Wildlife: general interest Books

Book SynopsisReveals a remarkable range of animal behaviours and makes the case that the ethical treatment of animals is an especially significant issueTrade Review"Bekoff has established himself as an excellent researcher in behavioral ecology. He has made strong contributions to our understanding of the ecology and behavior of carnivores and this book is a nice review of his past work. Bekoff builds a convincing case that scientists must understand the larger social and political ramifications of their research. Readers who are generally interested in the topics of animal rights and the ethics of conducting science on animals should certainly read this book because many of the author's ideas are both provocative and highly relevant." The Quarterly Review of Biology "Bekoff brings together some of the most important findings he has presented throughout his career as a biologist and animal behaviorist...[He] successfully challenges traditional reviews of animal behavior." Animal Welfare Institute Quarterly "This is a thought-provoking book that forces the reader to consider issues that are important but are often left at the fringes of our work... Marc Bekoff, by forcing us to consider animal minds and our ethical obligations to animals, is pushing the field of behaviour in interesting directions." Nature "One of his gems is his view on how we should interact with animals. He says, 'Do no intentional harm; respect all life; treat all individuals with compassion; and step lightly into the lives of other beings, bodies of water, and landscapes.'" BBC Wildlife "serves as an excellent summation of the major theme of Bekoff's many books...These essays not only explain his concern for how humans 'redecorate' nature by using animals for their own purposes but also achieve his goal of appealing to academic and popular audiences though his 'musings' on science, social responsibility and 'who we are in the grand scheme of things.'" Publishers Weekly Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues is a book for scientists and non-scientists alike. The writing is clear so that even complex subjects can be readily understood. Marc has the courage of his convictions and is an excellent spokesman for animals." Jane Goodall "Through his hard work and determination and in the face of considerable opposition, Bekoff has been most influential in the growing academic body of knowledge on animal sentience. This fascinating book, of appeal to both scientists and the general reader, looks at a range of topics including animal behavior, emotions and relationships and includes discussion of the ethics of our use of animals. Highly recommended!" Farm Animal Voices

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Book SynopsisLearn to identify threatening species through tracks, scat, and the damage they leave behind. Fascinating profiles of more than 50 predatory mammals, birds, and reptiles teach farmers, ranchers, homesteaders, and backyard-animal raisers how to prevent their livestock, poultry, and pets from becoming prey. By understanding how predators think and behave, where and how they live, and how they attack and kill prey, you’ll be able to interpret the potential threats surrounding your home. Whether you have a vested interest in protecting your pets and livestock or are simply spellbound by wild predators, this is the book for you!

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Book SynopsisBest buds, frenemies, freeloaders, bullies, copycats, hangers-on. We’re accustomed to all types of people and human interactions. But animal relationships can be just as weird and complex. For anyone who’s ever felt a bit awkward in their relationships, wait until you hear about how complicated things get in the animal world. This funny and enlightening gift book depicts charming and unusual symbiotic animal relationships in all their awkward glory. Through delightful watercolor illustrations and funny yet scientifically accurate text, Iris Gottlieb explores the symbiotic relationships of 35 odd, cute, and unpredictable animal pairs. Here are stories of vampires, cannibalism, mimicry, parasites, and more. You’ll learn a lot about nature--and human nature--as you recognize traits of your own friends, frenemies, and enemies in this insightful, amusing look into the secret lives of animals.

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Book SynopsisThe never-before-told story of the horned rabbit—the myths, the hoaxes, the very real scientific breakthrough it inspired—and how it became a cultural touchstone of the American West.Just what is a jackalope? Purported to be part jackrabbit and part antelope, the jackalope began as a local joke concocted by two young brothers in a small Wyoming town during the Great Depression. Their creation quickly spread around the U.S., where it now regularly appears as innumerable forms of kitsch—wall mounts, postcards, keychains, coffee mugs, shot glasses, and so on. A vast body of folk narratives has carried the jackalope’s fame around the world to inspire art, music, film, even erotica! Although the jackalope is an invention of the imagination, it is nevertheless connected to actual horned rabbits, which exist in nature and have for centuries been collected and studied by naturalists. Around the time the two young boys were creating the first jackalope in Wyoming, Dr. Richard Shope was making his first breakthrough about the cause of the horns: a virus. When the virus that causes rabbits to grow “horns” (a keratinous carcinoma) was first genetically sequenced in 1984, oncologists were able to use that genetic information to make remarkable, field-changing advances in the development of anti-viral cancer therapies. The most important of these is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against cervical and other cancers. Today, jackalopes are literally helping us cure cancer. For fans of David Quammen’s The Song of the Dodo, Jon Mooallem’s Wild Ones, or Jeff Meldrum's Sasquatch, Michael P. Branch's remarkable On the Trail of the Jackalope is an entertaining and enlightening road trip through the heart of America.Trade Review“Enjoy the thrill of going down this captivating rabbit hole, as we follow our engaging narrator as he learns everything there is to learn about the mythic jackalope. Branch's brilliant book is a wild ride, told with the lively wit of the tall-tale tellers he admires. On the Trail of the Jackalope [or just "This book"] shows us how this fascinating embodiment of western kitsch is connected to the identity of a small Wyoming town, the American folk tradition, Looney Tunes, mythology, taxidermy, cancer research, and even death itself. Sit back as Branch spins his tale, and listen, learn, enjoy, and laugh.” -- David Gessner, author of All the Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner and the American West“I came to this book for jackalope gossip and lore, of which there is plenty. But what kept me turning the pages is Michael Branch’s smart, raucous discussions of tall folktales, elaborate hoaxes, conspiracy theories, and fanciful acts of taxidermy. On the Trail of the Jackalope is filled with examples of how we humans delight in fusing the facts of our natural world with utter fancies. A delightful read.” -- Elena Passarello, author of Animals Strike Curious Poses“Equal parts travelogue, natural history, and tall tale, Michael Branch’s On The Trail of the Jackalope is a hare-raising account of America’s most beloved hoax. Branch’s expansive investigation takes readers from basement taxidermy studios and dusty saloons to cryptozoology meetings and sophisticated virology labs. Best of all, his masterful wit and engaging prose ensure we all get to ride shot-gun on this fantabulous adventure. I wanted it to never end.” -- Kathryn Miles, author of Quakeland and Trailed: One’s Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders"I've longed for this book all my life. The ultimate prize in the souvenir shops of my Colorado boyhood was the Jackalope, but for all my wheedling, I never got closer to owning one than a postcard. Now I feel all that longing has been richly requited by this brilliant natural history. I have seldom said about a book that it NEEDED to be written, but this one absolutely did! Stunningly researched and lived, lovely in its conception and writing, Branch's Trail is all of what he aimed for and more: an unforgettable journey along "the mighty, rolling river of Jackalopiana." -- Robert Michael Pyle, author of Magdalena Mountain and Nature Matrix"In this charming travelogue, Branch recounts his tracking down of various jackalope tall tales and the roots of such hoaxes and our fascination with them. He ends with the amazing true story of the discovery of the role of a virus in actual naturally occurring “horned rabbits,” and how this led to the creation of the vaccine for human papillomavirus." * Booklist *“Mr. Branch knows at least as much about jackalopes as Einstein knew about physics. In On the Trail of the Jackalope, Mr. Branch digs deep into rabbit lore, hailing celebrity hares like Bugs Bunny and the more obscure Centzon Totochtin of Aztec tradition—‘a group of divine rabbits who gathered frequently to throw drunken parties.’ More important, he reveals that the jackalope of American folklore (or inspired hucksterism) has a real-life counterpart—the hornéd rabbit, a creature with protrusions that can resemble antlers. Mr. Branch has a good deal to say about one of nature’s stranger animals and also deeply ponders the mythological form, wondering why people dream up jackalopes and other fanciful creatures in the first place." -- Dave Shiflett * Wall Street Journal *"On the Trail of the Jackalope is a marvelous romp in two stellar literary genres: American tall tales and the history of medicine. Even if jackalopes are a hoax, jackalope history is well worth exploring and Mr. Branch had a high time doing so. Just as brightly as the first half of the book shines with charm and good yarns, the second half impresses with excellent reporting on the history of medicine and the development of an anti-cancer vaccine. I highly recommend On the Trail of the Jackalope. It’s an excellent collection of well-told yarns and a fine piece of medical history reporting.” -- Rebecca Coffey * FORBES *“I came to this book for jackalope gossip and lore, of which there is plenty. But what kept me turning the pages is Michael Branch’s smart, raucous discussions of tall folktales, elaborate hoaxes, conspiracy theories, and fanciful acts of taxidermy. On the Trail of the Jackalope is filled with examples of how we humans delight in fusing the facts of our natural world with utter fancies. A delightful read.” -- Elena Passarello, author of Animals Strike Curious Poses“Equal parts travelogue, natural history, and tall tale, Michael Branch’s On The Trail of the Jackalope is a hare-raising account of America’s most beloved hoax. Branch’s expansive investigation takes readers from basement taxidermy studios and dusty saloons to cryptozoology meetings and sophisticated virology labs. Best of all, his masterful wit and engaging prose ensure we all get to ride shot-gun on this fantabulous adventure. I wanted it to never end.” -- Kathryn Miles, author of Quakeland and Trailed: One’s Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders"I've longed for this book all my life. The ultimate prize in the souvenir shops of my Colorado boyhood was the Jackalope, but for all my wheedling, I never got closer to owning one than a postcard. Now I feel all that longing has been richly requited by this brilliant natural history. I have seldom said about a book that it NEEDED to be written, but this one absolutely did! Stunningly researched and lived, lovely in its conception and writing, Branch's Trail is all of what he aimed for and more: an unforgettable journey along "the mighty, rolling river of Jackalopiana." -- Robert Michael Pyle, author of Magdalena Mountain and Nature Matrix"In this charming travelogue, Branch recounts his tracking down of various jackalope tall tales and the roots of such hoaxes and our fascination with them. He ends with the amazing true story of the discovery of the role of a virus in actual naturally occurring “horned rabbits,” and how this led to the creation of the vaccine for human papillomavirus." * Booklist *“Mr. Branch knows at least as much about jackalopes as Einstein knew about physics. In On the Trail of the Jackalope, Mr. Branch digs deep into rabbit lore, hailing celebrity hares like Bugs Bunny and the more obscure Centzon Totochtin of Aztec tradition—‘a group of divine rabbits who gathered frequently to throw drunken parties.’ More important, he reveals that the jackalope of American folklore (or inspired hucksterism) has a real-life counterpart—the hornéd rabbit, a creature with protrusions that can resemble antlers. Mr. Branch has a good deal to say about one of nature’s stranger animals and also deeply ponders the mythological form, wondering why people dream up jackalopes and other fanciful creatures in the first place." -- Dave Shiflett * Wall Street Journal *"On the Trail of the Jackalope is a marvelous romp in two stellar literary genres: American tall tales and the history of medicine. Even if jackalopes are a hoax, jackalope history is well worth exploring and Mr. Branch had a high time doing so. Just as brightly as the first half of the book shines with charm and good yarns, the second half impresses with excellent reporting on the history of medicine and the development of an anti-cancer vaccine. I highly recommend On the Trail of the Jackalope. It’s an excellent collection of well-told yarns and a fine piece of medical history reporting.” -- Rebecca Coffey * FORBES *“I came to this book for jackalope gossip and lore, of which there is plenty. But what kept me turning the pages is Michael Branch’s smart, raucous discussions of tall folktales, elaborate hoaxes, conspiracy theories, and fanciful acts of taxidermy. On the Trail of the Jackalope is filled with examples of how we humans delight in fusing the facts of our natural world with utter fancies. A delightful read.” -- Elena Passarello, author of Animals Strike Curious Poses“Equal parts travelogue, natural history, and tall tale, Michael Branch’s On The Trail of the Jackalope is a hare-raising account of America’s most beloved hoax. Branch’s expansive investigation takes readers from basement taxidermy studios and dusty saloons to cryptozoology meetings and sophisticated virology labs. Best of all, his masterful wit and engaging prose ensure we all get to ride shot-gun on this fantabulous adventure. I wanted it to never end.” -- Kathryn Miles, author of Quakeland and Trailed: One’s Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders"I've longed for this book all my life. The ultimate prize in the souvenir shops of my Colorado boyhood was the Jackalope, but for all my wheedling, I never got closer to owning one than a postcard. Now I feel all that longing has been richly requited by this brilliant natural history. I have seldom said about a book that it NEEDED to be written, but this one absolutely did! Stunningly researched and lived, lovely in its conception and writing, Branch's Trail is all of what he aimed for and more: an unforgettable journey along "the mighty, rolling river of Jackalopiana." -- Robert Michael Pyle, author of Magdalena Mountain and Nature Matrix"In this charming travelogue, Branch recounts his tracking down of various jackalope tall tales and the roots of such hoaxes and our fascination with them. He ends with the amazing true story of the discovery of the role of a virus in actual naturally occurring “horned rabbits,” and how this led to the creation of the vaccine for human papillomavirus." * Booklist *“Mr. Branch knows at least as much about jackalopes as Einstein knew about physics. In On the Trail of the Jackalope, Mr. Branch digs deep into rabbit lore, hailing celebrity hares like Bugs Bunny and the more obscure Centzon Totochtin of Aztec tradition—‘a group of divine rabbits who gathered frequently to throw drunken parties.’ More important, he reveals that the jackalope of American folklore (or inspired hucksterism) has a real-life counterpart—the hornéd rabbit, a creature with protrusions that can resemble antlers. Mr. Branch has a good deal to say about one of nature’s stranger animals and also deeply ponders the mythological form, wondering why people dream up jackalopes and other fanciful creatures in the first place." -- Dave Shiflett * Wall Street Journal *"On the Trail of the Jackalope is a marvelous romp in two stellar literary genres: American tall tales and the history of medicine. Even if jackalopes are a hoax, jackalope history is well worth exploring and Mr. Branch had a high time doing so. Just as brightly as the first half of the book shines with charm and good yarns, the second half impresses with excellent reporting on the history of medicine and the development of an anti-cancer vaccine. I highly recommend On the Trail of the Jackalope. It’s an excellent collection of well-told yarns and a fine piece of medical history reporting.” -- Rebecca Coffey * FORBES *

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Book SynopsisA masterful hybrid of nature writing and cultural studies that investigates our connection with deer?from mythology to biology, from forests to cities, from coexistence to control and extermination?and invites readers to contemplate the paradoxes of how humans interact with and shape the natural worldDeer have been an important part of the world that humans occupy for millennia. They?re one of the only large animals that can thrive in our presence. In the 21st century, our relationship is full of contradictions: We hunt and protect them, we cull them from suburbs while making them an icon of wilderness, we see them both as victims and as pests. But there is no doubt that we have a connection to deer: in mythology and story, in ecosystems biological and digital, in cities and in forests.Delving into the historical roots of these tangled attitudes and how they play out in the present, Erika Howsare observes scientists capture and collar fawns, hunters show off their trophies, a museum interpreter teaching American history while tanning a deer hide, an animal-control officer collecting the carcasses of deer killed by sharpshooters, and a woman bottle-raising orphaned fawns in her backyard. As she reports these stories, Howsare?s eye is always on the bigger picture: Why do we look at deer in the ways we do, and what do these animals reveal about human involvement in the natural world? For readers of H is for Hawk and Fox & I, The Age of Deer offers a unique and intimate perspective on a very human relationship.

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Book SynopsisFaster. Stronger,Smarter. Bouncier.Invaluable life lessons that will enable you, too, to crush a bucket. Unlock the Roo within you.

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Book SynopsisWith its mixed terrain of desert, savanna, salt pan and river delta, Botswana is home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it a prime destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Wildlife of Botswana is an easy-to-use, all-in-one guide to the country's most conspicuous and interesting mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and plants.

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Book SynopsisPolly Pullar has had a passion for red squirrels since childhood. As a wildlife rehabilitator, she knows the squirrel on a profoundly personal level and has hand-reared numerous litters of orphan kits, eventually returning them to the wild. In this book she shares her experiences and love for the squirrel and explores how our perceptions have changed. Heavily persecuted until the 1960s, it has since become one of the nation’s most adored mammals. But we are now racing against time to ensure its long-term survival in an ever-changing world. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Polly’s Perthshire farm, where she works continuously to encourage wildlife great and small, she highlights how nature can, and indeed will, recover if only we give it a chance. In just two decades, her efforts have brought spectacular results, and numerous squirrels and other animals visit her wild farm every day.Trade Review'A Scurry of Squirrels is a delight. Part history, part natural history, and part memoir, and written in Polly Pullar's compelling and always readable style, it will appeal to anyone captivated by one of Britain's favourite wild creatures' -- Stephen Moss, author and naturalist'A charming, engrossing story of the many creatures Pullar has fostered over the years. It's a treat for animal lovers and a tribute to the healing power of nature' -- Alastair Mabbott * The Herald *'In A Scurry of Squirrels, Pullar shares her experiences and love for the red squirrel, and, with reference to history and natural history, explores how our perceptions of the animals have changed. The book highlights how nature can, and indeed will, recover if we give it a chance' * Dundee Courier *'Polly Pullar brings her lifetime's experience of Scottish nature into this compelling account set around the rehabilitation of orphaned and injured wild animals at her Perthshire home…. It's a very personal tale of paradise lost and hope that it can be regained' -- Sheena Harvey * BBC Countryfile *'Truly fascinating…accompanied by personal photographs and anecdotes, this book is. A good read for any wilderness enthusiasts or strong believers in the preservation of native animals' * Scottish Field *'This engaging book also reminds us that our life’s troubles are seen in clearer perspective when viewed in the context of the part we play in the living world' * Green Christian Magazine *'It’s the storytelling that really sings here... the squirrels in particular will capture your heart' * Rewilding Magazine *

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Book SynopsisBehaviour problems are a significant cause of companion animal relinquishment and euthanasia. This book provides up to date information about animal behaviour as well as practical advice on how veterinary practice professionals can manage undesirable animal behaviour and give down to earth, appropriate and trusted advice to owners. This book: Covers the important aspects of behaviour in dogs, cats, rabbits and rodents, parrots and birds, as well as how this behaviour has adapted to the domestic environment. Discusses the role of the veterinary practice in improving the emotional experience of animals attending the veterinary practice, including practice design, socialisation classes for young animals and effective communication with owners. Covers the clinical decision-making process in managing the signs of undesirable behaviour, appropriately handling pets in the practice to minimise distress, as well as: behavioural first aid, referral to a specialist, medical influences on behaviour and decisions about euthanasia.This practical and accessible book gives all the essential information needed by veterinary professionals in order to advise clients on the behaviour and well-being of animals in their care.

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Richard Jefferies Society Writers' Prize'No one writes more movingly, or with such transporting poetic skill, about encounters with wild creatures. Its pages course with sympathy, humility, and wisdom' Helen Macdonald, author of H is for Hawk From his home deep in a Scottish glen, John Lister-Kaye has watched and come to understand intimately the movements and habits of the animals, and in particular the birds, that inhabit the wild and magnificent Highlands. Drawing on a lifetime of observation, Gods of the Morning is his wise and affectionate celebration of the British countryside and the birds that come and go through the year. It is also a lyrical reminder of the relationship we have lost with the seasons and a call to look afresh at the natural world around us.Trade ReviewExquisitely observed and deeply evocative, Gods of the Morning is a joyful affirmation of the changing seasons, the wonders of wildlife and the value of living close to nature. Generous, poetic and wise, John Lister-Kaye is a national treasure -- PATRICK BARKHAM * * author of BADGERLANDS * *Compelling . . . a tour de force of forensic observation and imaginative reconstruction. The prose carries a deep, rich polish -- MARK COCKER * * Spectator * *John Lister-Kaye keeps a seasoned eye on the seasonal behaviour of birds, logging unusual variations in their migration and nesting patterns, and developing a wry sense of their character . . . Though Lister-Kaye warns of the damage caused by humankind, and sometimes strikes an elegiac note, he sings full-throatedly in praise of the persistence of nature * * The Times * *Gods of the Morning is a rich treasury of secrets stolen from the Highlands, seen through the eyes of a great naturalist -- CHRIS PACKHAMI am addicted to the writings of John Lister-Kaye. Reading this book is to be at his side on the hills of Scotland. You can practically smell the leaf mould and stare in the merlin's eyes -- JOANNA LUMLEYThis book has a beating heart. Intimate, sweetly sorrowful and sharply observed, Gods of The Morning will open hearts and minds with its blend of vitality, wonder and wisdom. This book is just what we need right now: a song that calls up and re-enchants the world in which we live. John Lister-Kaye's writing enfolds a conservation-scientist's eye with the soul of a poet. This book embodies all the cherished sounds and sights of the turning seasons and becomes a blessing, a prayer for protection -- MIRIAM DARLINGTON * * author of OTTER COUNTRY * *I love this book. It quickens the heart with hope and wrests real beauty from keen observations of the natural world. If only we could all be as attentive to the life around us as John Lister-Kaye. No one writes more movingly, or with such transporting poetic skill, about encounters with wild creatures. Its pages course with sympathy, humility and wisdom -- HELEN MACDONALD * * author of H IS FOR HAWK * *John Lister-Kaye invites us to range deep into an extraordinary landscape, then soar over it and sense it change. Gods of the Morning is a triumph in nature writing -- TRISTAN GOOLEY * * author of THE NATURAL NAVIGATOR * *Renowned conservationist John Lister-Kaye finds as much drama tracking the creatures of his garden in the Highlands as watching polar bears cross frozen ice packs near the North Pole. Whether it's the clever pine marten trying to find a way into its hen-house or the wild geese flocking south from the Arctic, John can see it all from the windows of his home. And he has fallen in love with these moments of everyday adventures . . . Gods of the Morning follows a year in the Highlands seen through the eyes of someone who's learned to notice what others pass by without a second glance * * Sunday Mail * *Gods of the Morning is an exquisitely observed account of a year in the life of a Scottish glen, backed by a deep understanding gleaned through decades of study by a working naturalist, and homing in on the struggle the local wildlife is facing in coping with weather patterns that have become more and more unpredictable -- NEIL ANSELL * * author of DEEP COUNTRY and DEER ISLAND * *The spirit of nature holds many unknowns, mysteries and magic. John Lister-Kaye questions these unknowns with perfectly crafted words, delving so deep that you can almost feel nature's pulse -- COLIN ELFORD * * author of A YEAR IN THE WOODS * *Gods of the Morning is an extraordinary, beautiful and honest book by a writer of profound personal and scientific knowledge. The trees, the pine martens, the fatalities brought by the beautiful but bitter winters, the abandoned nests, the robin's song - John Lister-Kaye's love and concern for all of these will touch the reader in a unique way, as his descriptive prose soars and glides and rests. Like the birds for whom he is a fierce and loyal guardian. Few books urge me to read them again but this is one of them' -- VIRGINIA MCKENNAJohn Lister-Kaye is a rare species - a respected naturalist and a consummate wordsmith. Whether in person or on the printed page, there is no one I would rather choose to guide me through the glens in search of Scotland's wildlife -- BRIAN JACKMANA wonderful piece of writing * * The Times * *Lister-Kaye writes with infectious joy about the wildlife he knows and loves . . . his endless curiosity and constant fascination with the natural world around him reads more as love story than as tragedy * * Caught by the River * *Truly evocative * * Horse & Countryside * *His writing is poetic and informative, rich with description but unsentimental * * Evening Herald * *Lister-Kaye celebrates the turning of the seasons in prose that is as fine as poetry . . . the perfect observer of the to-ing and fro-ing of the wildlife that graces the landscape * * Sunday Express * *May well inspire you to get in the great outdoors * * Sunday Post * *The beginning of wisdom is the asking of many questions, and this, you feel, is what Lister-Kaye does all day . . . This is the kind of naturalist one can relate to . . . endearing . . . Gods of the Morning is often sharp and poetic' * * Herald * *Enjoyable and entertaining * * NFU Countryside * *A lyrical account of a landscape intimately observed . . . John Lister-Kaye gets up at dawn so you don't have to . . . Intimate moments are captured with such immediacy that we are right there beside him * * Country Life * *Very engaging * * Scotland Outdoors * *This is a book that needs to be savoured, John's descriptions evoke a sense of being in the landscape and his emotive language instils an enthusiasm for the natural world * * Hexham Courant * *Tantalising . . . makes you think about things . . . heart-warming * * Highland News * *Gods of the Morning proves what a haven for wildlife Lister-Kaye has created and the joy that can be evoked from understanding nature so closely * * Scottish Field * *Lister-Kaye uses his observations as a springboard to a wide range of topic, some general and others highly personal . . . Birds feature most prominently. The author describes in vivid detail his encounters with a female Blackcap on the nest and a male Merlin surveying the glen at dawn. But it's not all about the birds. We also read about migrating money spiders, the author's Jack Russells, Roe Deer, how Pine Martens have returned to the Highlands and much more . . . This is a lyrical, even beautiful, exploration of Highlands wildlife * * Birdwatch * *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the wild side of cities around the world in this stunning collection of urban maps. Did you know that there are flying squirrels in the heart of New York City? Or that wild boar roam the streets of Berlin? From bats in air-conditioning vents, to snakes in the sewers, each city is a colourful mix of everyday sightings and one-off stories you wouldn't believe.

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Book SynopsisFor centuries, man and mole have taken from the soil in their bid to survive. This has resulted in bitter conflict between these adversaries and one that continues today. Whatever the season, whatever the weather, wherever the mole! Mole catchers have worked to remove moles. Journey through history with the mole catchers of old as you learn of their lives, their work, and their struggle to survive with the pressure of change. Learn of the demands and needs inflicted upon the mole and how it adapts to survive, discover how it exploits the efforts of man, and how they deal with his plight to rid the land of them. Follow Jeff Nicholls through a typical year in the life of a mole catcher and explore the secrets of success to be mole free. Understand the relationship between man and mole both in alliance and conflict, and unearth your passion towards the little man in black. Jeff Nicholls has previously written books on mole catching but this is his most personal composition, providing the knowledge to compete on a level playing field and fully understand the rules of engagement. It will be a mole catcher's handbook for many years to come containing everything you ever need to know.

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Prix Renaudot 2019 A New York Times Best Book of 2021 ‘Extraordinarily beautiful… a long last loving glance at the planet.’ Carl Safina, author of Becoming Wild The Art of Patience sees the renowned French adventurer and writer set off for the high plateaux of remotest Tibet in search of the elusive snow leopard. There, in the company of leading wildlife photographer Vincent Munier and two companions, at 5,000 metres and in temperatures of -25ºC, the team set up their hides on exposed mountainsides, and occasionally in the luxury of an icy cave, to await a visitation from the almost mythical beast. This tightly focused and tautly written narrative is simultaneously a dazzling account of an exacting journey, an apprenticeship in the art of patience, an acceptance of the ruthlessness of the natural world and, finally, a plea for ecological sanity. A small masterpiece, it is one of those books that demands to be read again and again.Trade Review‘In The Art of Patience: Seeking the Snow Leopard in Tibet, the French writer Sylvain Tesson chronicles his rapturous journey through Tibet’s Chantang plateau with the wildlife photographer Vincent Munier. Tesson’s words, in a ravishing translation by Frank Wynne, paint pictures as vivid as any photograph.’ -- Liesl Schillinger, New York Times, 'Best Books of 2021', Travel‘Tesson is a transcendent travel writer… [The Art of Patience] inspires action, thought, silence – and perhaps also prayer.’ -- BBC Countryfile Magazine, Best Books of 2021‘A wonderful evocation of waiting and watching for nature.’ -- Tim Birkhead, author of Bird Sense‘Beautifully written, beautifully translated, intensely moving and totally absorbing.’ -- Stanley Johnson, author of Where the Wild Things Were‘The Art of Patience is extraordinarily beautiful, a narrative of prose that flows with poetry, a long last loving glance at the planet, a visit to the vital bedside of a living world determined to stay alive.’ -- Carl Safina, author of Becoming Wild: How Animals Learn to be Animals‘I found it hard to resist… there is so much more to this elegantly written book than the story of a search. It is also a philosophical consideration of the benefits of silence, waiting and personal reflection; an ode to the psychological effect of natural beauty; and a poetic eulogy to the planet.’ -- Big Issue‘[One of] the best books of the year.’ * Financial Times on Consolations of the Forest *‘I thought I’d rip through this book. But it’s not something you want to read fast. Tesson, who I came to like more and more, is trying to rearrange his relationship with time. Being alone, miles from anywhere, encourages him to sit still and watch things.’ * Spectator on Consolations of the Forest *‘He comes across as the brainiest, daftest, sternest, funniest, most companionable hermit you'll ever meet.’ * Guardian on Consolations of the Forest *

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Book SynopsisGet crazy with The Wild Bunch! This discard game, based on Crazy Eights, will have you up to your ears in lions, monkeys, wombats and whales as you try to get rid of your cards before anyone else. The deck features animals instead of numbers so kids of any age can understand and play, and there are loads of exciting action cards to change things up: play the crab to reverse direction, or the kangaroo to skip over the next player!

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Book SynopsisHow can sea cucumbers, geckos and termites help us cure diseases, camouflage soldiers and even keep our buildings cool? Nature's creations are more sophisticated and elegant than anything humans have created. Adapt explores how we can harness such ideas through the ground-breaking new science of biomimicry - which looks to nature to solve pressing problems in engineering and science. From the depths of the oceans to the ice sheets of the Arctic, Amina Khan talks to the researchers at the forefront of this exciting new science, who are designing everything from wind turbines to military camouflage. Adapt draws the line from nature to modernity.Khan leaves no stone unturned... Readers will leave this book with a buzzing excitement. - BBC WildlifeTrade ReviewFull of riches * The Sunday Times *One of the most inspiring books of the last decades * Professor Michael Braungart, co-author of The Upcycle and Cradle to Cradle *Khan leaves no stone unturned... Readers will leave this book with a buzzing excitement. * BBC Wildlife *Richly detailed, meticulous, well-written. * Kirkus reviews (starred) *As a science writer for the Los Angeles Times, Khan brings to her focus on health and technology a journalist's demands for authenticity and experience as well as a storyteller's desire to enthrall an audience. Hopeful and exciting reading for the future of personal and planetary challenges. * Booklist *Instead of trying to crudely dominate the world around us, it's nice to learn that more and more smart humans are trying to figure out how we might use the clues from other species to fit in a little more easily on this tired old planet. * Bill McKibben, bestselling author of Eaarth *A skilled journalist and science writer, Khan makes complex topics easy to understand as we travel around the world to meet scientists, engineers, and the plants and animals that are inspiring breakthrough solutions to some of our greatest technological challenges. She doesn't shy away from in-depth explanations of the biology and the engineering behind innovations from material science to nanotechnology to robotics and more, while bringing researchers' stories of discovery to life through her enjoyable, informative writing style. This book is a worthwhile read on many levels. * Jay Harman, author of The Shark's Paintbrush: Biomimicry and How Nature is Inspiring Innovation and CEO of PAX Scientific *

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Book SynopsisNature's creations are more sophisticated and elegant than anything humans have created. Geckos can run upside down along ceilings. Termite mounds can stay cool in the desert without air conditioning. Adapt explores how we can harness such ideas through the ground-breaking new science of biomimicry - which looks to nature to solve pressing problems in engineering and science. From the depths of the oceans to the ice sheets of the Arctic, Amina Khan talks to the researchers at the forefront of this exciting new science, who are designing everything from wind turbines to military camouflage. An entertaining eulogy to the power of evolution, this captivating book is a must read for anyone with an interest in design, nature and technology.Trade ReviewA unique and groundbreaking contribution to innovation through bio-inspired design. One of the most inspiring books of the last decades, which profoundly boosts eco-effective innovations to grasp desperately needed disruptive changes for a planet with 10 billion people. * Professor Michael Braungart, co-author of The Upcycle and Cradle to Cradle *[A] richly detailed, meticulous, well-written book. These well-crafted tales of bio-inspired innovation will entrance general readers and warrant the close attention of scientists and technologists. * Kirkus reviews (starred) *Instead of trying to crudely dominate the world around us, it's nice to learn that more and more smart humans are trying to figure out how we might use the clues from other species to fit in a little more easily on this tired old planet. * Bill McKibben, bestselling author of Eaarth *A skilled journalist and science writer, Khan makes complex topics easy to understand as we travel around the world to meet scientists, engineers, and the plants and animals that are inspiring breakthrough solutions to some of our greatest technological challenges. She doesn't shy away from in-depth explanations of the biology and the engineering behind innovations from material science to nanotechnology to robotics and more, while bringing researchers' stories of discovery to life through her enjoyable, informative writing style. This book is a worthwhile read on many levels. * Jay Harman, author of The Shark's Paintbrush: Biomimicry and How Nature is Inspiring Innovation and CEO of PAX Scientific *As a science writer for the Los Angeles Times, Khan brings to her focus on health and technology a journalist's demands for authenticity and experience as well as a storyteller's desire to enthrall an audience. Hopeful and exciting reading for the future of personal and planetary challenges. * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisIn To the Island of Tides, Alistair Moffat travels to - and through the history of - the fated island of Lindisfarne. Known by the Romans as Insula Medicata and famous for its monastery, it even survived Viking raids. Today the isle maintains its position as a space for retreat and spiritual renewal.Walking from his home in the Borders, through the historical landscape of Scotland and northern England, Moffat takes us on a pilgrimage in the footsteps of saints and scholars, before arriving for a secular retreat on the Holy Isle. To the Island of Tides is a walk through history, a meditation on the power of place, but also a more personal journey; and a reflection on where life leads us.Trade Review[To the Island of Tides] is often beautifully evocative of places, the past and the landscape . . . compelling and revealing * * The Times * *Written with both wisdom and love . . . This is a wonderfully rich and consoling book . . . and it is very good indeed * * Scotsman * *Extraordinary . . . a triumph . . . This book is an intriguing account of St Cuthbert and his times, a lyrical testimony to the wonder of nature and a beguiling account of the power of place in all lives. But . . . it becomes something more, something sublime in the realm of memoir . . . There is a powerful, natural beauty in Moffat's writing * * Herald * *This is a book written by a living bard of the Borders, who has walked his way into knowledge and found real magic with his eyes wide open * * Country Life * *This pilgrimage incorporates local lore and biblical references, touching self discovery and a Saint's life. Above all it is a homage to the importance of family and of belonging * * Wee Review * *Praise for The Hidden Ways: Our ancestors walked everywhere, unless they lived by a river or loch and travelled by boat, or were rich enough to keep a horse or pony. So Moffat will walk. He will walk over much of Scotland, following, sometimes struggling to follow, old roads that are now sometimes hard to find. This book is the story of a dozen such walks. This is a splendidly rich book - a treasure-house of information, memories and speculation -- ALLAN MASSIE * * Scotsman * *This fascinating and compelling narrative will leave you spellbound and in no time you'll be looking for your hiking boots and waterproofs . . . An absorbing and thought-provoking addition to the literature of Scotland's byways * * Countryfile * *The Hidden Ways makes us think about Scotland and its history in a completely different way . . . A truly fascinating read * * Sunday Mail * *Retracing and walking Scotland's lost paths makes Alistair Moffat reflect upon the country's history in a different sort of way . . . From Perthshire to Ballachulish, Moffat explores the land in a personal, inquisitive way and searches for evidence of the people who helped shape it * * Outdoor Photography * *A treasure trove of stories * * The Great Outdoors * *

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Book SynopsisThrough a series of funny dating profiles, find out more about the unbelievably weird mating habits of a variety of bachelors, bachelorettes, and non-gender-binary bachelorx, from capuchin monkeys and praying mantises to hyenas and hippos. Raunchy, yet informational, and packed with helpful infographics, guides, and more, this is a laugh-out-loud delight for animal lovers and comedy fans alike.

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Book SynopsisFrom alpacas to zebus, crocodiles to wombats, journey through the individual histories of bizarre garden pets and their often bizarre owners. Who would dream of keeping a bear in the summerhouse, or a peccary in the park? Find out why the artist Rossetti favoured a wombat over a zebu, and if hares make good pets for depressed poets.Dr Twigs Way uncovers a secret world where crocodiles lurk in the fernery and flamingos stalk the shrubberies. From the Roman period to the modern day, discover the story of armadillos kept by merchants in London and Queen Charlotte’s filthy-tempered zebra. These are quirky tales of animals in the garden.

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Book SynopsisThe Secret History of Here is the story of a single place in the Scottish Borders. The site on which Alistair Moffat's farm now stands has been occupied since prehistoric times. Walking this landscape you can feel the presence and see the marks of those who lived here before. But it is also the story of everywhere. In uncovering the history of one piece of land, Moffat shows how history is all around us, if only we have the eyes to see it. Taking the form of a journal of a year, this is a walk through the centuries as much as the seasons, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who came before, as well as those who live here now.Trade Review[Moffat] is a great teacher . . . Alert though he is to change and to the world we have lived into, he is forever in search of time that is lost and can be recovered. It is also enthralling . . . Moffat is aware that he will himself come in time to belong to the past. This book, like his earlier ones, should ensure that in a sense he survives * * Scotsman * *It's the spirit of Moffat's place which gives The Secret History of Here its heft . . . The book is written in the form of a diary. It follows the march of the seasons - how could it not? - and allows Moffat to delve into both his family history and the history of the Borders landscape * * Herald * *Joyous . . . a delightful meditation on a place, and on the role that humans played in its evolution * * Foreword * *Delightful and richly personal . . . The charm of this book is that it is rooted in Moffat's lived experience. But, in his gracious humility, he sees himself as just one more [of] 300 generations * * Church Times * *Praise for To the Island of Tides: [To the Island of Tides] is often beautifully evocative of places, the past and the landscape . . . compelling and revealing * * The Times * *Written with both wisdom and love . . . This is a wonderfully rich and consoling book . . . and it is very good indeed * * Scotsman * *Extraordinary . . . a triumph . . . This book is an intriguing account of St Cuthbert and his times, a lyrical testimony to the wonder of nature and a beguiling account of the power of place in all lives. But . . . it becomes something more, something sublime in the realm of memoir . . . There is a powerful, natural beauty in Moffat's writing * * Herald * *Joyous . . . Fine pencil drawings of flora, fauna and other discoveries complement the text's deep respect for nature . . . a delightful meditation on a place, and on the role that humans played in its evolution * * Foreword * *This pilgrimage incorporates local lore and biblical references, touching self discovery and a Saint's life. Above all it is a homage to the importance of family and of belonging * * Wee Review * *Praise for The Hidden Ways: Our ancestors walked everywhere, unless they lived by a river or loch and travelled by boat, or were rich enough to keep a horse or pony. So Moffat will walk. He will walk over much of Scotland, following, sometimes struggling to follow, old roads that are now sometimes hard to find. This book is the story of a dozen such walks. This is a splendidly rich book - a treasure-house of information, memories and speculation -- ALLAN MASSIE * * Scotsman * *

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Book SynopsisBuilt in the years AD122-30 by order of the Emperor Hadrian 'to separate Romans from Barbarians', Hadrian's Wall was 73 miles long, running from Wallsend-on-Tyne to Bowness on the Solway Firth. It was originally almost 5 metres high with 16 large forts along its length and is the largest Ancient Monument in northern Europe. Following the author's previous successful book, Hadrian's Wildlife has been enriched and expanded with additional information on wildlife and Roman history. When standing on the WHO site of Hadrian's Wall, many visitors may wonder what the area would have looked like during Roman times. Bringing the bird remains from Roman digs into view reveals which species were living then as well as what the landscape looked like. Although some species such as White-tailed Eagle and Common Crane are no longer found here, others including Nuthatch, Hobby and Little Egret have colonized the area. Living close to Hadrian's Wall, the author has explored its many habitats from the Solway Firth across to the east coast. Many of these wildlife sites have a Roman influence from old forts to the gathering of pearls from the oysters that are found on the North Tyne. Hadrian's Wildlife will encourage visitors to the area to enjoy and appreciate the wide selection of these habitats on a year-round basis. This invaluable guide to the many and varied attractions of the area will take the reader on a voyage of discovery and will be an essential companion for visitors.Trade Review'Hadrian's Wildlife celebrates the landscape and its animal, plant and bird life. Ospreys, white wagtails, lapwings. Natterjack toads, badgers, foxes, roe deer - and the most northerly habitat of the dormouse.' News & Star Weekend ' - Hadrian's Wildlife presents as a guide book to the complex landscapes, social and natural history of a narrow strip of country. - Hadrian's Wildlife is well illustrated with drawings by Mike Henry and many excellent photographs. But do enjoy the text - ' ECOS 'Using a winning combination of history and anecdote, John talks about nature on the Romans' most Northern Frontier - - the result is an absorbing read for anyoneinterested in local history. - What will make this book appeal to the general public is his broad brush approach - he delights in presenting the bigger picture - and what emerges is a strong sense of history and place.' Hexham Courant ' - Hadrian's Wildlife is packed with beautiful artwork and photographs of wildlife and scenes from the topic area. - There is a wealth of fascinating information in the pages of this book. - If you have an interest in history, wildlife and conservation; this is a must have publication. Reading this book has given me a far better understanding of the history of the area I live in - ' The Inked Naturalist 'Hadrian's Wildlife by John Miles, whose past work includes Hadrian's Birds, looks like the perfect companion for walkers and visitors to this part of Northumberland. The book details the wildlife and flowers that can be seen throughout the changing seasons while surveying 2,000 years of history and nature. - In this way John - adds snippets of human interest to the wealth of bird life he features.' The Journal '...an intriguing insight into the wildlife known to have been present in the area in Roman times thanks to evidence uncovered in archaeological digs. ... Detailed information is given about the wildlife to be seen today on crags, loughs and heather moorland in the vicinity of the Wall, and the book also provides a monthly guide to wildlife to look out for...' The Northumbrian '...Adding a new dimension to the famous story ... John Miles' new guidebook offers a delightful blend of the Wall's historical context, expertly intertwined with a rich background of the living landscape it cuts through. ...paints a vivid picture of the surrounding wildlife set against an epic historical backdrop ... the book is the ideal companion for visitors seeking an enriched experience of the Wall as they walk or cycle its length'. Living North '...this is a painstakingly-researched account of one of Britain's most important World Heritage sites. A month by month look at what wildlife can be found, and where, is a nice touch for those who'd like to dip in to sections of the wall at different times of the year.' Scotland OutdoorsTable of ContentsIntroduction; History of the birds; The Solway Estuary; The Solway Mosses; The Solway Marshes; The river course; Silvanus - god of the forest; Geltsdale; Birdoswald and up the Irthing; The heather moorland; The crags; The loughs; Chollerford Bean Field; Kielder; Down the Tyne; Kittiwake City; Hadrian's Kite project; Thomas Bewick; A monthly guide around the Wall; List of bird species found in Roman times; References and further reading; Bibliography; Index

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Book SynopsisMike Tomkies gives a remarkable picture of the whole cycle of nature around him, in a harsh and testing environment of unrivalled beauty. Vivid colours and sounds fill these pages - exotic wild orchids, the roar of rutting stags, a pair of dragonflies mating, the flight of the redwing, the territorial movements of foxes, otters and badgers, an oak tree being torn apart by hurricane-force gales. Nothing seems to escape his penetrating eye, to which the selection of his photographs in this book - some revealing little-known aspects of animal behaviour - immediately testifies. Yet Mike's extraordinary insights into the wildlife that shared his otherwise empty territory of 300 square miles are not gained without perseverance in the face of perilous hazards. Every pound of supplies (including heavy gas canisters) has to be manhandled in and out of his boat, which once sank beneath him in a storm. Thousands of miles of rock faces and hillside must be trekked each year in summer and winter, the tussock grass concealing sodden peat holes that will break an ankle. Hours on end, day and night, are spent in cramped hides on windy, precipitous ledges.A Last Wild Place is much more than the chronicle of a man who left city life in order to study the wilderness. It is a celebration of nature at its most rugged and spectacular in all Britain. Like the enormous ageing salmon he threw back because he felt he had no right to claim its life, Mike Tomkies reveals through his quest our urgent need to become retuned to natural rhythms if mankind is to regain a measure of health and sanity in a world bent on self-destruction.Trade Review`...unique observations and insights that fuel a powerful story of not only wildlife, but living in the wild amongst them, observing animal behaviour. ...a fine survey that armchair naturalists will appreciate for both its vivid tone and engrossing animal insights’. Donovan’s Bookshelf -------------------- `His phenomenal knowledge of wildlife is not limited to mammals and birds but includes trees, wild plants and insects, particularly butterflies. His chapters on deer in winter are particularly poignant... He is an extraordinary naturalist and his tales are made all the more interesting by the presence of his constant companion, his experienced German shepherd dog Moobli'. Wildlife Detective, The blog of Alan Stewart -------------------- `...presents a truly remarkable picture of the whole cycle of nature around him... ...Impressively informed and informative, "A Last Wild Place" is a simply fascinating and engaging read from cover to cover and an enduring testimonial to a life time of observation and study of the natural world. Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisThe beginning of the author's adventure with a camera - filming wildlife across the world for the BBC Natural History Unit and other major TV companies - began in 1978 when he joined the RSPB's film unit. Untangling the Knot gives an in-depth look into what is involved in capturing the sequences needed for a natural history film, using comprehensive diaries and over 200 photographs. Mike describes the stresses of international flying with 20 cases of film equipment, sometimes alone, to distant corners of the world. The hardships of living and working for weeks in remote regions, avoiding tropical diseases, the onslaught of forest insects, long hours of waiting from dawn to dusk, and of frustration and disappointment when the elements or circumstances conspired against him. There are times of great elation too, when animal behaviour never seen before is captured on film. Working with top biologists and highly-experienced pilots was an essential partnership in understanding the subject to be filmed, often in remote regions where the challenge was reaching the subject in rainforest canopies, on remote islands or in featureless arctic tundra. In a career spanning 35 years, several of the programmes in which he was involved have won major awards. He describes filming Attenborough in Paradise in New Guinea with Sir David Attenborough as a career highlight, where he filmed behaviour of Birds of Paradise that had never been seen before. His last programme, Jewelled Messengers was the fulfilment of an ambition to make the ultimate film on hummingbirds with producer Paul Reddish, using the latest high-speed, high-definition cameras, and which was shot mainly in Brazil and Ecuador. The story concludes when he realizes his dream of visiting the Ross Sea region of the Antarctic. Mike considers himself lucky to have worked in so many spectacular regions of the world and this book enables readers to travel with him and share his incredible experiences.

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Book SynopsisA professional biologist with wide experience of working both in the UK and overseas, Rory Putman takes us with him on working trips to Iceland, East Africa, Nigeria and Indonesia, introducing us to the countries and their people, their natural history, and explaining some of the wildlife issues which have prompted himself and his colleagues to travel there in the first place. The stories cover episodes from more than four decades of working as a jobbing biologist overseas. The understanding required to solve problems and seek solutions to particular issues related to management and conservation of wildlife means that in some way the observer becomes much more intimately engaged, and perhaps gains a different perspective of the country and its culture than might be apparent to a more casual 'outside' onlooker. To some extent, that deeper involvement enables Rory Putman to give the reader more of an inside view and introduction to the countries and their wildlife from a wholly personal perspective. Like many other enthusiastic naturalists, the author enjoyed experiencing new habitats and seeing wonderful and exotic species on his travels and this engaging book will carry the reader along on the journey.

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Book SynopsisA guide for those who aspire to capture beautiful wildlife images. It gives guidance on which types of camera to use, accessories such as zoom lenses and filters, and the equipment needed in the field. It also contains a section on the digital darkroom that teaches you about workflow and post-processing issues and how to output your images.

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Book SynopsisNature Tales is a charming collection of encounters with the natural world from historic greats to modern household names, from Wildlife Trusts supporters to leading naturalists, such as: Roger Deakin, Richard Mabey, Simon Barnes, Gilbert White, John Clare, Joseph Banks, William Cobbett, Simon King, Nick Baker. Including beautifully drawn illustrations and a foreword from Sir David Attenborough, Nature Tales is a charming celebration of Britain's wildlife and countryside.Trade ReviewThis wonderful collection of some of the greatest nature writers in Britain's history is a pleasure to read from start to finish." Sir David AttenboroughTable of ContentsForeword vii Introduction ix 1. In the garden From Bonsai to Blue Tits, by Chris Baines 3 My Island in Suffolk, by Elizabeth Jane Howard 7 On the Anger of Hornets, by Richard Mabey 11 Hoverfly, by Simon Barnes 15 The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Actions of Worms, 19 by Charles Darwin 2. On the wing Islay, by Paul Evans 27 Swifts at Nest, by David Lack 33 Rooks, by Charles Waterton 35 From The Natural History of Selborne, by Gilbert White 37 Ravens, by Henry Eliot Howard 43 Trunk Calls, by Dominic Couzens 45 A Natural Amphitheatre, by Edmund Selous 49 The Call of the Wild, by Mark Cocker 53 The Gamekeeper at Home, by Richard Jefferies 57 Cuckoo, by Miriam Rothschild 57 The Peregrine, by J. A. Baker 63 From The Natural History of Wiltshire, by John Aubrey 71 The Redstart, by John Buxton 75 Tawny Owl, by Edward A. Armstrong 77 Grey of Fallodon, by Edward Grey 79 From The Running Sky, by Tim Dee 81 Gold-crested Wren, by George Montagu 87 Adventures among Birds, by William Henry Hudson 91 3. By river and sea Bass Rock, by Eric Ennion 97 Fish-watching, by Colin J.Martin 99 The Ring of Bright Water, by Gavin Maxwell 103 Dolphins, by Gavin Maxwel 105 The Living Mountain, by Nan Shepherd 109 The Stream, by Henry Williamson 117 The Old Trout, by Henry Williamson 119 The Braan Salmon, by Kathleen Jamie 125 The Island, by Ronald Lockley 129 To the River, by Steve Backshall 133 An Appointment with Mrs Maximus, by Nick Baker 139 4. Past the hedgerows The Hayfields of Stoneborough, by Francis Kilvert 149 An Encounter with Rural Worcestershire, by Chris Beardshaw 151 Sudden Snow, by Edward Thomas 153 Summer, by Edward Thomas 155 Early Spring, by Gerard Manley Hopkins 159 The Magic of Horses, by Jules Pretty 165 Welsh Farm, by Sir Alfred Russel Wallace 171 Bollitree and Horncastle, by William Cobbett 175 5. Under the trees Trees from My Window, by Colin Tudge 181 Leaves, by Roger Deakin 185 The Pine Wood, by Richard Jefferies 191 6. In the wild Very Close Encounters with British Wildlife, by Bill Oddie 199 Flight, by Nan Shepherd 209 The Autumn Stalk, by Sir John Lister-Kaye 215 7. From my window From Wild Hares and Hummingbirds, by Stephen Moss 223 From Natural History Letters, by John Clare 229 From The Turning Earth: Seven Days in September, by Ruth Padel 235 8. Nature trails Milkwort on the Gower Peninsula,Wales, by Andrew Lack 245 Likenesses, by Samuel Taylor Coleridge 251 The End of an Excursion, by Sir Joseph Banks 253 Gordale Scar, by Thomas Gray 257 The Mountain in Snow, by Frances Kilvert 259 The Lake Shore at Gowbarrow Park, by Dorothy Wordsworth 261 Life of the Stream, by Colin Elford 263 9. Words and nature The Gannet, by John Woolner 271 Endings, by Robert MacFarlane 277 Index 283 About The Wildlife Trusts 287 Acknowledgements 290

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Book SynopsisThe Best in Show series is an outstanding global success. Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne are back – this time with designs for 25 wild animals. There is something here for everyone, with instructions for knitting spots, stripes, fur, scales, trunks, wings and beaks! The animals are surprisingly easy to make. It will only take a few evenings to create yourself an exotic pet or reproduce your favourite species. These knitted animals in miniature are much easier to look after than the real things – they don’t need feeding, they won’t make a mess and they take up hardly any room. This book is a real zoological tour of the globe with animals from all over the world. Patterns include tiger, crocodile, penguin, cheetah, anteater, ring-tailed lemur, camel, giraffe, panda and kangaroo. Idiosyncratic descriptions of the various species accompany beautiful photography, making this book irresistible for both keen knitters and wildlife enthusiasts.

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Book SynopsisAre the creatures that visit and live in your garden friends or foes? How can you discourage the bad and nurture the good? And how does each animal fit into the essential garden ecosystem? You'll find the answers in the verdicts, evidence and treatments presented in this innovative new book. Including more than 50 common garden residents - from squirrels to starlings, from ladybirds to leatherjackets, and from frogs to flea beetles - it tells you how to encourage the forces for good and explains how best to deter or get rid of (ideally organically) those that bring damage, disease or even death to your precious plants. And vitally, it pieces together the key links in the garden food chain and shows how to maintain nature's delicate balance on your plot. As well as the key gardening information you need, you'll discover here the extraordinary ways in which garden wildlife is adapted for success, how to encourage vital pollinators and how to plan planting and cultivation to pre-empt problems. You'll see how to use pesticides safely if you must, and there are hints and tips on the best ways to deal with cats and dogs, chickens and geese in the garden. So whether you want your garden to be a haven for hedgehogs and honeybees, to have fewer slugs and snails, or to be know all the pros and cons of crows and cabbage white caterpillars, then these are the verdicts you need. Garden Wildlife on Trial is the sequel and companion volume to Ruth Binney's successful Weeds on Trial published in 2019 (ISBN 9781910821299).Table of Contents Introduction 6 Mammals and Other Vertebrates 10 Badgers 12 Deer 14 Foxes 16 Frogs 18 Grey Squirrels 20 Hedgehogs 22 Mice 24 Moles 26 Rabbits 28 Rats 30 Shrews 32 Toads 34 Voles 36 Birds 38 Blackbirds 40 Crows 42 Gulls 44 Herons 46 Jackdaws 48 Magpies 50 Pheasants 52 Pigeons 54 Sparrows 56 Starlings 58 Insects and Other Invertebrates 60 Ants 62 Aphids 64 Asparagus Beetles 66 Box Caterpillars 68 Bumblebees 70 Cabbage White Caterpillars 72 Carrot Flies 74 Codling Moths 76 Cutworms 78 Earthworms 80 Earwigs 82 Eelworms 84 Flea Beetles 86 Ground Beetles 88 Honeybees 90 Hoverflies 92 Lacewings 94 Ladybirds 96 Leaf-cutting Bees 98 Leatherjackets 100 Lily Beetles 102 Millipedes 104 Sawflies 106 Scale Insects 108 Slugs 110 Snails 112 Social Wasps 114 Spiders 116 Thrips or Thunder Flies 118 Vine Weevils 120 Wireworms 122 Woodlice 124 Dealing with Wildlife 126 Good gardening practice 126 Biological controls 129 Domesticated wildlife 130 Pesticides and how to use them 132 Wildlife and the law 136 Plants for wildlife 139 Index 142

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Book SynopsisEver since Darwin, science has enshrined competition as biology’s brutal architect. But this revelatory new book argues that our narrow view of evolution has caused us to ignore the generosity and cooperation that exist around us, from the soil to the sky. In Sweet in Tooth and Claw, Kristin Ohlson explores the subtle ways in which nature is in constant collaboration to the betterment of all species. From the bear that discards the remainders of his salmon dinner on the forest ground, to the bright coral reefs of Cuba, she shows readers not only the connectivity lying beneath the surface in natural ecosystems, but why it’s vital for humans to incorporate that understanding into our interactions with nature, and also with each other. Much of the damage that humans have done to our natural environment stems from our ignorance of these dense webs of connection. As we struggle to cope with the environmental hazards that our behaviour has unleashed, it’s more important than ever to understand nature’s billions of cooperative interactions. This way, we can stop disrupting them and instead rely on them to renew ecosystems. In reporting from the frontlines of scientific research, regenerative agriculture, and urban conservation, Ohlson shows that a shift from focusing on competition to collaboration can heal not only our relationships with the natural world, but also with each other.Trade Review‘Deftly weaving together science, social thought, and a remarkable cast of characters, Ohlson's book uncovers the marvellous partnerships that make life possible, showing that cooperation, not competition, is the key to survival.’ -- Elizabeth Carlisle, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at UC Santa Barbara, and author of Healing Grounds: climate, justice, and the deep roots of regenerative farming‘Ohlson looks at nature through the lens of cooperation, from the intricate workings of one-celled creatures all the way to entire forests and cities (above and below ground). This deeply-reported and stunning book holds up a mirror to us humans, showing how we thrive when we embrace nature’s generous spirit.’ -- Judith Schwartz, author of The Reindeer Chronicles and Other Inspiring Stories of Working With Nature to Heal the Earth‘Journalist Ohlson pushes back against the Darwinian notion that “competition rules” in this vivid survey … Alongside the fascinating case studies, Ohlson reflects on her own connection to nature in oft-lyrical prose … This is as charming as it is enlightening.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘A new attempt to rebalance our view of evolution.’ * New Scientist *‘The idea that evolution is driven by the survival of the fittest is so entrenched in the study of biology that research has largely focused on competition between species rather than co-operation. But, as Kristin Ohlson shows in this inspiring field-trip of a book, nature is full of ecosystems that thrive on harmony and balance rather than division and conflict … Ohlson explores the many forms of collaboration or “mutualism” in nature and how they offer a constructive template for our own interactions with the world.’ * The Sydney Morning Herald *‘In her fascinating book, Sweet in Tooth and Claw, American Kristin Ohlson argues that our slavish devotion to Darwin’s principle of the ‘survival of the fittest’, has blinded us to the cooperation that exists in nature … Insightful and interesting.’ -- Jeff Popple * Canberra Weekly *‘From microorganisms to fungi, to plants, fish and mammals, [Sweet in Tooth and Claw] examines interconnections in the natural world. The picture of how the world works that she reveals is both complex and beautiful … This is a great book for the non-scientist interested in how we humans live, how we produce our food, and our relationship with the rest of the natural world, from forests to coral to the microbiota of our guts. Clear and entertaining, Kristin Ohslon bridges the wide gap between current researchers and the curious.’ -- Penelope Cottier * The Canberra Times *‘Descriptions of nature as competitive … shaped the way people perceive it today. Sweet in Tooth and Claw debunks such concepts to reveal that, in fact, cooperation and generosity allow nature to thrive. It also speculates about what differences would be possible if human beings followed nature’s example … A rich and fascinating book, Sweet in Tooth and Claw is stunning in its vision of how, by embracing nature’s cooperative, generous spirit, human beings might do part of the great work of helping the planet and its inhabitants to thrive.’ -- Foreword Reviews, starred review‘Firsthand accounts of her time spent with researchers and practitioners are fascinating. Woven throughout are her thoughtful observations along with an abundance of striking, full-page colour photographs. Whether discussing individuals gardening with native plants or cities planning greener and more connected watersheds and ecosystems, Ohlson makes a compelling argument for working together and taking a lesson from the many instances of cooperation in nature.’ * Booklist *‘A book that reimagines what is possible when people see themselves as part of the ecosystem rather than as its predator. Refreshing, thought-provoking — and delightfully illustrated.’ * Civil Eats *‘Beautiful story-telling … The mutualism explored in Sweet in Tooth and Claw eases open our eyes, our hearts, our senses — guiding us to recognise countless examples of generosity and cooperation far beyond the pages of this book.’ * Medium *‘Kristin Ohlson … takes a deep, stimulating, and nuanced dive into the world of mutualism … What’s refreshing and, frankly, uplifting is Ohlson’s non-treacly pursuit of people seeking solutions. Bookshelves are already laden with tales of planetary gloom and doom that are, no doubt, scientifically accurate but also contributors to paralysis and hopelessness. At the core of Ohlson’s exploratory journey is her role as that trusted friend who can help humans of all stripes comprehend how cooperation within and among species undergirds a thriving natural world.’ -- Elizabeth McGowan * Washington Independent Review of Books *Praise for The Soil Will Save Us: ‘The author has a clear storytelling style, which comes in handy when drawing this head-turning portrait of lowly dirt.’ * Kirkus Reviews *Praise for Stalking the Divine: ‘Kristin Ohlson’s honesty, intelligence, and charm make this book irresistible. A nonbeliever who longs for a convincing spiritual experience, she writes about a community of cloistered nuns: women as honest, intelligent, and charming as she, who have centred their lives around prayer. Stalking the Divine is a delightful story about curiosity, by a writer who can’t be dispassionate about her subject and also can’t lie to herself.’ * Alice Mattison, author of The Book Borrower and Hilda and Pearl *Praise for Kabul Beauty School: ‘Colourful, suspenseful, funny … witty and insightful.’ STARRED REVIEW * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe natural world is full of awesome surprises, and the animal kingdom is no exception. As The Secret Lives of Animals reveals, it seems that the more we discover about the unusual species that populate our planet, the more we understand just how ingenious, resourceful and downright creative they can be!Did you know that red pandas are not only incredibly cute, but also master escape artists able to flee their enclosures in high security zoos all over the world with alarming frequency? Or that beautiful manta rays have not only been observed recognizing their own reflection in mirrors, but are also able to identify friendly divers and ask for their help when they’re in a bit of a jam? Or that elephants, as well as having famously impressive memories, are also sophisticated communicators who send signals to each other using a wide range of body language? Or that parrots, as well as being amazing mimics, are able to learn dance moves? YouTube star Snowball, the dancing cockatoo, has a very entertaining fourteen-move repertoire.With charming and humorous illustrations from BAFTA-award-winning artist Greg McLeod (half of The Brothers McLeod), The Secret Lives of Animals is a window into some of the most complex and impressive minds of the animal kingdom, revealing the little-known skills and natural intuition that have allowed them to survive – and often have a little fun along the way.

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Book SynopsisThe Lake District is one of our busiest national parks. Many people believe that wildness is long gone from the fells, lakes, tarns and becks, yet, within its boundaries, Jim Crumley sets out to prove them wrong – to find “a new way of seeing and writing about this most seen and written about of landscapes". With a naturalist’s eye and a poet’s instinct he is drawn to Lakeland’s turned-aside places where nature still thrives, from low-lying shores to a high mountain oakwood that’s not even on the map. Through backwaters and backwoods, Crumley traces this captivating land’s place in the evolution of global conservation and pleads the case for a far-reaching reappraisal of all of Lakeland’s wildness.Trade ReviewPraise for Previous work: Richard Jefferies Society & White Horse Bookshop Literary Prize for nature writing: SHORTLISTED; Saltire Society award: SHORTLISTED "A delightful meditation." Stephen Moss, Books of the Year, Guardian; "Nature writing is like trying to catch birds with cobwebs. Crumley's just has a higher tensile strength than most." Herald; "Enthralling and often strident." ObserverTable of ContentsNowhere under the Rainbow; The Tree Mountaineers; Nature’s Social Union; The Tree Mountaineers (2); The Juniper Belt; Time Stalls, You Grow Still, You Go Deeper In; A Sense of Place Fell; Golden Eagle, Silver Swan; A Sense of Rightness Regained; Ash to Ashes; Divining in Reverse

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Book SynopsisWilliam Yarrell (1784-1856) was an influential naturalist at a time when natural history was becoming an important factor in 19th century society. He wrote two notable books: A History of British Fishes and A History of British Birds, that were being quoted as the authorities well into the next century and are still admired today, especially for their delightful wood engravings. He was a member and sometime Treasurer, Secretary and Vice-President of the Zoological, Linnean and Entomological Societies. He was known to, and greatly admired by, the leading naturalists; Charles Darwin sought Yarrell's advice on several occasions. In addition to his key role as an organiser and disseminator of knowledge about the British fish and bird fauna, Yarrell also conducted significant original scientific research, being perhaps best known as the first person to recognise Bewick's Swan as a separate species from the Whooper Swan, naming it Cygnus bewickii after his illustrious ornithological predecessor. Yarrell owned the London newsagency, Jones and Yarrell, with his partner, Edward Jones, from 1803 until 1850. They held a royal warrant and supplied the Houses of Parliament as well as royalty with newspapers. Besides his work on natural history and running the newsagency, he was a popular figure with his friends, renowned for the good food and wine served at his convivial dinner parties, and he was a prolific correspondent.

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Book SynopsisFollowing the success of the earlier Scatalog - Quick ID guide to southern African animal droppings, here's another quick and quirky identification guide, this time to tracks of the region's most commonly found mammals, but also includes tracks of reptiles, rodents, birds and insects. A simple key on the inside front cover directs users to any of 11 categories, such as 'cloven hooves', 'paws' or 'tramline-like trails'. Nearly 100 animals or closely related groups of animals are depicted; for each, there's a silhouette of front and back feet and a colour photograph of the track, the average measurements for each track, a short description of the track, information about the circumstances and likely habitat. Concise and to-the-point, this pocket-sized reference will prove indispensible in the field, no matter the experience of the user.

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Book SynopsisThe second coloring book from celebrated tattoo artist Chris Garver—star of Miami Ink. Come along on a coloring safari! Featuring a wide array of animals and environments, Animal Odyssey offers the same graceful imagery and distinctive elements that have made Chris Garver a breakout star. Garver’s fans will love filling in his new collection of illustrations, which beautifully blend the familiar and fantastic.

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