Wildlife: general interest Books

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

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Book SynopsisA beautiful companion set to the award-winning and internationally beloved phenomena, The Lost Words and The Lost Spells, adults and children alike will love receiving, sending and displaying The Wild Cards''Breathtaking and magical. Jackie Morris has created something that you could spend all day looking at'' New Statesman''Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris have made a thing of astonishing beauty'' ObserverDiscover and share the wonders of the wild world as seen in The Lost Words and The Lost Spells...This collection of 100 postcards features artwork and words from two beloved modern classics, in which Jackie Morris and Robert Macfarlane celebrate the creatures, trees and plants of nearby nature, from Acorn to Wren, by way of Curlew and Kingfisher, Silver Birch and Snow Hare, Goldfinch and Gorse.The front of each card bears one of Morris''s Greenaway Medal-winning paintings; on the reverse, y

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Book SynopsisThe book, which is beautifully illustrated seeks to immerse you in the life of the hare and the beauty of nature. Jigfoot can teach us all a lot about the importance of enjoying simple pleasures and embracing the nature we share our world with.

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Book SynopsisA NEW SCIENTIST BEST POPULAR SCIENCE BOOK FOR 2025''A book that shows how we might evolve to solve the problems we have caused our planet. Brilliantly written, surprising, inspiring and, ultimately, hopeful'' ISABELLA TREEFor nearly four billion years, life on Earth has found new ways to adapt, reproduce and thrive, taking on new forms to meet the environment of the moment. Human impact on the planet, and the potentially devastating threat of climate change, have stressed that adaptability as never before. Yet life still finds a way. Animals, plants and insects rise to the challenge and are still adapting, reproducing and thriving, even in our rapidly transforming environment. In their example we may just find ways that we too can adapt, ways to stop the destruction we''re causing to the planet.In Nature''s Genius David Farrier takes us on a profound journey into this ever-changing natural world. What we discover could transform us. The ways animals adjust to the urban landscape can help us design sustainable cities. Examining other intelligences can help us remake our economies. Learning from bacterial evolution may help solve our waste problem. Synthetic biology could rescue animals from the brink of extinction. Thinking in timescales of the natural world could help us choose a better future. Life on Earth is changing; the question is, can we change with it? Can we remake the world to be fit for all life to thrive once more?

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Book Synopsis'A dazzling, funny and elegantly angry demolition of our preconceptions about female behaviour and sex in the animal kingdom ... Bitch is a blast. I read it, my jaw sagging in astonishment, jotting down favourite parts to send to friends and reading out snippets gleefully...' Observer'A book that is tearing down the stereotypes and the biases. Absolutely fascinating.' BBC R4 Woman's Hour'From the heir to Attenborough. 5*' - Telegraph'Glorious ... A bold and gripping takedown of the sexist mythology baked into biology ... Full of marvellous surprises. Guardian'Colourful, committed and deeply informed.' Sunday Times'Gloriously original' Daily MirrorA 'sparkling attack on scientific sexism' Nature'Humorous, absorbing, sometimes shocking (for a variety of reasons), and bound to be a conversation starter' BBC Wildlife'Brilliant ... Cooke is a superb science writer' TLS'Zoologist Lucy Cooke's hilarious and enlightening book reclaims evolutionary biology for females of all species.' New Statesman'Introduces us to a marvelous zoetrope of animals.' The Atlantic'[An] effervescent exposé ... [A] playful, enlightening tour of the vanguard of evolutionary biology.' Scientific American Selected for the Telegraph's 'best books for summer 2022' and as one of the Guardian's '50 hottest new books for a great escape'._______________________________________________________________What does it mean to be female? Mother, carer, the weaker sex? Think again.In the last few decades a revolution has been brewing in zoology and evolutionary biology. Lucy Cooke introduces us to a riotous cast of animals, and the scientists studying them, that are redefining the female of the species.Meet the female lemurs of Madagascar, our ancient primate cousins that dominate the males of their species physically and politically.Or female albatross couples, hooking up together to raise their chicks in Hawaii.Or the meerkat mothers of the Kalahari Desert - the most murderous mammals on the planet.The bitches in BITCH overturn outdated binary expectations of bodies, brains, biology and behaviour. Lucy Cooke's brilliant new book will change how you think - about sex, sexual identity and sexuality in animals and also the very forces that shape evolution.__________Praise for Lucy's previous book THE UNEXPECTED TRUTH ABOUT ANIMALS'Endlessly fascinating' - Bill Bryson'I cannot remember when I enjoyed a non-fiction book so much' - Daily Express'A joy from beginning to end' - Guardian'Best science pick: deeply researched, sassily written' - NatureTrade ReviewLucy Cooke's Bitch shows just how far we have come in seeing nature's females for what they actually are.' -- Simon Ing * Telegraph *Surprising sex lives of the animal kingdom: From bondage-loving spiders to 'Scrooge-like' lobsters who save their sperm for a female who's 'worth it', BITCH lifts the lid on kinky creatures -- Claire Toureille * Daily Mail *Best books of 2022 so far: Zoologist Lucy Cooke's hilarious and enlightening book reclaims evolutionary biology for females of all species. * New Statesman *Mr Darwin, your time is up...This is the evolutionary reboot us bitches have been waiting for. -- Sue PerkinsBrilliant ... Cooke is a superb science writer -- Carol Tavris * TLS *

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Book SynopsisThis practical pocket field guide, published in association with the Wildlife Trusts, includes more than 180 wild flower species from Britain and the near Continent.Each species account contains accurate artworks that show details of the flowers, leaves and growth habit of the plant. A concise written account outlines further essential information, such as size, description, habitat, flowering time and distribution to help you identify wild flowers.The easy-to-follow layouts and illustrations artworks aid quick and precise identification, and make this book an indispensable reference in the field as well as at home. It is compact enough to fit in the pocket, yet packed with essential information for the nature enthusiast.Table of ContentsIntroduction Life Cycle of Flowering Plants Leaf Types Flower Forms and Types Adapting To Their Environment Wild Flowers Mistletoes Hops Nettles Knotweeds Goosefoots Pinks Buttercups Poppies Fumitories Cabbages Sundews Stonecrops Saxifrages Roses Peas Wood sorrels Crane’s-bills Flaxes Spurges Milkworts Mallows St John’s-worts Violets Loosestrifes Willowherbs Ivies Carrots Primroses Heathers Sea-lavenders Gentians Bedstraws Bindweeds Borages Dead-nettles Nightshades Figworts Broomrapes Moschatels Valerians Butterworts Plantains Honeysuckles Teasels Bellflowers Daisies Lilies Irises Arums Orchids Water-lilies Water-plantains

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE PEOPLE''S BOOK PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION AND LONGLISTED FOR THE JAMES CROPPER WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR WRITING ON CONSERVATION.''Enchanting a joy to read.'' JOANNA LUMLEY''Vibrant and vital.'' CHRIS PACKHAM''Forget Me Not is a tonic.'' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT''Remarkable.'' NELL FRIZZELL''A fierce, passionate stand for the wild.'' MEGAN MCCUBBIN''Funny, full of interest and often poignant.'' ISABELLA TREE''Beautiful. Rare. Profound. Hopeful.'' CHARLOTTE PHILBY''Passionate, pragmatic and seriously funny.'' GILLIAN BURKE''Wonderfully refreshing.'' BENEDICT MACDONALDJoin Sophie Pavelle on a low-carbon journey around Britain in search of ten animals and habitats threatened by climate change in the 21st century.Forget-me-not a beautiful flower and a plea from our islands' wildlife. When climate change has driven dozens of our most charismatic species to extinction, will they be forTrade ReviewThis enchanting book could not be more timely: it brings much to inspire our future thinking, and is a joy to read. * Joanna Lumley *Vibrant and vital. The trials of ten treasured species that we can’t afford to fail. A biological romp with a real mission. -- Chris Packham * broadcaster and author of Fingers in the Sparkle Jar *This engaging romp in search of our most endangered species is a timely reminder of the magic we have in nature and what we are set to lose if we don’t wake up. Funny, full of interest and often poignant, travelling with Sophie Pavelle is a journey to remember. * Isabella Tree, author of Wilding *A fierce, passionate stand for the wild. * Megan McCubbin, zoologist, conservationist and broadcaster *Forget Me Not sings and rings with a distinctive combination of passion, humour and energy; Sophie Pavelle's low-carbon journey round the overlooked, undersung species of our island group makes a heartfelt plea for the need to conserve, restore and replenish the wildlife we have left. -- Robert Macfarlane * author of Underland *If the canon of British nature writing has a reputation for being male and overly earnest, then Sophie Pavelle’s Forget Me Not is a one-book rebalancing act. -- India Bourke * New Statesman *This is such a beautiful book. Full of humour, adventure, poignancy. It will make you value the country around you and even hungrier to protect it. Remarkable. -- Nell Frizzell * journalist and author of The Panic Years *Forget Me Not is a tonic... Pavelle’s writing is a delight, full of extended sartorial or food-related metaphors, puns and cheeky humour. -- Rebecca Foster * Times Literary Supplement *The prose is as lyrical as it is sassy, as insightful as it is impassioned. -- Amy-Jane Beer * Guardian Book of the Day *A clarion call for us all to do something to make a difference. -- Ceri Levy * Caught by the River *Urgent and challenging, but also fun and beautifully written, Sophie documents her low-carbon journeys exposing the reality of climate change in Britain. -- Simon Reeve * broadcast journalist, adventurer and author of Step by Step *Beautiful. Rare. Profound. Hopeful. -- Charlotte Philby * author of A Double Life *Finding wonder in the familiar and celebrating the unknown in the everyday, this is a beautiful book - and so perfectly told. -- Professor Ben Garrod * author, broadcaster, biologist *Sophie Pavelle writes with the urgency and voice of a generation. Her commitment is matched with a fierce knowledge of conservation biology and policymaking, whose murky corridors are expertly navigated. Passionate, pragmatic and seriously funny. -- Gillian Burke * biologist, presenter and writer *From rare butterflies to bats and bumblebees, Sophie takes us on a breathless but strangely relaxing whistle-stop tour of Britain in search of some of our less familiar, fragile and fascinating wildlife. Charming, witty and moving. -- Professor Dave Goulson * Professor of Biology and author of A Sting in the Tale *Pavelle is the best kind of science writer – who makes you feel almost as smart as she is, priming and signposting in such a way that you grasp the punchline in the moment before she delivers it. Make no mistake, this is serious stuff, requiring serious communication. But she balances love and irreverence, data and ditz. I loved the breezy humour, the sass and savviness. -- Dr Amy-Jane Beer * naturalist, writer, campaigner and Guardian Country Diarist *A wonderfully refreshing look at the vanishing species around us, what they mean and why they matter. -- Benedict Macdonald * naturalist, wildlife TV producer and author of Rebirding *Forget Me Not is that enchanting book that makes you want to put on your hiking boots and big coat, get outdoors and immerse yourself in nature. Sophie’s writing is funny and accessible whilst being a call to arms for us to protect Britain’s most vulnerable species. Perfect for old hats and newbies to wildlife. Highly recommended. -- Dr Amir Khan * NHS doctor, broadcaster, author and Vice President of The Wildlife Trusts *Sophie has a warm tone of voice in this enjoyable and accessible read. * BBC Wildlife magazine *Pavelle has a lively mind and sense of humour ... [she] explains the science well and has done a serious amount of research. -- Simon Lester * Country Life magazine *Here is a vibrant and vital voice from the millennial generation that is fighting climate change and its devastating effect on the world around us. -- Ceri Levy * Caught by the River *Like the captured sunshine she describes persisting in a seagrass meadow even on a cloudy day, she [Pavelle] has captured a different kind of light here, that of youth and love and hope. -- Dr Amy-Jane Beer * Guardian Book of the Day *Pavelle pulls no punches, giving the facts as they are, but weaving them together with a poetic touch and some light-hearted relief. It felt counterintuitive to be chuckling out loud while reading a book about such a bleak topic, but that is the beauty of Forget Me Not. -- Jeni Bell * British Wildlife *A lively introduction to the nature crisis in the British Isles. * New Statesman *Her style is lively, casual and autobiographical, and her book would suit young people new to nature writing and keen to learn more about the biodiversity on our doorstep. -- Katie Burton * Geographical *This is perfection. -- Ben Goldsmith * environmentalist *Gritty, amusing and wonderfully educational, a truly inspiring account of species at the forefront of climate change in Britain. -- Jake Fiennes * author of Land Healer *A journey well worth joining. -- David Brown * Best of Britain *Sophie Pavelle's book properly stands out in the increasingly crowded nature writing field. She writes powerfully about vital issues, in a totally fresh, funny and accessible way that is distinctively her own. Loved it. -- Lee Schofield * author of Wild Fell *An absolute triumph in science communication. -- Leif Bersweden * author of The Orchid Hunter and Where the Wildflowers Grow *Passionate and thought-provoking. -- Mark Whitley * Countryman *It's full of wonder and joy. And crucially, it's written in the voice of a friend [...] while there's wit and warmth flowing through each chapter, the message never stops being urgent. * Country Walking *Pavelle’s weapons in the face of these difficult truths are positivity and action. -- Katie Burton * Geographical *This is a very thought-provoking read and hopefully will inspire us to do something about it [climate change] to prevent future losses. -- John Miles * Bird Watching *...amusing and thought-provoking. -- Kim Smith * Bury and West Suffolk magazine *A book about climate change with deep adoration for the natural world at its heart. -- Francesca Donovan * The Great Outdoors *Low-carbon wandering propels Sophie Pavelle’s jauntier tour of climate-change Britain in Forget Me Not. * Country & Town House *...refreshingly new voice. -- Stephen MossAt the heart of Sophie’s book is a fierce and merlin-like love of all that is wild. -- Nick Acheson * author of The Meaning of Geese *This book aims to challenge and it succeeds with a quiet and constant hum of urgency. -- Mannie Coe * author of brother.do.you.love.me *Before reading Forgot Me Not, I hadn’t thought it possible to write a book about the effect of climate change on different species that is buoyant, funny and hopeful - yet Sophie Pavelle has pulled it off superbly. This book is wonderful. -- Claire Ratinon * author of Unearthed *Engaging, compelling and more important than ever. -- Sarah Langford * author of In Your Defence and Rooted *Packed with facts from the experts she meets on her travels, we learn a lot about the underdog species that have missed our attention ... This is Sophie’s first release, and like the species she discovers, it’s not to be forgotten. * Rewilding Britain *A remarkable and fascinating book that manages to convey a wealth of facts about the daunting future of these species… with humour and lightness of touch. -- Tom Tivnan * The Bookseller *Seldom have I learned so much, while laughing out loud. A joyous but quietly angry book about the beauty of Britain’s wildlife, how we have failed it, how to save it, and how accessible it is by public transport. At the end I felt determined to see our most threatened species protected. -- Louise Gray * author of Avocado Anxiety *A unique, brilliant and beautiful new way of writing and celebrating the good stuff, whilst reminding us of the precarity of it all […] Forget Me Not is fresh and funny, sharp and poignant; stop scrolling and read this book! -- Nicola Chester * author of On Gallows Down *A lovely journey into our wildest places with the inspiring message: conservation works and we should let it. -- Charles Clover * journalist, conservationist and author of Rewilding the Sea *A lightness of touch, given to a serious subject: that's what makes this British journey urgent reading, for young and old. I loved this book — a moving story about what we're losing, introduced to me by my son, who urged me to read it. * journalist and author of The Lost Pianos of Siberia *A beautiful, immersive read. -- Clover Stroud * author of The Red of my Blood *Pavelle's wit makes the book a joy to read. -- Sam Taylor * The Times *If getting people to listen is key to highlighting today’s conservation issues, then [Pavelle], with her ability to communicate so passionately and knowledgeably, is unlocking all the doors. -- Jeni Bell * British Wildlife *Table of ContentsCHAPTER ONE: MARSH FRITILLARY I begin my journey in the south-west of England, where I take a short train and cycle ride to Bodmin Moor to see one of the UK’s rarest species of butterfly, which is persisting deep in the heart of the Cornish mire despite unimaginable challenges. CHAPTER TWO: HARBOUR PORPOISE Wasting no time, next I head straight to the Welsh coast, where I travel to Pembrokeshire to try and spot Britain’s smallest cetacean feeding amid the infamous tidal races and renewable energy developments. CHAPTER THREE: SEAGRASS Staying in Wales and heading north to Snowdonia, I snorkel the freezing waters of the Irish Sea to find out why seagrass is fast becoming the habitat that we cannot afford to lose. CHAPTER FOUR: GREY LONG-EARED BAT Back home in Devon again, I hike one of my favourite stretches of the Jurassic coast to a rural farm to see whether I can find one of the last maternity roosts of Britain’s rarest and most elusive bat. CHAPTER FIVE: BLACK GUILLEMOT Eager to get up to Scotland, I venture to the Orkney Islands, specifically the northernmost isle of this unique archipelago, to spend time with one of the British Isles’ most overlooked seabirds and try to understand more about the threats this quirky bird faces. CHAPTER SIX: DUNG BEETLES Testing out how ready the UK is to function on electric vehicles, I borrow an electric car and drive to Knepp Castle Estate to learn why dung and its beetles are making a resurgence in this tiny patch of England and why we cannot ignore dung. CHAPTER SEVEN: ATLANTIC SALMON Back home to Devon and into a kayak, I travel down a swollen, autumnal river to try and understand why, in the face of climate change, the epic salmon run might become a feat of the past. CHAPTER EIGHT: MOUNTAIN HARE Travelling north to Scotland again, I head to the high heather moorlands of the East Cairngorms to see our native mountain hare and investigate why they are set to become strangers in their own habitat if temperatures continue to rise. CHAPTER NINE: MERLIN Cycling across England’s Peak District to the Dark Peak, I’m searching for Britain’s smallest falcon, hoping to discover why we keep forgetting about these birds and how they will fare in a warming world. CHAPTER TEN: BILBERRY BUMBLEBEE Finishing on my home patch, I make a final trip to Dartmoor, searching for Britain’s ‘mountain bee’ and one of its last surviving populations in the south-west to understand better why its upland habitat might become too hot to handle.

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Book SynopsisWhen a lion at a breeding park mauls an old school friend of his, Con must step in as the keeper of Sekhmet, the last remaining black-maned lioness in the world. In a Cape Town where fences keep people and wildlife apart, park officials and investors fret about their flagship big-cat project. And while Con grows steadily more bonded to his enigmatic charge, a cult of animal lovers seek to claim her as their own.Trade Review'Rose-Innes is a writer almost in the Virginia Woolf mould - lateral of mind and poetic in her style of narration.' Sunday Times (SA); 'I love Henrietta Rose-Innes' work. With plotlines that are wittily subversive and language that is whippet-lean, it is long overdue for discovery by a wider readership.' Patrick Gale

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Book SynopsisA Field Guide to Larking is a practical, interactive and inspiring guide to 'larking' from the bestselling author of Mudlarking. LARK (verb): to get out and about, to explore the world around us and to discover the little treasures hiding in plain sight. We think, of course, of mudlarking but there is also beachlarking, fieldlarking or even simply exploring your own home with fresh eyes. In this beautiful field guide, Lara teaches us how to lark for ourselves. There are maps and charts, tips and lists, and colour illustrations throughout to help identify finds. From tide tables for mudlarkers to a flint guide for fieldlarkers, this book is richly informative and yet small enough to pop in a pocket. Like a journal it invites you to interact – to make notes and record finds along the way. If Lara Maiklem's first book was a glimpse into a hidden world, with this field guide she shows us how we can discover it for ourselves.Trade ReviewEnchanting ... In fact, I am quite tempted to join Maiklem on the riverbed looking for treasure * Sunday Times on Mudlarking *There is a great deal to learn from these pages, not least the insight that finding lost things is the best way of losing yourself * Guardian on Mudlarking *Brilliant. No one has looked at these odd corners since Sherlock Holmes * Sunday Telegraph on Mudlarking *A lovely, lyrical, gently meandering book, filled with fascinating diversions and detail * Literary Review on Mudlarking *

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Book SynopsisFrom world-renowned biologist Frans de Waal, a groundbreaking work which challenges everything we think we know about animal intelligence. 'A remarkable book by a remarkable scientist' Edward O Wilson author of The Social Conquest of Earth What separates your mind from the mind of an animal? Maybe you think it's your ability to design tools, your sense of self, or your grasp of past and future - all traits that have helped us define ourselves as the pre-eminent species on Earth. But in recent decades, claims of human superiority have been eroded by a revolution in the study of animal cognition. Take the way octopuses use coconut shells as tools, or how elephants can classify humans by age, gender, and language. Take Ayumu, the young male chimpanzee at Kyoto University who demonstrates his species' exceptional photographic memory. Based on research on animals including crows, dolphins, parrots, sheep, wasps, bats, whales, chimpanzees and bonobos, Frans de Waal reveals the scope and depth of animal intelligence, explaining how we have grossly underestimated non-human brains. With astonishing stories of animal cognition, Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? challenges everything you thought you knew about animal - and human - intelligence. 'A lively, punchy and rigorous review of 20 years of academic studies of animals' mental lives, written by one of the most prominent thinkers in the field... an important corrective to human exceptionalism' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewA lively, punchy and rigorous review of 20 years of academic studies of animals' mental lives, written by one of the most prominent thinkers in the field... It is the half-century-long failure of science and empathy that motivates de Waal's fascinating book... De Waal demolishes the pedestal on which we have placed humanity... [it is] an important corrective to human exceptionalism -- James McConachie * Sunday Times *If you are at all interested in what it is to be an animal, human or otherwise, you should read this book -- Matthew Cobb * Guardian *Compellingly recounted by De Waal, who has a long and distinguished career in animal psychology... This book makes plan [that] we can see plenty of ourselves in our animal cousins too -- Raphael Hogarth * The Times *So, are we 'smart enough to know how smart animals are'? The question will occur to you many times as you read Frans de Waal's remarkable distillations of science in this astonishingly broad-spectrum book. I guarantee one thing: readers come away a lot smarter. As this book shows, we are here on Planet Earth with plenty of intelligent company -- Carl Safina, author * Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel *Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? will completely change your perceptions of the abilities of animals. It is... a fascinating journey of discovery -- Temple Grandin, author * Animals in Translation *This is a remarkable book by a remarkable scientist. Drawing on a growing body of research including his own, de Waal shows that animals, from elephants and chimpanzees to the lowly invertebrates, are not only smarter than we thought, but also engaged in forms of thought we have only begun to understand -- Edward O. Wilson, University Professor Emeritus, Harvard UniversityA thoughtful, balanced argument... written simply enough for nonspecialists but with enough detail to engage academics who want a concise review of the field outside their own areas of expertise. The take-home message may be not only whether humans are smart enough to evaluate nonhuman intelligence, but also whether we are humble and open-minded enough to accept that humans may sometimes not be superior to the nonhumans with whom we share the world -- Irene Pepperberg, author * Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence—and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process *Frans de Waal's groundbreaking research has long challenged scientists, philosophers, and theologians to rethink the place of humans in the natural world, showing that we aren't the only species with strategic 'political' behavior, elements of empathy, a sense of justice, and high intelligence. Here he covers not only primates, but a much wider range of species, showing his unique ability to translate the latest findings into sparkling, accessible, provocative books for the thinking public -- Robert Sapolsky, author * Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers *Engaging and provocative... de Waal illuminates the latest ideas and thinking about animal minds and emotions... He challenges us to accept the ultimate findings of this research: Our mental skills are the product of evolution, and all animals from spiders to octopuses to ravens and apes are thinkers in their own ways. And he asks us perhaps the most daunting question of all: Are we really smart enough to understand the minds of other animals? -- Virginia Morell, author * Animal Wise: How We Know Animals Think and Feel *You can't help but get a sense that de Waal has placed another nail in the coffin of behaviorism. In animal after animal, de Waal shows the depths of their intelligence and triumphantly affirms that, yes, we are smart enough to see it, and the clues have been there all along -- Gregory Berns, author * How Dogs Love Us *Frans de Waal brilliantly demonstrates through scientific evidence, inspiring stories, and common sense that we must fully appreciate the continuous evolutionary process that led to intelligence - understanding situations, reasoning, learning, emotional and empathic knowledge, communication, planning, creativity, and problem solving - and to other amazing cognitive skills that allow various species to best survive, each in their own way. A must for those who aspire to transcend the biases of both anthropocentrism and anthropodenial -- Matthieu Ricard, author * Altruism: The Power of Compassion to Change Yourself and the World *A thoroughly engaging, remarkably informative and deeply insightful book * Publishers Weekly *de Waal is persuasive in arguing that the difference between the cognition of the human and those of other animals is one of degree, not of kind, and the clarity of his writing makes for a highly readable book ... After this edifying book, a trip to the zoo may never be the same * Kirkus *This is what science writing should be, and so rarely is: confident but humble; rigorous but suffused with wonder. De Waal writes with the simplicity that comes only with profound understanding. he's a true scientist - free of the reductionist fundamentalism that suffocates so much modern science. The book is an exhilarating but genial journey through evolutionary aeons, across the species barrier, and into the surprisingly companionable worlds of non-human races -- Charles Foster, author of Being the BeastWhen a judge says that a young criminal behaved like an animal he means it as an insult. If he read Frans de Waal's splendid new book he would discover that in reality it as a compliment -- Desmond MorrisDe Waal draws on his own experience and a vast array of scientific papers to support his ideas. His book is rich and digressive... It is certainly a significant contribution to the debate. -- Philip Hoare * New Statesman *Engrossing and remarkable -- Brett Westwood * BBC Wildlife Magazine *Terrific... [de Waal] is a brilliant writer -- Doug Johnstone * Big Issue *[This] guide to animal intelligence will help us adjust our human-centricity a little bit... De Waal sets out not only to explore the topic of animal intelligence [...] but also to investigate why we are so very resistant to accepting the fact that other species share some of our mental traits. In the process, he explores the history of such biases, as well as the research that has challenged them... Are We Smart Enough? is like the lunchtime lecture you might go to... story-driven and personable, so you feel the narrator is there with you, affably offering insights that expand your understanding -- Adrian Barnett * Literary Review *Admirable... [de Waal] offers intimate knowledge of the history of the field together with a vision of its prospects. He skilfully weaves together intellectual history, anecdote[s] about leading figures, accounts of empirical discoveries, philosophical critique and the occasional well-aimed and perfectly weighted slap. Combining wisdom, lightly-worn expertise and an undiminished capacity for wonder, de Waal is not afraid to let a shard of temper show now and again... His reflections over a long an distinguished career will both enlighten the general reader and discomfort those who deserve, in their presuppositions, to be much less comfortable... a remarkable book -- Ian Ground * TLS *

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Book Synopsis"...a captivating book covering a wide spectrum of animal behaviour and species… this is a book to make you re-think the role of the female." —BBC Wildlife  In the lion world, only the females hunt — because they do it best! The boss of a hyena pack? An alpha female. Even the lowest-ranking female of the pack is superior to her male counterparts. As for praying mantises? They keep interaction with men to the essentials, eating them right after mating for added nutrition. The first photo book to focus exclusively on the female of the species, Fearless Females is a fascinating account of “feminine” strength throughout the animal kingdom. With some 150 photographs, accompanied by remarkable facts and extraordinary stories, the book reveals the fierce, formidable, and fascinating antics of she lions, elephants, and many other creatures. A refreshing reappraisal of “feminine” behaviour and a long overdue emancipation of nature and wildlife photography. Text in English and German.Trade Review"There are may more fascinating facts as well as stunning, and sometimes gruesome, photographs in Mario Ludwig's book highlighting the fearless females of the animal kingdom." - Lilly Subbotin, Irish Daily Mail and Daily Mail"Text and images combined make for a captivating book covering a wide spectrum of animal behaviour and species…this is a book to make you re-think the role of the female." - BBC Wildlife"This wildlife book focuses exclusively on the female species, documenting the feminine strength shown throughout the animal kingdom." - Amateur Photography“Beautifully illustrated.” - Outdoor Photography

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Book SynopsisWe're not just losing the wild world. We're forgetting it. We're no longer noticing it. We've lost the habit of looking and seeing and listening and hearing. But we can make hidden things visible, and this book features 23 spellbinding ways to bring the magic of nature much closer to home.Mammals you never knew existed will enter your world. Birds hidden in treetops will shed their cloak of anonymity. With a single movement of your hand you can make reptiles appear before you. Butterflies you never saw before will bring joy to every sunny day. Creatures of the darkness will enter your consciousness. And as you take on new techniques and a little new equipment, you will discover new creatures and, with them, new areas of yourself that had gone dormant. Once put to use, they wake up and start working again. You become wilder in your mind and in your heart. Once you know the tricks, the wild world beginTrade Review'Rewild Yourself turns the [nature writing] genre upside down. Barnes tackles the issue of our disconnection with the wild from a much more pragmatic angle. It is not the land that should be rewilded, but us. This book has a spiritual, crusading quality. He writes as an uncle would to his nieces or nephews, encouraging them to enjoy his love of the outdoors... There is something here for anyone who is captivated by nature and wants to get closer... Essentially Rewild Yourself is about learning to be part of nature. This is such a simple, clever book.' -- Rosemary Goring * Herald *'Barnes urges us to pay closer attention to the natural world, sharing 23 tips and techniques to help us all, wherever we live, to broaden our horizons and enjoy the wonders of nature.' * Daily Express *'The perfect gift for both confirmed nature lovers, and those who want to discover the wild side…' * Lancashire Post *

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE ORION BOOK AWARD Part travelogue, part manifesto for wildness as an essential character of life, Wild is a one-of-a-kind book from a one-of-a-kind author''Undefinable, untameable, profound and extraordinary'' Observer _________________________''I took seven years over this work, spent all I had, my time, money and energy. Part of the journey was a green riot and part a deathly bleakness. I got ill, I got well. I went to the freedom fighters of West Papua and sang my head off in their highlands. I met cannibals infinitely kinder and more trustworthy than the murderous missionaries who evangelize them. I found a paradox of wildness in the glinting softness of its charisma, for what is savage is in the deepest sense gentle and what is wild is kind. In the end - a strangely sweet result - I came back to a wild home.'' Wild describes an extraordinary odyssey, courageous and sometimes danTrade ReviewWild is like nothing else I've ever read: thrilling, troubling, frightening, exhilarating. Jay Griffiths' courage and energy are formidable, but so is her sheer intelligence and literary flair * Philip Pullman *Reality is such that both language and imagination have to exaggerate in order to confront it truly. Living with such exaggeration you need a very good head for heights and a lot of bravery. In this book Jay Griffiths has both. If bravery itself could write (by definition it can't), it would write, I believe, like she does * John Berger *

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Book SynopsisRSPB ID Spotlight Garden Birds is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 39 of our most widespread and familiar garden birds by renowned artist Stephen Message.Whether you are watching small birds at your garden bird feeder or a raptor soaring overhead, birds are everywhere. But could you recognise a Marsh Tit from a Coal Tit? Or distinguish between a Song Thrush and a Redwing? These are just a handful of the array of birds that are attracted to the UK''s gardens to nest and feed.The species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification, while the artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field. The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our garden birds, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB is working to support them. Practical tips on how to make your own ''bird pastry'' and put up nest boxeTrade ReviewThey are great for showing children the wide variety of species […] and small enough to take away with you on location, or just to keep in the car. -- John Miles * Bird Watching *Table of ContentsIntroducing the UK’s Garden Birds Habitat Distribution and Migration General Behaviour, Life Cycle and Diet Conservation Spotlight ID with Artwork

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Book SynopsisAre you ready to #RateASpecies? Zoos and aquariums have poked wild fun at their animal friends—and their “product reviews” will leave your pack howling! Packed with adorable animal photos and laced with wit and humor, Animals Reviewed is a must-read for animal lovers of all ages. All proceeds benefit the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s mission to advance animal welfare, public engagement, and conservation.

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Book Synopsis*The classic trilogy set in sun-soaked Corfu that inspired ITV''s acclaimed TV series The Durrells*Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy.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 delightful book full of simple, well-known things: cicadas in the olive groves, lamp fishing at night, the complexities of fish and animals - but, above all, childhood moulded by these things'' New York Times

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Book SynopsisThis practical pocket field guide, published in association with the Wildlife Trusts, includes 150 butterfly and moth species from Britain and the near Continent. Each species account contains accurate artworks that show details to help readers differentiate between male and female butterflies, moths and caterpillars of varying species. A concise written account outlines further essential information, such as size, description, habitat, flight times, distribution, foodplants and habits.The easy-to-follow layouts and illustrations aid quick identification, and make this book an indispensable reference in the field as well as at home. It is compact enough to fit in the pocket, yet filled with essential information for nature enthusiasts.Table of ContentsIntroduction Butterflies - Skippers - Swallowtails - Whites - Hairstreaks - Coppers - Blues - Metalmarks - Emperors - Vanessids - Fritillaries - Danaids - Browns Moths - Micropterigids - Leaf Rollers - Pyralid Moths - Plume Moths - Swift Moths - Leopard & Goat Moths - Forester Moths - Burnet Moths - Clearwing Moths - Eggar Moths - Kentish Glory - Emperor Moths - Lutestring Moths - Geometer Moths - Hawkmoths - Prominent & Kitten Moths - Footman Moths - Tiger Moths - Ermines - Cinnabar Moth - Processionary Moths - Noctuid Moths

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Book SynopsisCHOSEN AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR BY WATERSTONES AND THE TIMES''Nothing less than brilliant'' Wall Street Journal''Entertaining and original'' Guardian''Accessible and insightful, it''s a thought-provoking read'' Observer''Highly readable'' The Times__________What''s it like to be a bat, a bee, or a bed bug? From narwhals to slugs, Dr Justin Gregg offers a window into the minds of other creatures and debunks many of the myths of human exceptionalism. With the latest research on animal minds and cognitive psychology, he shows us what animal minds can teach us about humanity''s shortcomings. Mind-bending, humbling and hilarious, If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal will change how you think about animals, humans, and the meaning of life itself.__________''Provides real insight into hoTrade ReviewI love the book and everyone should read it -- Ryan HolidayIf Nietzsche Were A Narwhal makes some extraordinary and thought-provoking points. It is not only engagingly written, but its controversial thesis is worth taking seriously... some of the cognitive concepts introduced...are nothing less than brilliant. * Wall Street Journal *Beautiful, thought-provoking, and often hilarious * BBC Science Focus *Gregg's clever and provocative book is full of irreverent notions and funny anecdotes - the creative upside to being a human animal. But our ability to abstract from our immediate experience means we can take that creativity too far....undeniably entertaining * New York Times *A dazzling, delightful read on what animal cognition can teach us about our own mental shortcomings. You won't just tear through this book in one sitting - you'll probably want to invite Justin Gregg over for dinner to spend more time inside his brilliant mind. This is one of the best debuts I've read in a long time, and I dare you to open it without rethinking some of your basic ideas about intelligence. -- Adam GrantI defy you not to be interested by this book - it finds a novel way of getting at very deep questions about who we are and what it means, and does so with clear-eyed compassion and a certain humor that softens the conclusion a bit -- Bill McKibbenCombining first rate story-telling with the latest research on animal minds and cognitive psychology, If Nietzsche Were A Narwhal is the rare book that will cause readers to think deeply about big questions and moral issues and to laugh out loud on nearly every page. I loved it. -- Hal HerzogIf Nietzsche Were a Narwhal is a book full of observations as surprising and off-the-beaten-path as its title. It's scientifically very well informed. It's not a treatise - it's a pleasure. -- Carl SafinaI felt dumber after reading this book. Mission accomplished, Justin! -- David GrimmWe've heard that a mind is a terrible thing to waste, but have you ever considered that having a human mind is more a bane than a gift? Justin Gregg's delightful and provocative book melds science with anecdote to explore that question. Read it, have your preconceptions challenged, and feel some humility. It might do you good. -- Jonathan BalcombeA highly original take on the nature of intelligence across life forms. Simultaneously thought -provoking and delightfully humorous, Justin Gregg guides readers into an essential re-thinking of human exceptionalism. This is a welcome upending of all we have been molded to believe about humans and other animal minds. -- Lyanda Lynn HauptThis is an important book to read if you want to understand animals for what they are - not as cardboard cutouts, or as furry humans. Animal minds aren't in competition with us, although Gregg makes a good case that if they were, they would win hands down. The idea that human intelligence may be nothing more than a failed evolutionary dead end, gives humanity an important challenge to which we must rise. -- Arik KershenbaumWhat's it like to be a bat, a bee, or a bed bug? In this enthralling book, Justin Gregg offers a window into the minds of other creatures, and debunks many of the myths of human exceptionalism. He makes the provocative argument that human thinking may be complex, but it is by no means superior - and its unique qualities could even be the cause of our species' ultimate downfall. If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal is both a humbling and awe-inspiring read. -- David RobsonA funny, perceptive book that answers questions we've been told not to ask. Like many of the great sages, Justin Gregg uses animal stories to treat deep questions of consciousness and justice. The result is a deft field guide to the mixed blessings of intelligence and the real possibility that consciousness (and joy) exist perfectly well without it. -- William PoundstoneA sparkling and witty tour of the many minds we share this planet with. Nietzsche might be surprised to find himself contemplated in the company of beasts from narwhals to slugs - but the fascinating and detailed payoff of the cognitive lives of so many animals is immense. -- Clive WynneEnlightening! If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal is a hilarious and thrilling look at intelligence that asks: are humans really the best? Gregg will dazzle and sweep you off your feet with his detailed exploration of the animal kingdom and its many secrets. This is an absolute must-read. -- Wednesday MartinIf Nietzsche Were a Narwhal is an unusual, delightful, and entertaining book that will help us achieve a more precise understanding of human nature, counterintuitively by looking at our reflection in light of the clues of conscious behavior expressed by our fellow animals. I loved Dr. Gregg's book because I learned quite a few interesting things from each chapter. As a scholar, I can offer no higher praise. Highly recommended. -- Oné R PagánIf Nietzsche were a Narwhal is a beautiful, thought-provoking and often hilarious exploration of this planet's different kinds of minds. Justin Gregg points out that while many of the hallmarks of human intelligence are also found, in some form, in animals from insects to narwhals, humans are by all means exceptional. But our intelligence is still constrained by our evolutionary history; we may be too intelligent for own good, and too stupid to look after our planet with a sufficiently long-term planning perspective. Gregg's magnificent book is a poignant reminder that if we don't raise our game fast, we might once again cede Earth to the rule of insects and other supposedly less intelligent creatures. -- Lars Chittka[If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal] challenges deep-seated ideas about the superiority of human intelligence by contrasting it with stories of animals who've gotten along just fine without it * Publishers Weekly *

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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 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 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 SynopsisThis practical pocket field guide, published in association with the Wildlife Trusts, includes 170 species of coastal birds from Britain and the near Continent. Each species account contains accurate artworks that show details of variations in plumage for male, female and juvenile birds, as well as breeding and non-breeding birds. A concise written account outlines further essential information, such as size, description, voice, habitat, distribution and habits.The easy-to-follow layouts and illustrations aid quick and precise identification, and make this book an indispensable reference in the field as well as at home. It is compact enough to fit in the pocket yet packed with essential information for nature enthusiasts.Table of ContentsIntroduction Birds of coastal habitats The basics of identification Using this book Coastal Birds Wildfowl Divers Grebes Fulmar and Shearwaters Storm-petrels Gannet Cormorants Herons Spoonbills Hawks & Allies Osprey Falcons Rails Oystercatchers Stilts Avocets Plovers Waders Skuas Gulls Terns Auks Pigeons Cuckoos Barn Owls Typical Owls Swifts Kingfishers Woodpeckers Larks Swallows & Martins Pipits & Wagtails Chats Thrushes Warblers & Allies Flycatchers Bearded Tit Crows Starlings Finches Buntings

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Book Synopsis"An animal is a prescription without side effects."Do you love animals? Do you feel a connection with a furry friend? Do you believe animals offer something that can touch and heal a human heart?My Therapist and Other Animals tells of the healing bond that can be created when animals are participants in our lives. These true stories document the loving connection between humans and those with whom we share a planet. Written by René Chorley, an experienced attachment therapist, it illustrates how animals can reach through the pain of abuse, neglect and trauma and reignite the ability to feel safe, cared for and valued.Animals can make a difference in our lives. They are consistent and unconditional in their time, attention and affection, qualities that may be missing in the lives of so many. Each story brings to life a connection - whether it be an exceptional dog offering friendship or a squeaky guinea pig excited for feed time, our importance in their lives feeds our self-worth.These heart-warming stories prove that this connection has the power to overcome all.

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Book SynopsisA Photographic Guide to the Wildlife of India is a wide ranging overview of the subcontinent's wildlife, describing and illustrating over 984 species from all 26 states, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Indian region is exceptionally rich in wildlife due to its wide variety of habitats and climates. Altitude ranges from sea level to the peaks of the Himalaya; rainfall from its lowest in the Rajasthan desert to Cherapunji in Meghalaya, one of the wettest places in the world. This diversity supports a huge range of charismatic species from the iconic Bengal Tiger to Clouded Leopards, crocodiles to King Cobras, hornbills to eagles. The guide begins with an overview of India's climate and geography, its wildlife habitats, threats to wildlife, extreme rarities and how to enjoy the forests. The main part of the book contains concise species descriptions of 678 birds, 114 mammals, 72 butterflies and other insects, 66 reptiles, and 54 trees and flowers; each one accompanied by a photograph. The book concludes with a section on wildlife watching in the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries which present the best chance of seeing many of these species described.

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Book SynopsisA spectacular compilation of animal illustrations from the awe-inspiring works of Kerby Rosanes, as part of an exciting new series called Kerby’s Selection.This beautiful colouring book brings together the most astonishing animal images from Kerby’s World and Morphia series, featuring fantasy scenes of strange, shape-shifting animals as well as real-life depictions of our fragile world and its natural beauty.Fifty-eight detailed drawings of wondrous animals and their environments are just waiting to be brought to life with colour – from an enchanting eagle leaving a trail of doodles in its wake and an intricate beetle made from cogs to a cute otter floating along a river and giant pandas surrounded by bamboo.Please note: This book contains material previously published in Fragile World, Worlds Within Worlds, Animorphia, Mythomorphia, Geomorphia and Imagimorphia.

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Book SynopsisMy Family and Other Animals is the bewitching account of a rare and magical childhood on the island of Corfu by treasured British conservationist Gerald Durrell. Escaping the ills of the British climate, the Durrell family - acne-ridden Margo, gun-toting Leslie, bookworm Lawrence and budding naturalist Gerry, along with their long-suffering mother and Roger the dog - take off for the island of Corfu.But the Durrells find that, reluctantly, they must share their various villas with a menagerie of local fauna - among them scorpions, geckos, toads, bats and butterflies.Recounted with immense humour and charm My Family and Other Animals is a wonderful account of a rare, magical childhood.''Durrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities'' Sunday Telegraph''A bewitching book'' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewDurrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThis practical pocket guide is packed with information on 200 species of fungi found in Britain and the near Continent.There''s an incredible variety that exists within the world of fungi, from the better-known groups such as the boletes and russulas, to more esoteric and often strangely shaped types like bracket fungi, clubs, corals, puffballs, stinkhorns and elfcups. Each species account in this guide contains accurate artworks that show details such as fungi shape and other aspects of appearance that change during their lives. A concise written account further outlines size, description, habitat and the season in which each fungus may be found. The easy-to-follow layouts and illustrations aid quick and precise identification, making this book an indispensable reference in the field as well as at home. It is compact enough to fit in the pocket, yet packed with essential information for nature enthusiasts.Table of ContentsIntroduction What Are Fungi? Identifying Fungi Conservation of Fungi Poisonous Fungi Mushrooms Boletes Milkcaps Russulas Amanitas Waxcaps Woodwaxes Honey Fungi Knights Funnels Deceivers Toughshanks Bonnets Tricholoma Allies Pinkgills Shields Rosegills Webcaps Rustgills Poison Pies Fibrecaps Fieldgaps Tufts & Woodtufts Scalycaps Roundheads Psilocybe Mottlegills Parasols Powdercaps Mushrooms Inkcaps Weeping Widow Oyster Oysterlings Cockleshells Spikes Chanterelles False Chanterelle Bracket Fungi Clubs & Corals Cauliflower Fungus Stinkhorns Earthstars Puffballs Earthballs Jelly Fungi Earthfans Toothed Fungi Jellydiscs Saddles Cups Morels Woodwarts Candlesnuffs Underground Fungi

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Book SynopsisThe perfect hilarious and heartwarming gift for the festive season!When the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards announced a contest for the funniest animal photo, they received entries from all over the world. Now authors and the original Award founders Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam showcase the best of the best - as well as some never before seen - to present the most joyful photographs of wildlife ever printed. A pelican losing its lunch; a three-headed giraffe; a meerkat having a rough day... this is the must-have book that is perfect for animal lovers of all stripes!

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Book SynopsisMy Family and Other Animals is the bewitching account of a rare and magical childhood on the island of Corfu by treasured British conservationist Gerald Durrell, beautifully repackaged as part of the Penguin Essentials range.''What we all need,'' said Larry, ''is sunshine...a country where we can grow.''''Yes, dear, that would be nice,'' agreed Mother, not really listening. ''I had a letter from George this morning - he says Corfu''s wonderful. Why don''t we pack up and go to Greece?''''Very well, dear, if you like,'' said Mother unguardedly. Escaping the ills of the British climate, the Durrell family - acne-ridden Margo, gun-toting Leslie, bookworm Lawrence and budding naturalist Gerry, along with their long-suffering mother and Roger the dog - take off for the island of Corfu.But the Durrells find that, reluctantly, they must share their various villas with a menagerie of local fauna - among them scorpions, geckos, toads, bats and butterflies.Recounted with immense humour and charm My Family and Other Animals is a wonderful account of a rare, magical childhood.''Durrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities'' Sunday Telegraph''A bewitching book'' Sunday TimesGerald Durrell was born in Jamshedpur, India, in 1925. He returned to England in 1928 before settling on the island of Corfu with his family. In 1945 he joined the staff of Whipsnade Park as a student keeper, and in 1947 he led his first animal-collecting expedition to the Cameroons. He later undertook numerous further expeditions, visiting Paraguay, Argentina, Sierra Leone, Mexico, Mauritius, Assam and Madagascar. His first television programme, Two in the Bush which documented his travels to New Zealand, Australia and Malaya was made in 1962; he went on to make seventy programmes about his trips around the world. In 1959 he founded the Jersey Zoological Park, and in 1964 he founded the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. He was awarded the OBE in 1982. Encouraged to write about his life''s work by his brother, Durrell published his first book, The Overloaded Ark, in 1953. It soon became a bestseller and he went on to write thirty-six other titles, including My Family and Other Animals, The Bafut Beagles, Encounters with Animals, The Drunken Forest, A Zoo in My Luggage, The Whispering Land, Menagerie Manor, The Amateur Naturalist and The Aye-Aye and I. Gerald Durrell died in 1995.Trade ReviewA bewitching book * Sunday Times *Durrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe RSPB Handbook of Scottish Birds is the ideal reference for keen birdwatchers and visitors to Scotland alike, and this fully updated second edition is richer and more comprehensive than ever. Over 250 species are covered in detail with each account including information on identification, voice, habits, habitat, food, breeding, ecology, seasonal movements, population and conservation. More than 1,000 superb colour illustrations by some of the world''s leading bird artists are integrated into the text for easy reference. This second edition features newly added Gaelic names, updated distribution maps, and also incorporates the latest information on the conservation status of each species.- Concise text offers a ''biography'' of each species in simple, non-technical language- Practical, easy-to-use format- Updated distribution maps show resident species, summer and winter visitors, and passage migrantsTrade ReviewThe RSPB Handbook of Scottish Birds fully justifies its existence by virtue of the comprehensive coverage given to each species. * Birdwatching *A must-have book for anyone interested in birds, beginner or otherwise. * Highland News *Contains much basic information in concise and conveniently accessible form, and it will fit in an OS map-sized pocket. * Scottish Birds *It is difficult to imagine a better introduction to the birds of Scotland. * British Ornithologists' Union *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements RSPB Scotland Map of Birdwatching Locations Birds in Scotland Using this book Species Accounts Rarities Glossary Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisAurochs and Auks is a deeply moving and intelligent meditation on the natural processes of death and extinction, renewal and continuity. Prompted by his own near-death in a time of pandemic, John Burnside explores the history of the auroch (Bos primigenius), the wild cattle that has become the source of so much sacred and cultural imagery across Europe, from the Minotaur and the Cretan bull dances to Spanish corrida traditions. He then tells the story of the Great Auk, a curious bird whose extinction in the mid-nineteenth century was caused by human persecution and before stepping into multiple extinctions of the outer and inner world.Trade ReviewWritten with both erudite ire and a longing soul, this is a work of a beautiful mind - Jay Griffiths

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Book Synopsis''This is Stitfall in spadefuls; she celebrates the ragged corner of the UK and all its natural treasures. So refreshing!'' - Chris Packham''A joyful, heartwarming and important read for nature lovers!'' - Megan McCubbinGet up close to Cornwall''s wildlife with this magical guide to the yearHannah Stitfall is a TV presenter and zoologist, who regularly gets up in the early hours of the morning to try and catch sight of some of Cornwall''s best hidden wildlife. She will spend hours on end waiting for a creature to appear among a hedgerow, scurrying across Cornwall''s open fields or taking flight across its towering cliffs and sandy beaches. In these brief, magical moments, Hannah is able to see and capture animal behaviour that the general public rarely get to witness. In this book, Hannah shares her incredible stories, beautiful photographs and often funny meetings with Cornwall''s wildlife through the course of a year. From brown hares

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Beautifully illustrated and fact-crammed guide. . . . Top marks."---Stuart Winter, Sunday Express"This is a stunning book in every way that a bibliophile or collector can imagine, and it's an inspirational book in every sense that a citizen scientist or a professional ecologist can wish for."---Grrl Scientist, Guardian"This is one of those books that I didn't know I needed until it arrived, and now that I do have it, I consider it an indispensable reference and simply cannot put it down as I plan my trip schedule for next year. This is also the first book of its kind that I've come across and, I am sure, will become a standard text for many other nature enthusiasts looking to make sense of the environment around them. This book sits comfortably alongside other reference works such as those on butterflies, moths, birds, plants and so on and . . . is highly recommended."---Pete Eeles, Dispar - The Online Journal of Lepidoptera"Essential reading for all wildlife enthusiasts, professional ecologists and landscape architects. . . . [I]t's an ideal field guide to the nation's nature." * Booktime *"The book opens up a treasure trove of previously unknown landscape, habitat and flora & fauna. . . . Anyone with an interest in the outdoors will thoroughly enjoy this book."---Phil Slade, Another Bird Blog"[B]oth inspiring and a wake-up call to anyone with an interest in the natural world . . . an invaluable reference resource as well as being an enjoyable read."---Matthew Merritt, Bird Watching"[E]xcellent and valuable . . . should be widely read by wildlife and landscape enthusiasts."---Rob Hume, Birdwatch"An essential companion to your species guides. Read it, enjoy it, take it into the field."---Anthony Robinson, British Wildlife"I like it . . . I like it a lot. This is a beautifully produced hardback volume that covers all of the main habitat types found across the islands of Britain and Ireland. Illustrated throughout with more than 680 colour photographs it is a visual feast . . . a good balance of information that's particularly well suited to the wildlife enthusiast, birder or anyone who loves the great outdoors and would like a better understanding of how it all fits together."---Calvin Jones, Ireland's Wildlife"Its detailed and authoritative treatment will make it a standard textbook for students and conservation professionals whilst its insightful content and attractive presentation will also guarantee its appeal to the general reader and amateur naturalist."---Andy Stoddart, Rare Bird Alert"Occasionally a book comes along the like of which you have never seen before. This is such a book. The beautifully produced work is a wonderful celebration of the rich diversity of Britain and Ireland's habitats, stunningly illustrated . . . This is much more than a coffee table book . . . The breadth of coverage and knowledge imparted is quite staggering. This is an essential reference book for anyone interested in our wildlife habitats, their extent, location, conservation, and much, much more."---Nigel Bourn, Butterfly Magazine"This is a highly impressive book. . . . As far as this reviewer is aware, there is no other printed work with this level of visual material describing and classifying the natural habitats of the British Isles."---Tony Chalcraft, Reference Reviews"The book is certainly crammed full of information and detail and any ecology student would do well to have this volume on their shelves."---Derbyshire Wildlife Trust"This book is highly recommended to anyone wishing to gain a better understanding of our plants and their habitats."---Ro Scott, Highland Naturalist"This is a must for your bookshelves." * Highland News *"This ambitious book succeeds in describing the range of habitat types that exist in Britain and Ireland in an informative but engaging way. For anyone wanting to learn more about the fabric and texture of the countryside, the book is an excellent starting point."---Rob Fuller, British Birds"I found this book a great pleasure to read and will be dipping into it frequently in the future. Anyone with an interest in the outdoors will love it and I would recommend without hesitation that it be placed on the reference shelves of every university, college, school and public library."---Anthony Toole, Waterstones"A lavishly illustrated book aimed at inspiring naturalists and country lovers. It should be required reading for environment ministers and their senior civil servants."---Michael Scott, Conservation Biology"Everyone should browse this book and, with deeper understanding, rejoice in the green and pleasant land in which we live--and consider how it might be maintained and improved for future generations"---Rob Robinson, BTO"It's a very informative piece of work and every birder should take a look either to refresh their fieldcraft or maybe to start them on the path of seeing the environment as a whole not just our normal narrow avian focus." * Fat Birder *"A very informative, clearly-written handbook, essential for modern day field workers."---John Badmin, British Journal of Entomology and Natural History"Authoritative guide . . . . an even more useful and attractive book than in its previous incarnation. Highly recommended."---Andy Musgrove, British Trust for Ornithology"Britain's Habitats shines in two regards: it makes for an excellent guide for those travelling through Britain (anywhere in the country), and it offers a deeper understanding of what nature has to offer."---Mihai Andrei, ZME Science"This is undoubtedly the best habitat book I have seen in a long time and will be an invaluable book to the beginner and expert alike."---Neville Davies, Gwent Wildlife Trust"Another excellent book in the wild guide series and it is perfect for planning a visit to a particular habitat and even now more functional as it can now be carried in the field. This is another essential addition to the naturalist’s library."---Roy Stewart, British Naturalists Association"It’s great to see that this wild guide bangs the drum for conservation. . . . The great thing about the wild guides is that you can visit an area and then look it up when you get a chance. Learning about habitats, how they work and how we can all help to protect them, is important to ensure our wildlife is protected for future generations." * Lapwing Magazine *"The authors have done an amazing job to cram so much useful knowledge into a pocket-sized book. . . . If I should ever be exiled to a desert island, this would be the book I would take to remind me of our particular, remarkable piece of this incredible planet."---Stephen Moran, Highland Naturalist"Whether you are seeking to better understand the landscape you see on your walks or are trying to get the hang of habitats for professional purposes, you couldn’t do much better than this book. No other habitat guide so effectively covers so much whilst remaining straightforward enough for anyone to engage with."---Gus Routledge, Scottish Birds

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Book SynopsisThe essential photographic guide to Ireland''s wildlife.Collins Complete Irish Wildlife describes almost all the mammals, birds, fish and butterflies of Ireland likely to be encountered by the keen amateur naturalist, as well as all the common and widespread flowers, trees and shrubs. With over 1,000 colour photographs, this comprehensive guide illustrates every species described. The introduction by Ireland''s best known wildlife expert, Derek Mooney, sets out where you can find the best of Irish wildlife.Reptiles and amphibians, insects and spiders, molluscs and other invertebrates are also featured, and species are organised taxonomically. Each section is coded with a symbol for quick reference and species are grouped according to natural relationships and similarities. Collins Complete Irish Wildlife is a book no nature lover should travel without.Trade ReviewPraise for the Collins Complete series: 'Wonderfully descriptive photographs'BBC Wildlife 'Packs in lots of well-chosen detail in compact form'British Wildlife ‘A bookshelf essential’The Field

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Book SynopsisThis practical pocket field guide, published in association with the Wildlife Trusts, is packed with information on 250 species of bird from Britain and the near Continent. Each species account contains accurate artworks that show details of variations in plumage for male, female, juvenile birds, and breeding and non-breeding birds. A concise written account outlines further essential information, such as size, description, voice, habitat, distribution and habits appears on the same page.The easy-to-follow layouts and illustrations aid quick and precise identification, and make this book an indispensable reference in the field as well as at home. It is compact enough to fit in the pocket, yet filled with essential information for the nature enthusiast.Table of ContentsIntroduction Recognising Birds Bird Topography Birds Wildfowl Grouse Pheasants, Quails & Partridges Divers Grebes Fulmar & Shearwaters Storm-petrels Gannet Cormorants Herons Spoonbills Hawks & Allies Osprey Falcon Rails Oystercatchers Stilts & Avocets Stone-curlews Plovers Waders Skuas Gulls Terns Auks Pigeons Parrots Cuckoos Barn Owls Typical Owls Nightjars Swifts Kingfishers Hoopoe Woodpeckers Larks Swallows & Martins Pipits & Wagtails Waxwings Dippers Wrens Accentors Thrushes Kinglets Warblers & Allies Flycatchers Chats Bearded Tit Long-tailed Tit Typical Tits Nuthatches Treecreepers Orioles Shrikes Crows Starlings Sparrows Finches Buntings

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Book Synopsis'Rousing, polemical and heartfelt' - Gardens Illustrated'An invitation to take action' - The ObserverOne thing has become clear this year - we need nature more than ever. And it needs us too.From our balconies and gardens to our woodlands, national parks and beyond, Back to Nature captures the essence of how we feel about the wildlife outside our windows. Through personal stories, conservation breakthroughs and scientific discoveries, it explores the wonder and the solace of nature, and the ways in which we can connect with it - and protect it.Trade ReviewWell-researched and more nuanced than you might expect... And so Back to Nature is also an invitation to take action, showing how ordinary people can become activists. * The Observer *The main text is scattered with sparkling jewels of fascinating science on everything from how trees communicate to what birds dream of when they sleep. There are some truly inspiring tales... Rousing, polemical and heartfelt, Back to Nature is not afraid to challenge the status quo and it will fill you with a determination to take action. * Gardens Illustrated *Engaged, resolute and convincing... this could also be the most important book you've read in a long time. * BBC Countryfile *

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Book Synopsis''An anarchically charming calendar of Cornwall''s wildlife. This is Stitfall in spadefuls; she celebrates the ragged corner of the UK and all its natural treasures. So refreshing!'' - Chris PackhamGet up close to Cornwall''s wildlife with this magical guide to the yearHannah Stitfall is a TV presenter and zoologist, who regularly gets up in the early hours of the morning to try and catch sight of some of Cornwall''s best hidden wildlife. She will spend hours on end waiting for a creature to appear among a hedgerow, scurrying across Cornwall''s open fields or taking flight across its towering cliffs and sandy beaches. In these brief, magical moments, Hannah is able to see and capture animal behaviour that the general public rarely get to witness. In this book, Hannah shares her incredible stories, beautiful photographs and often funny meetings with Cornwall''s wildlife through the course of a year. From brown hares boxing in the grass in the spring, watching an otter cub hunt in the wetlands in winter, to witnessing the unique bioluminescence of a glow-worm in the summer, Wild Treasures is a remarkable diary, informative guide and joyous celebration of our nation''s wonderful creatures.

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Book Synopsis

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