightn''t know about ... Will set heads shaking, as well as nodding with pleasure.'' Independent William Wordsworth''s ''To a Skylark''W.B. Yeats'' ''Leda and the Swan''Elizabeth Bishop''s ''The Moose''D.H. Lawrence''s ''Bat''Marianne Moore''s ''Elephants''William Blake''s ''The Tyger'' Gerard Manley Hopkins'' ''The Windhover''Thom Gunn''s ''The Snail''Seamus Heaney''s ''Otter''John Donne''s ''The Flea''Christopher Smart''s ''My Cat Jeoffry''''Baa Baa Black Sheep'' From childhood rhymes to canonical classics, Homer to Ted Hughes, this eclectic poetry anthology celebrating the earth''s creatures brims with beastly delights. Celebrated poet Paul Muldoon''s bestiary shows that we are ''most human in the pre

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Book SynopsisANIMALS ARE PEOPLE TOO explores the range of human emotion in 240 pages of adorable animals photos.What''s the difference between bliss and solace? Misery and sorrow? Bitterness and malice?In ANIMALS ARE PEOPLE TOO, each page presents animal portraits that illustrate everything from the depths of sadness to the heights of joy. At times hilarious, at times poignant, but always visually stunning, see yourself in the animal world with images such as indulgence personified by a chubby-cheeked chipmunk, glee shown by a dancing tree frog, and infatuation portrayed by the entwined necks of two giraffes.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the wonders at the centre of our planet''s ecosystem.In ten short and accessible essays, science and nature writer Carolyn Fry takes us on an awe-inspiring journey of the Earth''s lungs. From what makes a plant a tree and the incredible impact of forests, to how trees are under attack and what we can do to save them, this book will enthral and inform on the monumental power of the humble tree.Trees: 10 things you should know is an essential introduction to why trees are so important, and why our lives depend on them!

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Book SynopsisA cute, light-hearted and funny guide to horoscopes illustrated with adorable dog photos

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Book SynopsisThe sequel to BOB: NO ORDINARY CAT. A special edition for children aged 11 and above of the number one bestseller THE WORLD ACCORDING TO BOB.

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Book SynopsisDiscover all kinds of wild weather, from terrifying tornadoes to deadly droughts, in this fascinating information book with over 50 flaps to lift. See a storm raging out at sea, find out how wildfires happen and discover how climate change is affecting weather and what we can do to help our planet.

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Book Synopsis'A warm and inspiring invitation to put down our phones, pick up a pencil and start really looking at the beauty all around us.' - Kathy Clugston, presenter of Gardeners' Question TimeLearn to let go of your worries and lose yourself in nature with this practical guide to sketching for pleasure, not perfection. Most of us know that creativity and time outdoors are good for our wellbeing, yet so many of us struggle to find the time or motivation to step away from our screens. But there’s a solution! Combining quick and easy exercises with the latest research on nature connection, wellbeing and creativity, The Green Sketching Handbook will inspire you to pick up a pencil and get started.Inspired by her own journey from climate scientist who hadn't tried drawing since childhood to artist and nature lover, Dr Ali Foxon will show you how to embrace your wobbly lines, unhook from a fear of criticism and create a habit that makes you feel good, not inadequate. You will learn more about yourself and your unique relationship with nature, finding out what brings you comfort and joy. Best of all, you'll create vivid and evocative memories of all your outdoor adventures, big and small, even if you’re convinced you can’t draw.Trade ReviewThe health of our planet and the people that depend upon it are being run down because of our collective blindness toward nature. Re-engaging and connecting people with the natural world is a vital prerequisite for a secure future, and this lovely little book provides one wonderful gateway to that. -- Tony Juniper CBE, environmentalist and chair of Natural EnglandA warm and inspiring invitation to put down our phones, pick up a pencil and start really looking at the beauty all around us. -- Kathy Clugston, presenter of Gardeners' Question TimeA joyful, beautifully illustrated and thought-provoking book. Use it to sketch more, reconnect with nature and spread the word. -- Anne Swithinbank, expert horticulturalist and panelist for Gardeners' Question TimeAli Foxon’s The Green Sketching Handbook helps you make that great leap from the sofa and screen to the outdoors... benefiting your brain and your wellbeing. Powered completely by fresh air, pencils and paper, The Green Sketching Handbook bypasses your keyboard completely. No screens needed. -- Asher Minns, Tyndall Centre for Climate ChangeIn a time of uncertainty, fear and gloom this is a book that shines bright like a diamond. Everyone can benefit from reconnecting with nature and this is such an honest, engaging and accessible guide. I think it will change many people's lives for the better and bring pleasure, hope and mental peace. So bring on the green sketching revolution. -- Andy Brown, Head of Sustainability, Anglian Water Group

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Book SynopsisRead the Sunday Times bestseller that reveals the Earth’s awesome impact on the shape of human civilisations.‘Stands comparison with Sapiens… Thrilling’ Sunday Times Human evolution in East Africa was driven by geological forces. Ancient Greece developed democracy because of its mountainous terrain. Voting behaviour in the United States today follows the bed of an ancient sea. Professor Lewis Dartnell takes us on an astonishing journey into our planet’s past to tell the ultimate origin story. Blending science and history, Origins reveals the Earth’s awesome impact on the shape of human civilisations – and helps us to see the challenges and opportunities of the future. ‘A sweeping, brilliant overview of the history not only of our species but of the world’ Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads ‘Absorbing… A first-class read – and an important one’ ObserverTrade ReviewA sweeping, brilliant overview of the history not only of our species but of the world. Whether discussing the formation of continents or the role that climate (and climate change) has had on human migration, Lewis Dartnell has a rare talent in being able to see the big picture – and explaining why it matters. -- Peter Frankopan, author of THE SILK ROADSOrigins by Lewis Dartnell stands comparison with Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens…A thrilling piece of Big History -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times *‘Extraordinary… Origins is one of those rare books that dissolves mystery through the steady application of sublime lucidity. While reading it, I kept thinking: “Oh, that makes sense…” … Dartnell understands geology, geography, anthropology, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and history. That’s quite an achievement, but what makes him special is the way he communicates the interconnectedness of these disciplines in a clear, logical and entertaining way…Superb. -- Gerard DeGroot * The Times *Dartnell has an easy, light touch that mixes well with his considerable knowledge. The result is a first-class read – and an important one -- Robin McKie * Observer *Dartnell has found the perfect blend of science and history. This is a book that will not only challenge our preconceptions about the past, but should make us think very carefully about humanity’s future -- Simon Griffith * Mail on Sunday *Origins, snappily written, is a fast read … fascinating -- David Sexton * Evening Standard, *Book of the week* *Dartnell’s story is beautifully written and organized. His infectious curiosity and enthusiasm tug the reader from page to page, synthesizing geology, oceanography, meteorology, geography, palaeontology, archaeology and political history in a manner that recalls Jared Diamond’s classic 1997 book Guns, Germs, and Steel * Nature *Dartnell is an eloquent, conversational guide to these daunting aeons of time -- Katy Guest * Guardian *What a treat to see history through the eyes of an astrobiologist! Our history was shaped profoundly by the laying down of iron beds two billion years ago, by the tectonic forces that ripped open the African rift valley, by the slow cooling of the earth that began 50 million years ago, and by the evolution of grasses! Lewis Dartnell’s absorbing new book shows, with many vivid examples, how deeply human history is embedded in the history of planet earth -- David Christian, author of ORIGIN STORYAn original and timely way of looking at human history through the materials and natural resources that our species has employed to such effect. It should be read by everyone who ponders how long exploitation can continue on a finite planet. -- Richard ForteyEndlessly enthralling, Lewis Dartnell explains why the history of humanity, and of human cultures, both take dictation from the deeper history of Earth herself - from broad generalities to surprisingly specific details. An entertaining and informative essay on contingency - and worthy successor to the writing of Stephen Jay Gould. -- Ted NieldOrigins’ strength lies in the way it manages to conjure a tight, linear narrative from what would otherwise be an overwhelming wealth of insights, a feat aided by Dartnell’s soothing, conversational writing style… a captivating and enriching read, with as much to recommend it to those with an interest in geophysics as to students of human history and civilization. -- Ian Randell * Psysicsworld *Origins is like a well-crafted jigsaw puzzle. Each piece fits together beautifully to build up a complete picture of the deep connections we have to the blue marble we call home… a thoroughly satisfying read for anyone interested in how our planet drove our history, and how everything is connected -- Jenny Winder * BBC Sky at Night, *Book of the Month* *Big history is back… Origins is a bravura survey that captures our global zeitgeist and emphasises the limits of short-term historical and political thinking -- Jerry Brotton * BBC History *A thrilling slice of big history and as good as Harari * Sunday Times, *Summer Read of 2019* *Enthusiastic and brimful of facts… Dartnell’s great achievement is that while he crams in a great deal, the reader doesn’t feel rushed. It moves from the dawn of agriculture, to ancient Mesopotamian merchants to the coal-fields of England without a bump -- Jon Wright * Geographical *Instead of looking at what we have done to the Earth, he examines what it has done to us, interweaving the physical and social sciences in a clear, logical and joyously entertaining way… [a] wonderful book -- Gerard DeGroot * The Times, *Books of the Year* *

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING Wishing to leave behind the isolation of her Orkney island life, Amy Liptrot books a one-way flight to Berlin. She rents a loftbed in a shared flat and starts to look for work - and for love - through the screen of her phone. The Instant tells of the momentous year that follows, encountering the city's wildlife in the most unexpected places, tracing the cycles of the moon, the flight paths of migratory birds and surrendering to the addictive power of love and lust.Trade ReviewI loved this book, such an intimate portrayal of emotional landscapes and the pull of the moon - it's one I'll return to often -- RAYNOR WINNA slim, luminous account of living and loving in Berlin, picking up where The Outrun left off * * Sunday Times * *Brilliant on the addictive bliss of romance . . . [The Instant is] a parable about the quicksands of internet dating, and a survivor's handbook 'for the heartsick' * * Telegraph * *Beautiful . . . brilliant . . . The truest thing I've read in a long time. It feels revelatory to read serious, thoughtful writing on the sorts of experiences that so rarely receive it. . . The Instant is the most elegant examination of the internet's distance pain I have ever read -- EVIE WYLD * * New York Times * *Elegant, melancholic and deeply yearning, The Instant captures something vital about our age: its strange dislocations and connections. I drank it in -- KATHERINE MAYGlorious * * Times Literary Supplement * *Intoxicating, generous and refreshingly original. The way Liptrot weaves her inner life with the natural world and the digital world is utterly absorbing. This book is so alive and so wild -- LUCY JONESThe Instant is magical, it is sexy, it is redolent of the natural world and it is all the things that makes Liptrot one of the most unique voices writing today . . . We simply cannot get enough Liptrot in our lifetimes. I want her to write a book every year * * Caught by the River * *Wildness lurks in the edges of this book - nature in its more feral state, and unashamed eroticism. I gulped this slim, powerful, ravishing little book down in one -- CAL FLYNA book of rare power. Part heartbreaking love story, part pin-sharp exploration of relationships in the digital age, The Instant is an intense and intensely beautiful book about connection, longing and the gravitational power of nature, and human nature, on the heart -- ROB COWEN

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisFrom the crops that have fed billions of people over the centuries to the plants highly regarded for their medicinal qualities, this fascinating offering from garden expert Bill Laws unearths the stories behind some of the world's best-known plants.Table of ContentsIncluding 1 Potato 2 Rice 3 Wheat 4 Banana 5 Cacao... 46 Sunflower 47 Palm (Oil) 48 Kola nut 49 Kastor 50 Henna

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Book SynopsisA coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel featuring a girl with severe allergies who just wants to find the perfect pet!At home, Maggie is the odd one out. Her parents are preoccupied with getting ready for a new baby, and her younger brothers are twins and always in their own world. Maggie loves animals and thinks a new puppy is the answer, but when she goes to select one on her birthday, she breaks out in hives and rashes. She''s severely allergic to anything with fur!Can Maggie outsmart her allergies and find the perfect pet? With illustrations by Michelle Mee Nutter, Megan Wagner Lloyd draws on her own experiences with allergies to tell a heartfelt story of family, friendship, and finding a place to belong.

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Book SynopsisEnthralling tales of the sea, rivers and lakes from around the globe. Folklore of the seas and rivers has a resonance in cultures all over the world. Watery hopes, fears and dreams are shared by all peoples where rivers flow and waves crash. This fascinating book covers English sailor superstitions and shape-shifting pink dolphins of the Amazon, Scylla and Charybdis, the many guises of Mami Wata, the tale of the Yoruba River spirit, the water horses of the Scottish lochs, the infamous mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, and much more. Accompanied by stunning woodcut illustrations, popular authors Dee Dee Chainey and Willow Winsham explore the deep history and enduring significance of water folklore the world over, from mermaids, selkies and sirens to ghostly ships and the fountains of youth. With this book, Folklore Thursday aims to encourage a sense of belonging across all cultures by showing how much we all have in common.Trade Review‘From selkies and sirens to the mysterious monsters of Scottish lochs, there is much to enlighten and entertain in this splendid collection of watery folklore’ -- The Countryman'A broad-brush and culturally diverse overview of the many facets of watery folklore, this Treasury of Folklore is a welcome addition to the literature, and one that is sure to please and inform a wide audience’ -- Folklore‘Dee Dee Chainey and Willow Winsham prove their own deserved place within the folklore world with these enchanting books.' * Fortean Times *

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Book Synopsis''I absolutely love Snow Foal it''s so truthful, tender and touching. A book to read in a day and remember for a lifetime.'' Dame Jacqueline WilsonThe perfect children''s book to curl up with and begin the new year.A beautiful and heart-wrenching middle grade debut for kids aged 9 to 11, full of love, healing, friendship and hope. Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson''s Tracey Beaker, Cathy Cassidy, Pax and Gill Lewis.When eleven-year-old Addie goes to stay with a foster family on a remote Exmoor farm in the midst of a very cold winter, she is full of hurt, anger and a deep mistrust of everyone around her. Until one day, when she rescues a tiny wild foal from the moorland snow and Addie discovers that perhaps she's not so alone after all.And as adventure and unexpected friendship blossom, Addie is determined that both of them will know what is to be home again soon A beautifully written, warm read for anyone looking for a gorgeous family book to read together and to capture the imagTrade ReviewI absolutely love Snow Foal – it's so truthful, tender and touching. A book to read in a day and remember for a lifetime (Dame Jacqueline Wilson, author of Tracy Beaker) A beautiful book with a big heart (Gill Lewis, author of Sky Hawk) How much my daughter and I enjoyed Snow Foal! It's a gripping sensitively written book' (Jenny McLachlan, author of The Land of Roar) A mesmerising new voice about a girl that deserves to be heard (Joanna Nadin) One of my most highly-anticipated reads of the year (Hana Tooke, author of The Unadoptables) Snow Foal shines out with compassion and understanding for the children at its heart. Susanna's writing is delicate and beautifully understated (Julia Green) A tender, lyrical tale for a cold winter's night that will lift the spirits and warm the heart (Steve Voake)

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024An introduction to the wondrous world of clouds, by the internationally bestselling founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society and a prize-winning children''s book author and illustratorHave you ever watched a cloud being born?Clouds come in all manner of shapes and sizes, from low-lying Stratus to high-flying Cirrus via roll clouds, banner clouds and tornados. This beautifully illustrated guide reveals the facts, secrets and stories of all the major cloud types, and how they shape the weather around them. We learn their fancy Latin names, explore the parts of the sky where they like to hang out, marvel at the ways they play with sunlight and even visit them on other planets, where they are sometimes made of acid.Cloudspotting for Beginners will inspire curious minds with a lifelong sense of meteorological wonder.

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Book SynopsisA stunning collection of botanical art, featuring nature's most beautiful blooms. Biblioflora is a captivating compendium that brings together an exquisite collection of floral masterpieces from botanical artists across the ages. Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of colours, shapes, and emotions as each page unveils the timeless allure of flowers through the eyes of artistic and scientific visionaries. This anthology celebrates the universal language of blossoms that has inspired and captivated the human spirit throughout history. Biblioflora is a visual feast that not only showcases the incredible diversity of flora but also pays homage to the enduring power of art to evoke joy, contemplation and wonder. Let this enchanting volume adorn your living space and transport you to a world where petals tell stories and beauty transcends time.

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Book Synopsis**Winner of the 2023 Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize**Discover the world as you've never seen it before - through the eyes of animals.'Immersive and mind-blowing' Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of TreesThe Earth teems with sights and textures, sounds and vibrations, smells and tastes, electric and magnetic fields. But every animal is enclosed within its own unique sensory bubble, perceiving only a tiny sliver of this world.In An Immense World, Ed Yong coaxes us beyond the confines of our own senses, welcoming us into previously unfathomable dimensions - the world as it is truly perceived by other animals. Showing us that in order to understand our world we don't need to travel to other places; we need to see through other eyes.A NEW YORK TIMES, GUARDIAN, ECONOMIST, SPECTATOR, TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT and NEW STATESMAN BOOK OF THE YEAR**Winner of 2023 Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction**'Suffused with magic' Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Song of the Cell'A book that prompts awe at the world around us' Sunday TimesSunday Times bestseller, July 2023Trade ReviewStanding out even during a recent golden age of nature writing, Ed Yong dazzles with a deeply considered exploration of the many modes of sensory perception that life has evolved to navigate the world, written with exhilarating freshness * Winner of 2023 Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction *[A] wondrous, lustrous, captivating book: Ed Yong's An Immense World... left me awed and stunned - and revolted by humanity's destructive pride and planetary abuse * Times Literary Supplement, *Books of the Year* *Full of extraordinary discoveries... an encyclopaedic, rigorously researched journey... recasts the world in breath-taking, bewildering immensity * Daily Telegraph *A hymn to the wonders of evolution... fascinating * Mail on Sunday *Yong succeeds in bringing a sense of grandeur to life on every scale * Financial Times *Not just a study of the myriad wonders of the natural world - though wondrous they are - but also a panoramic, complex portrait of the sensory capacities that underpin a multitude of life. ... In uncovering all this, Yong also shows why we should give more thought to our place in the world. * New Statesman, *Best Books of 2022* *An Immense World is an exploration of the ways in which our fellow creatures navigate, understand and interact with one another and their environment through senses. ... The result is so mind-boggling, it's tempting to say 'forget looking in deep space for astonishment'. But let's not do that. Let's continue searching there while also paying better attention to the miracles right under our noses. Yong's marvellous book shows us how. * Spectator, *Best Books of 2022* *This book lifts the shroud on previously invisible dimensions of the world itself * Economist, *Books of the Year* *A magic well of surprising, enlightening discoveries about the sensory worlds of other species... A brilliant book, marvellous and mesmerizing -- Jennifer Ackerman, author of The Genius of BirdsA stunning achievement - steeped in science but suffused with magic -- Siddhartha Mukherjee, author The Emperor of All MaladiesA delight... it prompts a radical rethink about the limits of what we know - what the world is, even. It is quite a book. And, I felt, putting it down, quite a world * Sunday Times *I love this book. Reading it is a delightful sensory experience... I truly enjoyed Yong's adventures in Wonderland! * Gaia Vince, author of Transcendence *A journal of discovery and animal magic, a sensory exploration that is a joy to read -- Susan Orlean, author of The Orchid ThiefMagnificent - an unbelievably immersive and mind-blowing account of how other animals experience our world -- Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of Trees and The Inner Life of AnimalsLike stepping into a new kind of Alice in Wonderland. The perfect mixture of revelation, curiosity, science, beautiful prose and buckets full of wonders -- Andrea Wulf, author of The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt’s New WorldA cornucopia of wonders... a fascinating reminder of the humbling truth that most of what happens among life forms on Earth is beyond our ken -- David Quammen, author of SpilloverAn expansive, constantly revelatory exploration of the biosphere's sensorium... Ed Yong is my favourite contemporary science writer -- William Gibson, author of Neuromancer and The PeripheralEvery page finds the reader mouthing quiet whoa's, as the world she thought she knew opens out into a hundred others, improbable, strange, and fabulous. -- Mary Roach, author of Fuzz and StiffAn Immense World took my hand and brought me on a journey I'll never forget. After reading this book, I'll never look at our planet the same way again -- Clint Smith, author of How the Word is PassedA whirlwind tour of animal perceptual abilities. A magnificent book * Frans de Waal, author of Different: Gender Through the Eyes of a Primatologist *

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Book SynopsisThe Hidden Histories of Flowers reveals the captivating world of flowers. From the symbolism and meaning behind flowers and how these have evolved over time, to how humans interact with flowers based on cultural and geographical differences, and how flowers have been coveted for their medicinal aspects as well as for their visual merits, The Hidden Histories of Flowers showcases fascinating details of flowers and our relationship with them. If you find yourself wondering about the deeper meanings behind flowers and are keen to investigate their inner workings and place in history, The Hidden Histories of Flowers is the perfect place to begin your exploration.

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Book Synopsis'I thought I knew quite a bit about earthworms – until I picked up this charming little book' Nick Baker 'Many wonderful wormy tales unearthed by Coulthard' BBC Countryfile Magazine 'A gem of a book' Country Smallholding Without these little engineers of the earth, the world's soils would be barren, and our gardens and fields wouldn't be able to grow the food we need to survive. Worms recycle decaying plants, putting nutrients back into the soil; they provide a food source for wildlife; and their constant burrowing helps heavy rain soak away. Sally Coulthard's fascianting guide offers a wealth of information and practical advice about the world's msot industrious but little understood creature.Trade ReviewI thought I knew quite a bit about earthworms – until I picked up this charming little book... This is an easily digestible compendium of everything earthworm' -- Nick BakerSally Coulthard profiles these misunderstood creatures, offering a feast of quirky facts to answer all your curiosities * Grow Your Own *A jaunt through the life of the earthworm... A gem of a book' * Country Smallholding *Many wonderful wormy tales unearthed by Coulthard... [A] smart little book' * BBC Countryfile Magazine *A complete profile of earthworms by answering 50 questions and including practical advice and quirky facts * Garden Answers *A brilliant and detailed book on the vital role earthworms play in our gardens and fields, with a wealth of information on these hard-working and misunderstood creatures * Gardens Illustrated *

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Book Synopsis______________ ‘A very appealing, beyond-the-basic reference.’– Booklist ‘Cute illustrations and fascinating facts’ – Guardian ‘A perfect gift for any cat lover’ Reader Review 5 STARS ______________ Cats are so mysterious. What makes them climb into tiny spaces? Why do they sleep that much? And, most of all, how can we give them a good life? Dr. Yuki Hattori is Japan's leading cat doctor, and to him cats are the most beautiful animals in the world. His advice comes with little illustrations showing exactly what to look for as a cat owner - including charts showing how to interpret their different meows, the direction of their whiskers and the way their tail is pointing! Cats may seem low-maintenance but thoughtfulness about where you put their water, how warm or cool they like to be, what name to choose and how to groom them properly will make a life-changing difference. With understanding, affection and respect, your cat will be more healthy and contented - and you'll feel happier too. ‘I bought this book for a friend, but after seeing it I might just buy a stack more’ Reader Review 5 STARS ‘Even my dog enjoyed looking at it’ Reader Review 5 STARS

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Book SynopsisGleaming and sparkling, the coral sea Is a place of magical mystery. A gorgeous picture book by award-winning author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup! Discover a world beneath the waves that is teeming with life, from tiny, graceful seahorses to darting tropical fish, and from electric eels to humpback whales. Lyrical text by Patricia Hegarty and stunning artwork by the award-winning illustrator Britta Teckentrup capture a colourful array of sea creatures in this delightful peep-through picture book. Die-cuts reveal fascinating creatures and vibrant artwork is paired with gentle text to capture the world beneath the waves. Also available in the Peek-through Nature series: Don't miss the full range of stunning picture books that focus on the natural world, including Moon, Bee, Tree and Home! For more Britta Teckentrup books that explore social themes, don’t miss We Are Together, Under the Same Sky, Kindness Grows and A Happy Place.

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Book SynopsisThe third book in The Corfu Trilogy (after My Family and Other Animals and Birds, Beasts and Relatives), the beloved books that inspired ITV''s television series The Durrells.Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.''A wild and amusing chronicle'' Daily Express''This book, an evocation of a budding naturalist''s life as a boy on Corfu, will delight many readers, even those who can''t stand spiders...'' Evening Standard''Delightful, charming, funny'' The TimesTrade ReviewDelightful, charming, funny * The Times *A wild and amusing chronicle * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisBella and Henry have come to Barkington to visit their grandparentsbut they just can't seem to get along. After a visit to the PawPad, Bella is paired with loveable Bertie the cockapoo. When theirparents enter the siblings in to a treasure hunt for pairs, willBertie help Bella and Henry to work together?

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Book SynopsisHow to Know the Birds introduces a new, holistic approach to bird-watching, by noting how behaviors, settings, and seasonal cycles connect with shape, song, color, gender, age distinctions, and other features traditionally used to identify species. Expert author Ted Floyd begins by evoking a typical bird-watching moment, his entry into a thoughtful discussion of the traditions of field guides and bird identification. Then, with short essays on 200 observable species, he guides us through a year of becoming a better birder, each species representing another useful lesson: from explaining scientific nomenclature to noting how plumage changes with age, from chronicling migration patterns to noting hatchling habits. Pen-and-ink illustrations accompany Floyd's charming prose, making this book a unique blend of narrative and field guide. A pleasure for birders of all ages, this witty book promises solid lessons for the beginner and smiles of recognition for the seasonedTrade Review“Whether you have only just experienced your spark bird, have had a decades-long burning passion for birds, or are somewhere in between, How to Know the Birds is sure to fan the flames and leave you feeling stoked about, to quote the author, the ability of birds “to delight and surprise and amaze us.” –Birding Magazine“Those of us who might feel intimidated by the competitiveness of many bird watchers couldn’t ask for a warmer, kinder, more helpful companion out in the field — carrying binoculars and a mobile phone. Floyd is an avid Wi-Fi birder, with a helpful “urge to eBird”; his is “a manifesto for the modern bird lover.”—The New York Times “Listeners who've been curious after bird sightings will find a range of ways to dig deeper into birding.” –AudioFile Magazine, on the recorded edition“So after years of celebrated field guides, books that embody “holism and experientialism” are coming to the fore. Mr. Floyd, for instance, demystifies birding in a short-essay format that is accessible and fun. Enlisting 200 species, he uses a single page of text for each bird to make a point, or impart a truth, about vocabulary, taxonomy, controversies, cutting-edge websites, common abbreviations, vocalization, migration, puzzles of plumage and much more. Still, he punctuates his pieces with the primal. Recall your first sighting of any species, he writes: “It was, it still is, it forever shall be, a part of who you are and what you’re all about.” –The Wall Street Journal“Floyd challenges our reflexive dismissal of [robins] as ordinary and unremarkable. And indeed, now that we know all they have been through, their easy abundance seems all the more wonderful today.” –The Washington Post “After extensive discussions on the how and what of birding do we get to the why. Floyd’s answer to that is among the best I’ve heard: birds are “proclaiming that this world of ours is full of wonder and beauty, still exhorting us to go out and drink it all in…The mini lessons in [the book] whet the appetite for the possibilities in birding. For newer, and maybe even some not-so-new, birders, this could be a real eye-opener. For them, this book should be required.” –The Birder’s Library“These essays are captivating, shining with the author’s warmth, teacherly patience, quiet expertise, and literary skill. Floyd’s writing style draws the reader in, including us in his experiences and observations, making the personal communal.” –10,000 Birds “How to Know the Birds is a field guide like I’ve never seen before…Ted Floyd solidifies his place as True Expert and personal hero of mine, and I recommend this for any birder or nature lover.” –Jonathanbluebirdmontgomery“How to Know the Birds will help you delve deeper into the intricacies of birds and birdwatching and answer a lot of the questions kids come up with when observing birds.” –Just a Secular Homeschooler “…allowed me to appreciate birds more than I ever thought would be possible for me…For a novice like myself, I enjoyed the introductory section which talked about birds that I often see in my back yard. As a technologist, the section of how technology changed ornithology was especially fascinating.” –Man of La Book “Floyd’s writing is very accessible; straightforward, entertaining, and educational at the same time. Each essay is short – one page only. This is the kind of book you can pick up at leisure to read a random essay, or read in chronological order throughout the year.” –Mockingbird Hill Cottage “The author’s enthusiasm shines throughout this whole book. He perfectly captures the many joys of birdwatching.” –Doing Dewey Decimal “This is a delightful book to keep by your side for a quick read when you have 5 or 10 minutes here or there.” –Broken Teepee “I loved that this book was not a standard field guide. It delves deeper into bird behavior and anecdotes about birds. I found it much warmer and much more readable than a traditional nature guide.” –View from the Birdhouse “This is a book that should be savored over time more than read straight through like a novel. It is formatted to take place over a year.” –Based on a True Story “Normal, well-adjusted people, people who will never be found tramping through the Ramble on freezing-cold March mornings with up-to-the-second app-fed information about a rumor of an early migrating Eastern Phoebe, might, if pressed, supply even more accurate words than ‘serious’ or ‘methodical’ to describe the motley crowd to which Ted Floyd openly pledges fealty. How to Know the Birds will please that crowd enormously - and it will serve as a both field guide and meta field guide for the rest of us.” –Open Letters Review“Like the Petersonian original, this new How to Know the Birds is illustrated with simple and appealing drawings, this time from the pencil of N. John Schmitt. The cover is a tour de force of book design, with words and image overlapped and intertwined—a perfect evocation of what is inside, a wonderful text combining science, art, and joy in a way sure to inspire any birder.” –Tucson Audubon"You can’t find a better guide to birds and birding than Ted Floyd. This snappy, chatty book is a fascinating primer to both, and will make you a much better, wiser birder." --Scott Weidensaul, author of Living on the Wind"What a delightful study of birds and birding, smart, witty, engaging, and beautifully observed. If you love birds and want to know them (and their devoted watchers) better, this book is for you--to dip into and to revisit for the priceless rules of thumb." --Jennifer Ackerman“Birding is our most democratic way to connect to nature, because birds are everywhere — from inner cities to the deepest wilderness. Here’s a new take on birding certain to inspire people to connect more deeply with the lives around them." —Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, The Nature Principle and Vitamin N"This is an introduction to 21st century birding, where digital tools, global data sharing, and an acknowledgement of the dynamism of a rapidly changing earth combine with good old fashioned love of the birds. Ted Floyd teaches us that seeing the bird and checking it off a list isn’t really the core pleasure of birding—it is knowing the bird—its behavior, ecology, personality, and role in the evolving human ecology of the Anthropocene, that is the true pleasure of contemporary birding. Buy it for anyone you want to fall in love with birds, or for yourself, so as to fall in love a bit more."–Emma Marris, author of Rambunctious Garden“Birds—clearly the heroes in this engaging volume—have so much to teach us about ourselves and our world. You’ll find your curiosity and delight growing with each page.” –David Yarnold, President and CEO of the National Audubon Society.

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Book SynopsisCan a tiny vehicle provide the space to rebuild a life? Thunderstone: a sculpted & fearless memoir from the award-winning author of Fifty Words for SnowTrade Review‘A memoir of great honesty and clarity, intimacy and subtlety . . . It asks profound questions about how to live through the storms of life with authenticity.’ Gavin Francis, author of Adventures in Human Being ‘A courageous, compassionate, uncanny chronicle of life and loss on the fringes. Striking in its candour, brilliant in its breadth, often very funny.’ Dan Richards, author of Outpost

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Book Synopsis__________________'BRITAIN'S FINEST LIVING NATURE WRITER' - THE TIMESThe Sunday Times Bestseller - SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE 2017 Traditional ploughland is disappearing. Seven cornfield flowers have become extinct in the last twenty years. Once abundant, the corn bunting and the lapwing are on the Red List. The corncrake is all but extinct in England. And the hare is running for its life.Written in exquisite prose, The Running Hare tells the story of the wild animals and plants that live in and under our ploughland, from the labouring microbes to the patrolling kestrel above the corn, from the linnet pecking at seeds to the seven-spot ladybird that eats the aphids that eat the crop. It recalls an era before open-roofed factories and silent, empty fields, recording the ongoing destruction of the unique, fragile, glorious ploughland that exists just down the village lane.But it is also the story of ploughland through the eyes of man who took on a field and husbanded it in a natural, traditional way, restoring its fertility and wildlife, bringing back the old farmland flowers and animals. John Lewis Stempel demonstrates that it is still possible to create a place where the hare can rest safe.Shortlisted for the Richard Jefferies Society White Horse Bookshop Prize 2016. John Lewis-Stempel was winner of the Thwaites Wainwright Prize 2015 for MEADOWLAND.Trade ReviewHe describes beautifully the changing of the seasons and the habits of animals such as the hares that make their home in his field. The book is a superb piece of nature writing. -- Ian Critchley * Sunday Times *That John Lewis-Stempel is one of the best nature writers of his generation is undisputed. * Country Life *Englightening and stylish...Readers who enjoyed the author’s last book, Meadowland: The Private Life of an English Field, will find much in the same vein here: a mix of agricultural history, rural lore, topographical description and childhood memories. I learned a good deal.... Lewis-Stempel is a fine stylist, adroitly conjuring scenes in which “medieval mist hangs in the trees” or “frost clenches the ground”... -- Sara Wheeler * Observer *A beautifully written paean to the countryside in all its rich diversity. -- PD Smith * Guardian *A beautifully observed book, full of poetic descriptions. Brilliant and galvanising. * Sunday Express *Lewis-Stempel is a fourth-generation farmer gifted with an extraordinary ability to write prose that soars and sings, like a skylark over unspoiled fields. This wonderful book (a worthy follow-up to his brilliant Meadowland) is a hymn in praise of enlightened farming methods which reject lethal chemicals and allow insects, birds and flowers to thrive, as once they did.As an experiment Lewis-Stempel rents an ordinary arable field (his own property is a hill farm) to plough and manage in the old-fashioned way, transforming it into a traditional wheatfield to attract wildlife. Even — he hopes — hares. The work is back-breaking but the rewards are sublime. Like the hares, Lewis-Stempel’s words dance. * Bel Mooney, Daily Mail *Fans of Lewis-Stempel's bestselling Meadowland will find here the same easy-reading prose fuelled by daft-as-a-brush enthusiasm and embellished with lyrical flourishes ... the mud-spattered details of a farming life lend The Running Hare a unique realness. * Mail on Sunday *A beautiful love letter ... to a wheat field [and] a pleasurable read * BBC Countryfile *A stirring rural fantasia...Lewis-Stempel's heart and mind are absolutely in the right place. I salute him and I adored his appreciation of the quirky detail. * The Times *A stirring rural fantasia...Lewis-Stempel's heart and mind are absolutely in the right place. I salute him and I adored his appreciation of the quirky detail. * The Times *This rather beautiful book is very much in the mould of the new nature writing, but it’s also wondrously inspiring. -- Marcus Berkmann * Daily Mail *[John Lewis-Stempel] writes in a mood of wistful regret, intriguingly melding history with memoir, rich description with his own enthusiasm to rekindle what has been lost, leaving the reader with a greater understanding of what might lie on the other side of the hedge. * Nudge *There’s a quiet ferocity running through [The Running Hare], powerful yet subtle, refreshingly practical and quotidian … There is a raw honesty to this book. * TLS *A keen observer of the natural world, Lewis-Stempel's writing is quietly passionate, intensely descriptive and beautifully detailed as he juxtaposes seemingly antithetical ideas – wildlife and farming, and hares and humans. Throughout the book, the author skilfully interweaves his life story and the history of farming into the story of this project. This book is deeply moving and ultimately, hopeful. * Forbes *Even better than Meadowland, The Running Hare is funny, erudite and a delight from start to finish. John Lewis-Stempel knows the land, loves it – and works it. He is a farmer, muddy-booted and diligent, who effortlessly recreates on the page the intimacy with the natural world that his daily rounds bring. But farming is also the enemy in his piece – the farming of the mega-tractor and the sprayer, the farming that has, during his lifetime, quietly destroyed the greater part of the country's flora and birdlife. The Running Hare is an important book, as richly layered and rewarding as the soil of an unimproved field. -- Philip MarsdenEditor's Choice, Natural History: the renowned nature writer explores the natural histories of the wild animals and plants that live in and under our ploughland ... If you'll forgive the pun, there's a down to earth quality to his nature writing that I find particularly appealing. -- Caroline Sanderson * Bookseller *Stempel's writing is quietly passionate, intensely descriptive and beautifully detailed. This book deeply moving and ultimately, hopeful ... One of the ten best conservation and environment books of 2016 * Forbes *Minute detail, lovingly observed and subtly expressed, allied to the broader picture of the harm we are doing to our countryside through intensive farming, and the good that we could be doing if we worked with nature instead of against it. I love the earthiness of John Lewis-Stempel's writing - for example, his frustration at the job of binding straw into sheaves by hand: 'The straw scratches, the nettles sting, the thistles prickle. Hand-binding is one of those impossible rural jobs which require gloves, though the self-same gloves prevent the very nimbleness needed.' That sentence could not have been written by some fine-fingered fellow simpering by the hedge over a notebook. The author has seen it, done it, sweated it, and has earned the right to write about it with straw-cut fingers and itchy palms. Brilliant stuff. * Christopher Somerville *A fine writer with wonderful descriptive skills and a winning sense of humor ... Thus, this is a book for the localist, the agrarian, the nature-lover—the conservative who’s truly interested in conserving. * The University Bookman *A beautifully written paean to the countryside in all its rich diversity * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisLife is better with a Labrador Every home should have a Lab, the only question is: chocolate, black, yellow or red? Whichever’s your favourite, it’s confirmed: these are the most Labradorable pups on the planet. Dedicated to the world’s favourite breed, this paw-some little book will prove that it’s not just any old dog who’s a man’s best friend – it’s a Labrador.

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Book SynopsisEver wondered what your cat might be thinking? Jamie Shelman is here to help you learn their lingo with over 100 classic cat thoughts explained. The perfect gift book for any human owned by a cat.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING ILLUSTRATOR    From the creator of Floriography and the Woodland Wardens Oracle Deck comes this beautifully illustrated exploration of the folklore, mythology, and history surrounding our favorite winged companions.Birds have inspired us since the dawn of time: their elegance in flight, captivating colors, and delicate mannerisms spark hope, joy, and delight. Cultures around the world have historically looked to birds as sacred messengers, intermediaries between earth and sky, including them in myths and legends and using them to teach moral lessons and historical truths.   In Jessica Roux’s Ornithography, each of 100 entries focuses on one bird species, featuring a full-page color illustration in her detailed, darkly romantic style and the lore behind each bird.   The perfect gift for birdwatchers, gardeners, and history buffs, as well as all readers who appr

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Book SynopsisThis is the most comprehensive guide to foraging for wild mushrooms in UK and Northern Europe, perfect for both beginners and experienced foragers. It describes the best tasting fungi, where & when to find them, how to distinguish the edible species from poisonous lookalikes & when to leave an edible mushroom alone. Trade ReviewWritten by a master of mycology who deeply loves fungus, its habitats and its quirks. * Tim Maddams, TV presenter, chef and cookery writer *Geoff knows his stuff and puts it across in an easily accessible manner. This will be coming on all my fungi forages! * Gary Johnston, co-founder and instructor at Jack Raven Bushcraft *Bursting with quality photos and great information, achieving the 'balance between caution and adventure that a forager needs', this book is an absolute must for foragers. * Fergus Drennan aka Fergus The Forager *A must-have guide for anyone who likes to try edible fungi and wants to extend their knowledge. * Penny Jones, Propagator at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum *A fascinating, wise companion on the journey into the extraordinary and delicious world of fungi. Come autumn, it will accompany every foray I make into the woods, and my life, and my frying pan, will be vastly richer because of it. * Rob Hopkins, founder of the Transition movement *Table of ContentsIntroduction Part I: Fungi and foraging What are fungi? How to identify fungi Where and when to find fungi Safety and equipment Culture and laws Poisonous fungi Edible fungi Part II: The fungi How to use this guide Visual Index Species guide Glossary References Resources Index Photograph credits

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Book SynopsisA charming look at felines in a range of quirky and atmospheric shops in Hong Kong.Trade Review'Fabulous' - @miuandmao'[An] evocative, profoundly local portrait of a city' - Telegraph

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