Wildlife: general interest Books

Book SynopsisRSPB Spotlight: Swifts and Swallows is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.People all over Britain and Europe have long welcomed the arrival of swifts and swallows as a promise of summer being just around the corner. And with their similar long wings and dashing flight, it is perhaps understandable that we often confuse the two birds. After all, they have much in common: both feed on flying insects, both breed around buildings, and both are long-distance migrants that spend winter in Africa. But appearances can be deceptive. Swifts and swallows are completely unrelated birds that have adapted through evolution to survive in similar ways. In Spotlight: Swifts and Swallows, Mike Unwin reveals their fascinating lifestyles, explains how and why they have acquired their similarities, and ways in which we can help protect them. The Spotlight series introduces readers to the livesTable of ContentsMeet the Swift and the Swallow Ancestors and Relatives Built for Flight An Airborne Menu Born in a Tower Born in a Barn Globetrotters Life and Death Icons of Summer Protecting Swifts and Swallows Glossary Further Reading and Resources Acknowledgements Image Credits Index

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Book SynopsisWoodpeckers are fascinating birds, filling our forests with their unmistakable drumming, and capturing our imaginations with their incredible ability to drill holes in trees and their bright, colourful plumage. Three species of woodpecker are resident in the UK: the Green Woodpecker, often seen on lawns and in fields; the Great Spotted Woodpecker, a frequent visitor at garden bird-feeders; and the tiny Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, sadly now in decline. The Wryneck which twists its neck like a snake' when threatened also passes through the UK on its yearly migration and has captivated people throughout the ages.Gerard Gorman provides a close-up look at the lives of these birds, from their anatomy, diet and nesting habits to their iconic drumming behaviour. He also explores the relationship that humans have enjoyed with woodpeckers for centuries, in folklore, myth and conservation, and gives tips on how to observe these wonderful birds in the wild. The Spotlight series introduces Table of ContentsMeet the Woodpeckers Woodpeckers Around the World Anatomy and Adaptations Behaviour Food and Foraging Holes as Homes Communication The Importance of Woodpeckers Woodpeckers in Culture How and Where to Watch Woodpeckers Glossary Further Reading and Resources Acknowledgements Image Credits Index

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Book SynopsisA species-by-species guide that shows you how to find and watch nearly 300 mammal, reptile, amphibian and invertebrate species in the UK.Most wildlife books are designed to help you identify the animals you have seen. This book is different. In this new, user-friendly guide one British species is highlighted per page, and each account explains in accessible text how to find it, where to find it and how to ensure you have the most rewarding wildlife-watching experiences.Within the How to Find' section, author Marianne Taylor explains the best time to look for each species, its preferred habitat, and offers tips to help make your search easier or more productive. In Watching Tips' she advises on how to get the most from your encounter, how to observe the species at length and with luck witness its most fascinating behaviour. A colour panel indicates each species' geographical distribution on a map, including Super Sites' where the species is particularly abundant or regular. A calTable of ContentsIntroduction Which wildlife? Watching wildlife responsibly Sharing knowledge At home and away How to use this book Species accounts Mammals Reptiles and Amphibians Fish Butterflies Moths Dragonflies and Damselflies Bees and Wasps Flies Beetles Grasshoppers and Crickets Other Insects Spiders Other Invertebrates Glossary Further reading and resources Index Photograph credits

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Book SynopsisIn pursuit of a connection to Britain''s captivating natural world, Jini Reddy searches for the magic in our landscape.A London journalist with multicultural roots and a perennial outsider, she determinedly sets off on an unorthodox path through the wanderlands of Britain. Serendipity and her inner compass guide her around the country: Where might this lead? And if you know what it is to be Othered yourself, how might this color your experiences? And what if, in invoking the spirit of the land, it decides to make its presence felt?Whether following a cult map to a hidden well that refuses to reveal itself, attempting to persuade a labyrinth to spill its secrets, embarking on a coast-to-coast pilgrimage or searching for a mystical land temple, Jini depicts a whimsical, natural Britain. Along the way, she tracks down ephemeral wild art, encounters women who worship The Goddess, and falls deeper in love with her birth land. Throughout, she rejoices in the wildneTrade ReviewWhat a wonderful book Wanderland is! A witty, gentle, original and very modern quest for the magical (not the mythical) in Britain's landscape, which both made me laugh and moved me. I wish Roger Deakin could have read this book, for he would surely have recognised a kindred spirit in Jini Reddy. -- Robert MacfarlaneA breath of fresh air. * Observer *[An] effervescent exploration… Reddy’s engaging narrative has an assurance and humour which both charm and convince. -- Elizabeth Dearnley * The Times Literary Supplement *Witty and engaging. -- Tom Robbins * Financial Times, Best mid-year reads of 2020 *An honest, contradictory and refreshing take on nature writing. * Conde Nast Traveller *Funny and touching. * The Mail on Sunday *Candid, soulful and uplifting search for natural magic. * The Lady *Warm, open-minded and endlessly curious, Jini is an ideal guide to Britain’s more unusual places and people. Wanderland is a truly engaging exploration, full of heart and soul. -- Melissa HarrisonA page turner. * Sunday Express ‘S’ Magazine *Wanderland is extraordinary, unique even, standing apart from recent books about the British countryside….. She is, she declares, lovesick: at times her prose has a dreamy, almost erotic charge. -- Ben Hoare * Countryfile *She rejects the stereotypes placed on people of colour, and crafts a beautiful story of self-discovery and exploration of the natural world. * Brown Girl magazine *Curious and tenacious, Jini learns to accommodate both solitude and the gifts of chance, discovering at last a new way of being, a new way of seeing, a new way of listening to the complex voices of this archipelago – animal, aerial, human and other-than-human. -- Katharine NorburyWith an unusual but timely eco-spiritual edge, and an alluring blend of memoir and nature-writing this touches on themes of identity and belonging as it charts how a restless spirit fell in love with her native land. -- Caroline Sanderson, Editor at The Bookseller (Editor’s choice in the Bookseller)Wanderland is a skilfully crafted and touching memoir of self-discovery inspired by Britain's wild places. -- Mark Whitley * The Countryman *A joyous celebration of the beauty we can see and the magic we can't. -- Tay Aziz * BBC Wildlife *…doesn’t just open your eyes to the Isles’ mystical history, but also your mind to the possibilities of what spirits may be lurking there. * Wanderlust magazine *In this funny, touching book…we are left with a sense that Reddy really has made contact with something deep within herself that feels entirely new and special. -- Kathryn Hughes * Mail on Sunday *Her easy style, genuinely questioning approach and willingness to take a wry look at her own self all carry the reader along in an engaging and often delightful tale. -- Stephen Moss * Resurgence & Ecologist *Table of ContentsWhat Happens Up the Mountain Doesn’t Always Stay Up the Mountain Beginnings To the Oracle on the Sea The Lost Spring Walking through Woods and Pain A Woman of the Old Ways The Secret Place of the Wild Strawberries – Part I The Tree Whisperer A Pilgrimage Walk in a Land of Giants Lost in Glastonbury A Temple in the Land When You Can See Neither Wood Nor Trees In Search of Ash Dome and Maidens of Mud and Oak The Secret Place of the Wild Strawberries – Part II Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisRSPB Spotlight: Frogs and Toads is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct and detailed text written by an expert on these amphibians.They were bestowed with magical properties in folklore, they were sought after as ingredients of witches' broth, and they are comic characters that have invaded popular culture, from Kermit the Frog to Toad of Toad Hall. Frogs and toads are charismatic members of Britain's wildlife. But what do you really know about them?Scratch beneath the surface, and you will discover some of nature's weirdest creatures, amphibians whose ecology we are only now coming to understand. Spotlight Frogs and Toads is a compelling account of Britain's four native amphibian species: the Common Frog, the Pool Frog, the Common Toad and the rare and secretive Natterjack Toad. New research suggests that, in the next ten years, three out of four UK species are likely to be listed as threatened. Revealing a host of secrets, inTable of ContentsAmphibian Apparel Meet the Residents Life on Land Reproduction The Life Cycle Under Threat Frogs and Toads in Culture A Future for Frogs and Toads Glossary Further Reading and Resources Acknowledgements Image Credits Index

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Book SynopsisA lavish celebration of 47 of the most frequent and familiar birds found in gardens around the British Isles.From urban rooftops to open meadows, the incredible diversity of gardens in the British Isles can provide refuge and feeding opportunities for a vast array of birds. Even the smallest gardens can attract some birdlife and watching garden birds is a great joy for all nature lovers, brightening each day and providing an immediate connection with the wider and wilder world beyond the fence. Nature is facing challenges throughout the world, including right here in the UK, and the changing fortunes of our garden birds are strong indicators of the overall health of our wildlife. With information on how to encourage birds to visit our gardens and boost their survival and breeding success, and how to identify them, this book describes the small steps we can all take to help these birds survive the hardships of winter and bring forth a healthy new generation that we can recognise,Table of ContentsIntroduction Bird Species Tits Finches Sparrows and buntings Thrushes Small insect-eaters Crows Woodpeckers and other tree-climbers Pigeons and Doves Birds of prey Aerial feeders Other garden birds Further reading Acknowledgements Photographic credits Index

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Book SynopsisRSPB Spotlight: Sparrows is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.Sparrows are often considered familiar to the point of invisibility, but the recent steep decline in numbers of both native British species is a reminder that these unassuming chatterboxes deserve a little more attention. Of all the true sparrow species found worldwide, only two occur in the British Isles. Globally, the story of the House Sparrow is one of dramatic expansion: from humble origins in the Middle East where they spread, along with agriculture, to become the most widely distributed bird on the planet. The smaller, more active Tree Sparrow has also spread extensively, following the domestication of rice rather than wheat, and both species have been heavily persecuted in recent years.In Spotlight Sparrows, Amy-Jane Beer examines the causes behind the decline of these familiar species, and exploTable of ContentsMeet the Sparrows Global Citizens Sparrow Bodies Daily Dramas It Takes Two Circle of Life Sparrows in Culture From Persecution to Conservation

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Book SynopsisRSPB Spotlight: Ospreys is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.A hunting Osprey is one of the great sights of the natural world, and its fishing prowess is admired and revered around the globe. However, its penchant for taking fish from trout ponds resulted in a drastic decline in the UK with the species wiped out by human persecution and habitat loss.Thanks to concerted conservation efforts, it has made an encouraging comeback in recent decades, giving people across the country the chance to see this majestic hunter in action once again. This easy-to-read text explores all aspects of the Osprey's biology and ecology, including a detailed overview of the adaptations that make it such a skilled and proficient hunter. There is also a chapter dedicated to Osprey migration with a summary of the findings of groundbreaking satellite tracking research. Tim Mackrill also explores the relatTable of ContentsMeet the Osprey Diet and Feeding Behaviour Breeding Migration A History of Ospreys in Great Britain Osprey Conservation Ospreys in Culture Watching Ospreys Glossary Further Reading and Resources Acknowledgements Image Credits Index

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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 SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated pocket field guide is packed with information on the marvellous variety of insects that inhabits Britain and the near Continent. It includes more than 180 species, including dragonflies, bees, wasps, beetles, bugs and flies, all of which are illustrated with superb full-colour artworks. A concise written account covering size, description, habitat, distribution, foodplants and habits appears on the same page as the illustrations for each species. The easy-to-follow layouts and superb artworks aid quick and accurate 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. To protect it against the elements in the field, the book is wrapped in a durable plastic wallet. Also included is a fold-out insert with at-a-glance illustrations showing comparisons between similar species.Renowned natural Table of ContentsIntroduction Insect Structure Life Cycles of Insects Distinguishing Between Insects Insects Bristletails Mayflies Dragonflies & Damselflies Grasshoppers & Crickets Earwigs Cockroaches & Mantids Psocids True Bugs Thrips Lacewings Beetles Fleas Scorpion Flies True Flies Caddis Flies Sawflies Ichneumons Gall Wasps Ants Wasps Bees

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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 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 SynopsisA mini field guide that is packed with information on the most common wild flowers of Britain and the near Continent, which are illustrated with full-color artworks.This beautifully illustrated pocket field guide is packed with information on the trees of Britain and the near Continent. It covers more than 160 species, all of which are illustrated with superb full-color artworks that show details of mature trees, leaves, growth patterns and other interesting features. A concise written account covering size, description, habitat, distribution and habits appears on the same page as the illustrations for each species. The easy-to-follow layouts and superb artworks help in accurate identification, making this book an invaluable reference source. It is compact enough to fit in the pocket, yet packed with essential information for the natural history enthusiast. Renowned natural history artists including Cy Baker, David Daly, Colin Emberson and Lyn WeTable of ContentsIntroduction Exploitation of Trees Tree Management & Conservation Today What is a Tree? Identifying Trees Tree Types Trees Yews Gingkos Cypresses Redwoods Pines Willows & Poplars Walnuts Birches Beeches & Oaks Elms Mulberries Magnolias Laurels Witch Hazel Planes Roses Peas Maples Horse Chestnuts Hollies Spindles Boxes Buckthorns Limes Tamarisk Oleasters Myrtles Loosestrifes Dogwoods Strawberry Tree & Rhododendron Olive & Ashes Bignonias Elders Centuryplants Palms

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Book SynopsisDarkness has shaped the lives of humans for millennia, and in Dark Skies, Tiffany Francis-Baker travels around Britain and Europe to learn more about nocturnal landscapes and humanity's connection to the night sky. For a year, Tiffany travels through different nightscapes across the UK and beyond. She experiences 24-hour daylight while swimming in the Gulf of Finland and visits Norway to witness the Northern Lights and speak to people who live in darkness for three months each year. She hikes through the haunted yew forests of Kingley Vale and embarks on a nocturnal sail down the River Dart. As she travels, Tiffany explores how our relationship with darkness and the night sky has changed over time. In this personal and beautifully written nature memoir, Tiffany Francis-Baker investigates how our experiences of the night-time world have permeated our history, folklore, science, geography, art and literature.Trade ReviewTiffany Francis-Baker has gone into the last dark continent, the night, and brought back wondrous tales with starlight in her pen. -- John Lewis-Stempel * Author of Meadowland: The Private Life of an English Field *Tiffany Francis-Baker's eloquent and experiential narrative illuminates the shadow filled enclaves of our nocturnal world. -- Joe Harkness * Author of Bird Therapy *Beautifully written...Francis-Baker combines memoir, history and some glorious landscape writing to provide a thoroughly absorbing evaluation of the role of darkness and night in our literature, culture and, most importantly, our environment. -- Charlie Connolly * New European *Rich in literary references, Dark Skies is also rippled through with memoir...it's a warmly personal narrative. -- Suzi Feay * Financial Times *A genuinely inspiring and poetic tale of a year spent exploring the natural world under dark and sometimes star-filled skies. -- Peter Fiennes * Author of Oak and Ash and Thorn *Table of ContentsChapter One: Witching Hour Chapter Two: Ghost Stories Chapter Three: Polar Night Chapter Four: Taxus Baccata Chapter Five: Greenwich Chapter Six: Under Dark Skies Chapter Seven: The Mountain Chapter Eight: The Wickerman Chapter Nine: Midnight Sun Chapter Ten: Fern Owl Chapter Eleven: The Dart Chapter Twelve: Poet Stone

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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 SynopsisThe second edition of Richard Lewington''s pocket guide to the butterflies of Great Britain and IrelandPresented in an accessible, easy-to-use format, this is an ideal guide for both beginners and more experienced enthusiasts. It includes more than 600 superb illustrations of all the life stages of each species, together with beautiful artworks of the butterflies in their natural settings and pertinent species information, distribution maps and life history charts. The second edition features a new, illustrated at-a-glance' identification guide, updated distribution maps and species accounts, and new spreads and artwork for the Cryptic Wood White and Scarce Tortoiseshell.Trade ReviewThis is a beautiful piece of work and exceeds any expectation that one might have of a pocket guide, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. -- Peter Eeles * UK Butterflies website *This is an excellent edition of a very useful, beautiful, well priced and portable guide. -- Dr Katie Cruickshanks * Butterfly Magazine *This is a good update to an already excellent book, with the addition of the 'at a glance' guide and new treatment of the wood whites likely to tempt some owners of the first edition to move to the new edition. -- Mike Toms * BTO *This is the second edition of the essential pocket guide to UK lepidoptera. Climate change is altering the shape of our butterfly life, but in this up-to-date guide you'll find precise illustrations showing the top and underwing for both sexes, plus eggs, larvae, pupae, associated plants and locator map for each species. * RSPB Nature's Home magazine: pick of new nature books *Richard Lewington’s butterfly paintings are legendary … the text is also first rate. It is filled with facts and oozes common sense. So far as UK butterfly field guides go, this is as good as it gets. -- John Tennent * Atropos *This easy-to-follow fact-packed field guide is perfect for beginners and compact enough to slip into your rucksack or pocket when out for a stroll. * Caravan Club Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction Conservation The structure of a butterfly The life cycle of a butterfly The six butterfly families How to use this guide At-a-glance guide Main descriptions Swallowtail Skippers Whites and yellows Browns Fritillaries, admirals and tortoiseshells Duke of Burgundy Coppers, hairstreaks and blues Extinct species and rare migrants Day-flying moths Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisThis practical pocket guide, published in association with the Wildlife Trusts, includes more than 190 species of animal and plant that inhabit still-water bodies such as ponds, pools and small lakes.Each species account includes accurate artworks and concise descriptions outlining essential details such as size, habitat, ecology and distribution in Britain and the Northern Europe. A vast number of species occurs in these habitats, so the guide selectively pictures and describes the fauna and flora that are most likely to be found and identified. Among the fascinating animals featured are freshwater sponges, hydras, water bears, worms, leeches, water snails, dragonflies and damselflies, frogs and toads, bats, fish, birds, and iconic mammals such as the Water Vole and European Otter. The easy-to-follow layouts and illustrations aid quick and precise identification, making the book an indispensable reference in the field as well as in the home and garden. It''s compact enough to fTable of ContentsIntroduction Natural Wetlands Artificial Ponds Threats to Ponds Today Garden Ponds Pond Wildlife Marginal Plants Water Plants Rushes Grasses Mosses Trees Sponges Hydras Worms Water Bears Leeches Molluscs Crustaceans Insects Arachnids Fish Amphibians Reptiles Birds Mammals

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Book SynopsisFINALIST IN THE PEOPLE''S BOOK PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2022/2023 WRITTEN BY THE WAINWRIGHT-CONSERVATION-PRIZE-WINNING AUTHOR OF REBIRDING. Transform your understanding of the natural world forever and discover the wild forces that once supported Britain's extraordinary natural riches, and could again.Our precious archipelago is ravaged by climate change, bereft of natural ecosystems and lies at the mercy of global warming, flooding, drought and catastrophic biodiversity loss. But could restoring species that once helped protect our islands help turn this crisis around?From familiar yet imperilled honeybees and ancient oak woods to returning natives like beavers and boars, Britain's cornerstone species may hold the key to recovering our biodiversity on land and in our seas. In Cornerstones, we discover how beavers craft wetlands, save fish, encourage otters, and prevent rivers from flooding. We learn how disruptive' boars are seasoned butterfly conservationisTrade ReviewCornerstones makes a bold, riveting and visionary case for reviving the wild species that can help us restore our living planet. This is an exciting read! * Patrick Barkham, author of The Butterfly Isles and Wild Child *By concentrating on 'cornerstones', we have the potential to transform landscapes and lives. A brilliant read. * Bird Watching magazine *Very few writers can navigate the complexities of the interconnectedness of nature and humanity, but Macdonald achieves this with skill and impact. Cornerstones paves a compelling pathway of hope, and it is as bright and brilliant as it is essential. * Sophie Pavelle, author of Forget Me Not *It’s an interesting debate and one we should have. * Simon Lester, Country Life *This celebration of the species that anchor healthy, life-giving ecosystems is a timely reminder to recognise – and urgently protect – our common roots. * New Statesman *A primordially fortifying book. * New Statesman *It is ultimately a hopeful tale, and one well worth reading. * Lorraine Connolly, Country Life *Benedict Macdonald continues to come up with practical and effective solutions to the biodiversity crisis, with his latest book, Cornerstones. -- Stephen MossI think this is this author’s best book, so far, and that makes it excellent. -- Mark AveryMacdonald crams in evidence from a dizzying array of studies and writes with the urgency of an evangelist […] it’s exciting, convincing stuff. * Countryfile *Macdonald's skill is in painting a big picture and communicating the benefits for all to see. -- Keith Betton * Birdwatch magazine *This book is a brave, wonderfully descriptive and immensely important diagnosis of how far the countryside has drifted. -- Chris Fitch * Geographical *From the first sentence of the introduction, I was drawn in by evocative descriptions of Nature at its best. * Lorraine Connolly, Country Life *The author’s great strength is in painting vivid pictures, helping us to imagine a possible future where we have more self-willed, wilder land. -- Ian Carter * British Wildlife *Macdonald excels in describing the who and what of rewilding. He offers fascinating tales of the ways in which animals may transform British landscapes [...] Macdonald’s vision for rewilding reminds us of the potentially transformative animal lives around us. Humans could and should allow them to help restore our natural world. -- Barbara J. King * Times Literary Supplement *From this book you will uncover the important role ‘wild forces’ once played, and could play again, in boosting biodiversity and restoring broken ecosystems — all described in remarkably researched detail [...] one very important book. * Rewilding Britain *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter one - Boar Chapter two - Birds of Prey Chapter three - Beavers Chapter four - Whales Chapter five - Bees Chapter six - Cattle and Horses Chapter seven - Trees Chapter eight - Lynx and Wolves Chapter nine - Humans

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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 SynopsisRSPB ID Spotlight Wetland Birds is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 51 of our most widespread and familiar wetland birds by renowned artist Stephen Message.Whether you are listening to a flock of geese communicate as they fly overhead or watching a group of feeding waders on an estuary, wetland birds are among the UK''s most gregarious and charming waterbirds. But do you know a Coot from a Moorhen? And can you tell the difference between a Wigeon and a Pochard? The UK''s wildlife-rich freshwater habitats are home to a diverse collection of our most beautiful wild bird species.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 wetland birds, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPTable of ContentsIntroducing the UK’s Wetland Birds Habitat Distribution and Migration General Behaviour, Life Cycle and Diet Conservation Spotlight ID with Artwork

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Book SynopsisThis stunning Poyser title looks at the flora and fauna of Lapland - that area of northern Europe and northwestern Russia which lies within the Arctic circle. After general introductions, the book examines the Lapland ecosystems and species by habitat type, with one chapter dealing with freshwater habitats, another with open tundra and so on. The history of natural history study in the region, and the conservation issues affecting it today, are also discussed. The book is illustrated throughout with a wealth of the author''s own colour photographs, and there are also some line drawings and a number of maps and other figures to illustrate key points. This is a wonderfully evocative book which creates a vivid sense of place for one of the planet''s last wildernesses, and will appeal to anyone who loves wildlife and wild places.A rare window onto one of Europe''s most unspoiled areas, by the outstanding British field naturalist of the late 20th century. The I

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE 2021 BOOKS ARE MY BAG READERS AWARD FOR NON-FICTIONSHORTLISTED FOR THE 2021 WAINWRIGHT PRIZEI knew in every bone of my body, in every fibre of my being, that I had to report what had happened, not only for myself but to help stop anyone else having to go through what I did. I knew I could not remain silent, or still, I could not stop walking through the world. A journey of reclamation through the natural landscapes of the North, brilliantly exploring identity, nature, place and belonging. Beautifully written and truly inspiring, I Belong Here heralds a powerful and refreshing new voice in nature writing. Anita Sethi was on a journey through Northern England when she became the victim of a race-hate crime. The crime was a vicious attack on her right to exist in a place on account of her race. After the event Anita experienced panic attacks and anxiety. A crushing sense of claustrophobia made her long for wide open spaces, to breathe deepTrade ReviewFor anyone who has ever felt out of place, I Belong Here is a moving and comforting read. For everyone else, it is an education. Punchier and more political than most nature writing, this book is a thing of beauty. * Sunday Times *Nature’s beauty and wilderness provide a welcome escape from Sethi’s city life and kickstart a healing process as she becomes enveloped in the great outdoors, taking us on an emotional journey at the same time. It’s an amazing odyssey: inspiring, powerful, encouraging and incredibly brave. * Independent *Forever asked where she’s from originally, Sethi writes that she has always felt like an ‘outsider’. Instead, this passionate and reflective book stakes her claim to the English countryside and nature writing itself. * New Statesman *A heartfelt examination of identity and place ... it is the way Sethi's connection to nature is refracted through her experience as a woman of colour that gives the book its rare power. * Guardian *Restored and enlivened by the wonders of nature, Anita Sethi finds the courage to embrace her vulnerabilities and strengths and to claim her place in the world. A brave and life-affirming book. * Sunday Express *An unforgettable journey … the genius of the author is how she takes the narrative of hatred and discrimination hurled at her and turns it upside down by ‘going back to where she is from’ – the landscapes of the north. Not only deeply moving but also quietly transformative. * The Observer *Excellent...A powerful memoir about nature and belonging and racism and Britishness, as Anita Sethi undertakes a journey to reclaim her space in Britain following a terrifying hate crime on public transport. A brilliant writer. -- Nikesh Shukla * author of Brown Baby *Anita Sethi invites her reader to walk, not just at her side, but in her shoes, and to feel for themselves both the exhilaration and the chagrin of travelling the backbone of her home country as a woman of colour. By turns joyous and humbling, I Belong Here is an urgent and necessary addition to the canon of contemporary writing about place in the island of Britain. -- Katharine Norbury * editor of Women on Nature and author of The Fish Ladder *In gorgeous prose that rolls along like the uplands, Anita Sethi opens our eyes to the beauty of our countryside and the hurt and healing found therein. It is rare to find writing that evokes landscape so finely but also conveys our inner world with such power, emotion, vulnerability and truth. I Belong Here deserves its place alongside the Macfarlanes and Macdonalds as a classic of modern British nature writing. -- Patrick Barkham * author of Wild Child *Manchester-born Sethi achieves a powerful blend of memoir, travelogue and natural history as she reflects on nature, place and belonging; and at its beating heart, her book is a stirring love letter to this troubled country of ours. I find it so moving that such a beautifully written, hate-defying book has been born from such a horrific experience. I Belong Here is a shining example of how books, at their best, can be an act of resistance and a communal force for good. -- Caroline Sanderson * The Bookseller Book of the Month, Editor’s Choice review *A brilliantly accomplished mix of powerful memoir and revelatory nature writing, Sethi’s account of finding solace in the Northern countryside following a traumatic racial attack is a defiant act of reclamation and an astonishing piece of testimony. -- Best Books to Look Forward to in 2021 * Waterstones *A powerful and moving memoir * BBC Countryfile Magazine *Incredibly powerful, moving and beautifully told. Full of wild magic. This book will make the world a better place. -- Lucy Jones * author of Losing Eden *Table of ContentsPrologue: A Place Called Hope MOUTH Onwards: A TransPennine Express Journey 1. Speaking Up 2. Bearing Witness SKIN Wanted: A Long Green Trail 3. If Your Nerve Deny You, Go Above Your Nerve 4. You Make Your Own Path as You Walk 5. Walking as a Woman of Colour 6. On Race and Place BACKBONE Malham Cove and Limestone Country 7. Protected Characteristics 8. On Strength, Courage and Trauma 9. Going Viral LIFEBLOOD Upwards: A Pennine Journy 10. Settlements 11. Scars FEET The Way: North Pennines to Hadrian's Wall (via Manchester) 12. Northern Nature 13. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty 14. Forces 15. Walking and Witnessing Epilogue: Up From a Past that's Rooted in Pain Resources Acknowledgements Bibliography Notes Index

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Book SynopsisCeri''s humorous but meaningful message accompanied by Ralph''s sensational paintings will satisfy art-lovers and conservationists alike.Following on from Extinct Boids and Nextinction, Critical Critters is the third in this epic trilogy of books dedicated to extinct and critically endangered animals from cartoonist Ralph Steadman and filmmaker Ceri Levy - the GONZOVATIONISTS.Expect plenty more of what made the first two books so successful - unpredictable nonsense beasts, irreverent jokes, a diary-style record of the creative mayhem, and around 100 spectacular illustrations by Ralph of critically endangered mammals, insects, fish, lizards and trees a stunning collection, with a serious conservation message.Trade Review[Steadman's] wonderfully idiosyncratic style captures the animals in a way no camera could, his paintings positively fizzing off the page. -- James Lloyd * BBC Focus *From grumpy mountain gorillas to the humble red squirrel, Steadman gives amazing life to creatures that might not be around much longer. * Big Issue North *A brilliant book that will satisfy conservationists and art-lovers alike. -- Katya Edwards * Daily Mail *Table of ContentsGin Martini Calls How to Value a Species and Why We Should Care Creating a Synopsis Woolly Mammoth Ralph emails: Anyway – starting is necessary… Foreword Humphead Wrasse Singapore Freshwater Crab Grunting Spiked Turt Amur Leopard Invasion of the Gonzovationists Groglick Red Wowlet Jamaican Iguana Sumatran Rhinoceros Mountain Gorilla Hawksbill Turtle Bornean Orangutan Sumatran Orangutan Chinese Pangolin Sunda Pangolin Pygmy Tarsier Maned Three-toed Sloth The Visitation Hector’s Dolphin Hippopotamus Irrawaddy Dolphin African Elephant Asian Elephant Bonobo Saiga Antelope Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat Angelshark Pygmy Three-toed Sloth Tarzan’s Chameleon Black-footed Ferret Przewalski’s Horse Striped Spirit Wine Cuban Crocodile Kanab Ambersnail Pool-strutting Monkeychick Philippine Crocodile Seychelles Sheath-tailed Bat Digg Soiler Dratsab White Rhinoceros Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Southern Bluefin Tuna Pacific Bluefin Tuna Golden-rumped Sengi Lord Howe Island Stick Insect Luristan Newt Rat-arsed Skunk Aye-aye Baad Guttering Gnat Flutterby Little Mother Moth Red Wolf Tiger Grevy’s Zebra Giant Panda Borneo Pygmy Elephant Snow Leopard Chimpanzee Terry Cotter – the Island’s Potter Fin Whale Galápagos Sea Lion Black Rhinoceros Blue Whale Golden Bamboo Lemur Long-nosed Gwylim Black Spider Monkey Suicide Palm Addax or White Antelope African Wild Dog Amazonian Manatee American Manatee or West Indian Manatee African Manatee Grey Nurse Shark Garden Bumblebee Polar Bear Articulated Bumlice Greek Red Damsel Lion Hula Painted Frog Indri Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly Western Long-beaked Echidna Eastern Long-beaked Echidna Sir David’s Long-beaked Echidna Visiting the Steadman Uncontinuum Mongolian Beaver Volcano Rabbit African Wild Ass Dylis Voryd Peacock Parachute Spider Saint Lucia Racer Indian Python Horrid Ground-weaver Spider Why-me? Skimleach Frigate Island Giant Tenebrionid Beetle Chinese Giant Salamander Vaquita Leatherback Sea Turtle Red Squirrel Saola Monarch Butterfly Largetooth Sawfish Walrus White-headed Langur Masai Giraffe Reticulated Giraffe Southern Giraffe Northern Giraffe Bactrian Camel Lemur Leaf Frog Dugong Western European Hedgehog Acknowledgements

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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 SynopsisThe definitive guide to Britain's stunning wildlife heritage, showcasing more than 475 walks through the Wildlife Trust's forest, heaths, moors and woods. Published in conjunction with the Wildlife Trusts, Wildlife Walks is a superb guide to more than 475 of the UK''s top nature reserves, all of them owned and managed by the unique network of Wildlife Trusts.Organised by region, each entry includes information on access and conditions, opening times, facilities, how to get there, and local attractions. Boxes highlighting special species of interest are dotted throughout the book. Illustrated throughout with many beautiful colour photographs and maps, Wildlife Walks is the only guide you''ll need to plan a great family day out.Trade ReviewScience is catching up to what nature lovers already know – that time in nature plays an essential role in physical and mental wellbeing. Access to nature-rich places is also crucial to conservation – we will not fight to save what we do not love, and we cannot love what we do not know. This dual role of protection and connection are why the Wildlife Trusts will always have my support. Their reserves are not only places of wildlife preservation and nature restoration, but gateways to a sense of ecological belonging. * Amy-Jane Beer *Take a walk through the Wildlife Trusts’ nature reserves with this handy guide that showcases some of our nation’s best forests, woodlands and coastal locations. * BBC Wildlife *Expect to be pointed towards interesting routes. * Countryman *Wildlife Walks is a companion to your discovery of nature across the UK. […] With details about everything you could need to plan a walk at each nature reserve, plus hundreds of beautiful photographs, you’re guaranteed to find your next happy place. * British Travel Journal *Wildlife Walks is an inspiring guide to more than 475 walks through The Wildlife Trusts’ nature reserves […] Whether you’re planning your next family day out, or are looking for your next adventure in the great outdoors, this is the perfect book to have on the shelf or in the car. * Countryside Magazine *The guide offers practical information on how to get there, facilities available on each route and walking time along with some inspirational photography and tips on how to engage with the natural world. * National Geographic Traveller *Each county is covered, with its best walks. Some are much longer, but each has a potential half-hour rate if you have not got the time -- John Miles * Birdwatching *Table of ContentsAbout the Wildlife Trusts The Countryside Code The Wildlife Trusts – Key Stats The Regions - South West - South East - East - East Midlands - West Midlands - North - Wales - Scotland - Northern Ireland Glossary Maps Index

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate guide to adventures in nature, this book is full of practical tips and ideas for ways to discover wildlife, as well as the importance of conservation.A naturalist''s equivalent to the Dangerous Book for Boys, this book includes tips on everything from beachcombing, snorkelling and building your own hedgehog hotel, to tree climbing, natural foods and how to make traps for insects and mammals. This hands-on guide to enjoying nature is filled with practical advice on how to get involved with wildlife. Focusing mainly on Britain and northern Europe, it''s packed with ideas for wildlife-watching and other activities in different habitats, including coast, mountains, heathland, garden, wetland, woodland and farmland. Alongside the practical advice on bushcraft and survival are suggestions on how to get close to nature through activities such as mountain-biking and climbing.Table of ContentsForeword by Monty Halls Introduction The Basics Forests Coast Mountains Freshwater Keeping Records Finding out More Index

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Book SynopsisWilder takes readers on a global rewilding journey, exploring innovative and eye-opening projects led by a diverse group of conservationists.Rewilding is a radical new approach to wildlife conservation that offers remarkable potential. If conservation preserves what remains, rewilding goes further, seeking to restore entire ecosystems. The stakes are high with active initiatives quickening the process of recovery by reintroducing keystone species and habitats. Large mammal translocations and wildlife corridors running through densely populated areas are high-risk, high-reward initiatives. In this timely and exciting read, wildlife journalist Millie Kerr takes readers on a global journey of discovery. She considers the practicalities and possibilities of ecological restoration around the world, while exploring first-hand some of the most ambitious undertakings occurring today. Wilder details the return of jaguars to an Argentinian national Trade ReviewMillie Kerr's Wilder stands apart from the pack … it's dedicated to sharing the positives and successes of animal reintroductions, and Kerr’s personal narratives are just one reason why it is a very readable and enjoyable tale. * New Scientist *There are many rewilding programs in many countries, and Kerr navigates this complex world, using stories to shine light on the heroic people fighting to restore endangered or locally extinct species to protected environments. A must-read for those concerned about biodiversity loss. * Dr Jane Goodall *Just as each species has its niche, so we too can – and must – find our own way into rewilding ourselves and the world around us. This book is a compelling and at times personal guidebook for that journey. * Geographical magazine *Millie Kerr is the perfect guide to take us on a tour of the rewilding landscape. Her deep personal connection with nature and meticulous research inform a story of hope featuring a cast of fascinating characters (both human and animal). Wilder is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of conservation. * Lucy Cooke, author and broadcaster *Millie Kerr gives us a vivid portrait of the people and ideas shaping rewilding. In coming decades, there will be no more important cause. Traditional conservation is no longer enough; now we must rewild the world. * Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods *Rewilding wisdom guides Millie Kerr's voyage around pioneering eco-projects. * Country & Town House *A real eye-opener for what could be achieved in Britain. * Rewilding Britain *An accessible introduction to animal rewilding projects for a general audience. -- C. L. Johnson * Choice Magazine *Wilder is a book about the destruction people create and the good we can do with the right heart and resources. * Science *Table of ContentsAuthor’s Note Introduction Chapter One: A Park for the People Chapter Two: Extinct in the Wild Chapter Three: The Land of Birds Chapter Four: The Return Chapter Five: The Rewilding We Don’t See Chapter Six: A Conservation Compromise in Post-War Rwanda Chapter Seven: The Jaguar’s Journey Chapter Eight: Replacement Rewilding Chapter Nine: Connecting the Cores Chapter Ten: Community Conservation Chapter Eleven: Recovering the Wild Heart Acknowledgements Notes Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Vibrant, fascinating, poetic - a year in living things: all the things we love, all the things we wish we could, all the little things we step over and never know - the best of British wildlife from two superb naturalists and writers'' CHRIS PACKHAMFrom blackbirds, beavers and beetles to tawny owls, natterjack toads and lemon slugs. Every day of the year, winter or summer, in every corner of the British Isles, there''s plenty to see if you know where - and how - to look. From encounters with the curious black redstart, which winters on our rocky coasts, to the tiny green snowdrop shoots that are the first sign that spring might be round the corner. And from the blossom-time and dawn choruses of April and May into the abundant noisiness of summer, where days start with hawker dragonflies and drowsy bumblebees and end with glow-worms and ghost moths; to autumn when in the early morning mist of London''s RicTrade ReviewVibrant, fascinating, informative . . . A brilliant bouquet of the best of British wildlife from two superb naturalists and writers . . . A poetic treasury that charts a year in living things, all the things we love, all the things we wish we could, all the little things we step over and never know * Chris Packham *A beautifully written love letter to the astonishing variety of Britain's wildlife, animal, vegetable and fungal . . . Although such an elegantly written book can be read cover to cover, it could also function as a day-to-day reference. A nice one to keep by your bedside, suggesting what to look out for tomorrow * Sunday Times *Westwood and Moss are the perfect guides for a seasonal tour of nature's Wonderland. Inspired, friendly and blessed with apparently limitless knowledge, they reveal the when, where and how of nature. But more than that they offer the here, the gift of making you feel present, sharing the wonder and energy of life all around us, from the mountaintops to the city park * Peter Marren *This uplifting nature diary highlights natural wonders to experience every day of the year. The expert naturalists behind it are passionate about re-engaging with our wildlife. And, encouragingly, many of the adventures detailed start in our own back gardens * Saga *An essential companion for all wildlife lovers, taking the reader on a day by day exploration of the wonders of nature across the period of a year * Choice magazine *Drawn from their personal experiences and vast knowledge, Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss have detailed a whole year (including a leap day, just to be safe). Each date covers a different species and provides a tantalising glimpse into the natural world . . . The evocative writing will bring to mind the times the reader has seen various species. For those not yet seen, the reader can't help but be inspired, and start to wistfully daydream about seeing them * Countryfile *I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about wild flowers and Britain's wildlife, but Wonderland has taught me a lot about what to watch out for. I like the way it's written in the form of a diary instead of a guide, which makes it more engaging and accessible . . . Fascinating stuff, and it will open your eyes about how rich in wildlife this island is * Horse & Countryside *An uplifting book that reminds readers how benevolent and hospitable even the most apparently insalubrious landscapes can be . . . absorbing enough to read cover to cover * OLDIE *They write with the deep authority of personal, first-hand experience . . . clear, evocative and straightforward, never overwritten or pretentious, but always informative, enjoyable and stimulating * BIRDWATCH *An inspiring guide to exploring * DAILY MAIL *

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Book Synopsis''Fowler''s moving memoir charts her experience of coming out as a gay woman, alongside her journey through Birmingham''s canal networks, mapping both the waterways and the travails of her heart.'' Observer''An emotional and compelling memoir, that left me inspired, both by her bravery in transforming her life, and by the unexpected beauty she finds along the way'' Countryfile Magazine''Fowler beautifully exposes her emotional fragility while also celebrating the unloved nature of buddleia, herons and even the water rats who take refuge among the locks.''i paper''Fowler captures the beauty of the canal''s dishevelled, neglected condition...'' Times Literary Supplement''Thoughtful and heartbreakingly honest ...Beautiful'' Press Association''An astounding memoir'' Gay Star News''Hidden Nature is one of the most thrilling things I''ve read in a lTrade Review"I felt as if I'd paddled into a new country." The gardening author and Guardian columnist with a distinctive memoir in which she forsakes her garden and takes to paddling Birmingham's little-used canal network in an inflatable kayak. The time and space she allows herself for nature observation--kingfishers, waterlilies, pikes, freshwater mussels and blackberries are all beautifully reflected on--is mirrored by her exploration of her internal self, particularly in the light of leaving her marriage and coming out as gay. An enchanting book which somehow manages to be both gutsy and delightfully soothing. * The Bookseller *In the beautiful memoir Hidden Nature: A Voyage of Discovery, TV gardener Alys Fowler steers a barge around Birmingham's waterways, noting the plants and realising, after 12 years as wife and carer to her husband, that she has fallen in loe=ve with a woman. * Good Housekeeping *This candid book is as much about mapping the heart as it is about mapping the paths of waterways. Lovely. * Simple Things *She writes wonderfully about the species that have carved out a place for themselves amid the discarded shopping trolleys, condom packets and industrial waste * Guardian *Gentle, brave and acutely observant * Woman's Weekly *Hidden Nature is one of the most thrilling things I've read in a long time. * Waterways World *Thoughtful and heartbreakingly honest ...Beautiful. * Press Association *

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Book SynopsisThis sumptuous book presents a selection of over one hundred stunning artworks, depicting animals real and mythical, from the prints and photography collections of the Bibliothèque nationale de France. The work opens with a preface from celebrated cultural historian Michel Pastoureau, who considers the symbolic importance of animals to our dreams and imagination. Each image is accompanied by a commentary from one of the BnF's expert editorial team of curators and archivists, which provides information on the natural and symbolic history of the creature depicted. Featured artworks include such masterpieces as Dürer's rhinoceros, Manet's cats, a carp by Hiroshige and Matisse's swan. This is a truly beautiful and authoritative collection of some of the most recognisable and accomplished works of animal-themed art, from the medieval period to the present day.Trade ReviewThe edition of Animal: A Beastly Compendium published by Bloomsbury in their beautiful range of “Art History” invites to touch, look, turn every page and to dream yourself into the pictures and immerse yourself in the stories they tell. * The Protagonist Magazine *Opulent, provocative and mind-opening, Animal is a magnificent compendium, which is witness to the intertwining of human and animal lives, showing not only how richly and insistently humans have thought about animals, but also how good animals are to think with. * Steven Connor, Professor of English at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge, UK *Informative, thought-provoking and visually stunning, this volume will prove richly rewarding for anyone interested in probing the connections between animals, culture, art and history. The book's authoritative, engaging texts and sumptuous illustrations make Animal an intellectual and visual pleasure. * Pia F. Cuneo, Professor of Art History at the University of Arizona, USA *Table of ContentsAss - Bear - "Beast of Gévaudan” - Beaver - Bee - Bird - “Bird-Woman” - Bull - Butterfly - Camel - Carp - Cat - Chimera - Cow - Crocodile - Deer - Dinosaur - Dog - Dolphin - Dromedary - Duck - Elephant - Fish - Fox - Frog - Giant Squid - Giraffe - Goat - Goose - Grasshopper - Hippopotamus - Horse - Jaguar - Lion - Mole - Monkey - Mouse - Ostrich - Owl - Ox - Panther - Parrot - Peacock - Pelican - Pig - Porcupine - Rabbit - Ram - Rhinoceros - Salamander - Shrimp - Snake - Snowy Owl - Sperm Whale - Spider - Spiny Lobster - Stag - Swan - Tiger - Turtle Dove - Unicorn - Water Spaniel - Wild Boar - Wolf - Zebra

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Book SynopsisThe contributors to Animalia analyze twenty-six animals—from yaks and vultures to whales and platypuses—that played central roles in the history of British imperial control.Trade Review“Animalia shows us how imperial power was both extended through and disturbed by the multiple entanglements of human/animal worlds. The elephants, lions, and tigers familiar to the imperial imagination jostle with mosquitoes, scorpions, and unicorns, offering a rich variety of animal engagements with empire, both for and against their would-be masters. An essential bestiary for our times.” -- Catherine Hall author of * Civilising Subjects. Metropole and Colony in the English Imagination, 1830–1867 *“With appealing quirkiness, Animalia introduces readers to the complex ways that humans' treatment of animals offers an informative and genuinely fascinating way of understanding how pervasive the impact of imperialism was and continues to be across the globe. Written with verve and elegance while conveying the surprising importance of all sorts of species to the imperial project, Animalia is an intriguing and exhilarating book.” -- Teresa Mangum, editor of * A Cultural History of Women in the Age of Empire *“Animalia is a charming and creative primer concerning the central role animals played in the British empire.... Inviting further research, the chapters are rich in ideas, themes, and postulations.” -- Miles Alexander Powell * Journal of Pacific History *“Animalia strives to be interdisciplinary not only in the theories and empirical evidence found in the individual contributions but also in the hybrid form of the volume.... Its playful form, fascinating stories, and nuggets of insight offer great potential to serve as a springboard for deeper interdisciplinary explorations.” -- John Soluri * Journal of Interdisciplinary History *“What sets Animalia apart from the rest is the playful and innovative way in which it tells animal stories.... Animalia is informative and encyclopedic and a must-have book for anyone who loves and studies animals.” -- Kaori Nagai * Journal of British Studies *“[Animalia] presents succinct, researched commentaries on a number of the animal species brought under imperial control and thereby reconstitutes the bestiary compendium. . . . This is an A-to-Z compendium for the twenty-first century that points back to the historical taxonomy as it moves forward to trouble its purpose, often by revealing the porous boundaries between species and the instability of ‘animalia’.” -- Peta Tait * Animal Studies Journal *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction: Animals, the Bestiary Form, and Disruptive Imperial Histories / Antoinette Burton and Renisa Mawani Some Ways to Read This Book A Is for Ape / Amy E. Martin B Is for Boar / Annaliese Claydon C Is for Cattle / Renisa Mawani D Is for Dog / Heidi J. Nast E Is for Elephant / Jonathan Saha F Is for Fox / George Robb G Is for Giraffe / Angela Thompsell H Is for Horse / Jagjeet Lally I Is for Ibis / Renisa Mawani J Is for Jackal (and Dingo) / Isabel Hofmeyr K Is for Kiwi / Tony Ballantyne L Is for Lion / Antoinette Burton M Is for Mosquito / Neel Ahuja N Is for North Atlantic Right Whale / Krista Maglen O Is for Okapi / Sandra Swart P Is for Platypus / Annaliese Claydon Q Is for Quagga / Harriet Ritvo R Is for Racoon / Daniel Heath Justice S Is for Scorpion / Antoinette Burton T Is for Tiger / Dane Kennedy U Is for Unicorn / Utathya Chattopadhyaya V Is for Vulture / Utathya Chattopadhyaya W Is for Whale / Jonathan Goldberg-Hiller X Is for Xerus / Utathya Chattopadhyaya Y Is for Yak / Peter Hansen Z is for Zebu / Michael A. Osborne Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisFrom yaks and vultures to whales and platypuses, animals have played central roles in the history of British imperial control. The contributors to Animalia analyze twenty-six animals—domestic, feral, predatory, and mythical—whose relationship to imperial authorities and settler colonists reveals how the presumed racial supremacy of Europeans underwrote the history of Western imperialism. Victorian imperial authorities, adventurers, and colonists used animals as companions, military transportation, agricultural laborers, food sources, and status symbols. They also overhunted and destroyed ecosystems, laying the groundwork for what has come to be known as climate change. At the same time, animals such as lions, tigers, and mosquitoes interfered in the empire''s racial, gendered, and political aspirations by challenging the imperial project’s sense of inevitability. Unconventional and innovative in form and approach, Animalia invites new ways to consider thTrade Review“Animalia shows us how imperial power was both extended through and disturbed by the multiple entanglements of human/animal worlds. The elephants, lions, and tigers familiar to the imperial imagination jostle with mosquitoes, scorpions, and unicorns, offering a rich variety of animal engagements with empire, both for and against their would-be masters. An essential bestiary for our times.” -- Catherine Hall author of * Civilising Subjects. Metropole and Colony in the English Imagination, 1830–1867 *“With appealing quirkiness, Animalia introduces readers to the complex ways that humans' treatment of animals offers an informative and genuinely fascinating way of understanding how pervasive the impact of imperialism was and continues to be across the globe. Written with verve and elegance while conveying the surprising importance of all sorts of species to the imperial project, Animalia is an intriguing and exhilarating book.” -- Teresa Mangum, editor of * A Cultural History of Women in the Age of Empire *“Animalia is a charming and creative primer concerning the central role animals played in the British empire.... Inviting further research, the chapters are rich in ideas, themes, and postulations.” -- Miles Alexander Powell * Journal of Pacific History *“Animalia strives to be interdisciplinary not only in the theories and empirical evidence found in the individual contributions but also in the hybrid form of the volume.... Its playful form, fascinating stories, and nuggets of insight offer great potential to serve as a springboard for deeper interdisciplinary explorations.” -- John Soluri * Journal of Interdisciplinary History *“What sets Animalia apart from the rest is the playful and innovative way in which it tells animal stories.... Animalia is informative and encyclopedic and a must-have book for anyone who loves and studies animals.” -- Kaori Nagai * Journal of British Studies *“[Animalia] presents succinct, researched commentaries on a number of the animal species brought under imperial control and thereby reconstitutes the bestiary compendium. . . . This is an A-to-Z compendium for the twenty-first century that points back to the historical taxonomy as it moves forward to trouble its purpose, often by revealing the porous boundaries between species and the instability of ‘animalia’.” -- Peta Tait * Animal Studies Journal *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction: Animals, the Bestiary Form, and Disruptive Imperial Histories / Antoinette Burton and Renisa Mawani Some Ways to Read This Book A Is for Ape / Amy E. Martin B Is for Boar / Annaliese Claydon C Is for Cattle / Renisa Mawani D Is for Dog / Heidi J. Nast E Is for Elephant / Jonathan Saha F Is for Fox / George Robb G Is for Giraffe / Angela Thompsell H Is for Horse / Jagjeet Lally I Is for Ibis / Renisa Mawani J Is for Jackal (and Dingo) / Isabel Hofmeyr K Is for Kiwi / Tony Ballantyne L Is for Lion / Antoinette Burton M Is for Mosquito / Neel Ahuja N Is for North Atlantic Right Whale / Krista Maglen O Is for Okapi / Sandra Swart P Is for Platypus / Annaliese Claydon Q Is for Quagga / Harriet Ritvo R Is for Racoon / Daniel Heath Justice S Is for Scorpion / Antoinette Burton T Is for Tiger / Dane Kennedy U Is for Unicorn / Utathya Chattopadhyaya V Is for Vulture / Utathya Chattopadhyaya W Is for Whale / Jonathan Goldberg-Hiller X Is for Xerus / Utathya Chattopadhyaya Y Is for Yak / Peter Hansen Z is for Zebu / Michael A. Osborne Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisA complete taxonomic revision of all Australian mammals, both terrestrial and marine.

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Book SynopsisThe second edition of this award-winning book is a fully updated guide to all butterfly species on Australia's mainland and remote islands. Written by one of Australia's leading lepidopterists, the book is stunningly illustrated with colour photographs of each of the 435 currently recognised species. There is also a distribution map and flight chart for each species on the Australian mainland.Trade Review"A must for planting a butterfly garden." -- Ally Jackson * Gardening Australia Magazine, May 2016 *

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Book SynopsisProvides a comprehensive account of the 95 lucanid species found in Australia. This book reveals their diversity and beauty, looks in detail at their morphology, habitats and ecology, and explains how to collect, keep and preserve them. Natural history enthusiasts and professional and amateur coleopterists alike will benefit from the use of this guide.Table of Contents Part I The language of entomology Historical background and current research Stag beetle research in Australia Overseas research of the Australian stag beetle fauna (major researchers and literature) The Australian stag beetle fauna Development of the stag beetles Gondwanan connections Development and composition of the Australian fauna Morphology General beetle morphology What differentiates stag beetles from the other beetles? Biology The life of a stag beetle General beetle biology, development, mating, metamorphosis etc. Specific stag beetle biology, food preferences, preferred environment and climate Part II Checklist of currently recognised species Species descriptions Collecting and collection Collecting philosophy: why is it necessary, the ethics of collecting, moral and legal aspects, nature and the need for environmental protection Methods Collecting, field preservation, data recording Basic methods for setting up and maintaining a collection Major collections in Australia International online forums (e.g. Scarab Workers of the World) Breeding Basic methods, equipment, culture substrata, food, humidity, temperature Glossary Literature (source material) Index

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Book SynopsisA unique field guide that uses host plants and behavioural attributes as the starting point for identifying insects. Richly illustrated with colour photographs, the different species of insects found in Australia's temperate south-east, including plant feeders, predators, parasites and decomposers, are presented.

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Book SynopsisProvides a photographic field guide to the vertebrate wildlife of Victoria's south-west. Each of the 288 species profiles includes a description and information on identification, range, conservation status, habitat use and ecology and is complemented by an exquisite colour photograph and a detailed distribution map.

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Book SynopsisProvides fully updated accounts of all the known frogs of Australia. Also included are the introduced Cane Toad and nine “stowaway” species. Each species account includes details of size, status, distribution, habitat, behaviour and advertisement call. Species are beautifully illustrated with colour paintings. Distribution maps are included.

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Book SynopsisMagpie has one job, one desire, one purpose: KEEP THE EGGS SAFE. Always on alert for danger, will Magpie’s determination be enough when rock-carrying intruders arrive? Why do magpies swoop and why do we have such a fascination with them? Discover more about these clever, cheeky and charming songbirds through this delightful book.Trade Review"I love the brevity of Godwin’s text, with short, punchy sentences and a pattern around repetition of the word 'swoop'. And in Crispe’s vibrant illustrations, Magpie’s bold, proud image, with animated facial expressions, occupies centre stage alongside the busy activity of the park visitors and set against soft greys and greens of a lush Australian park background. [...] I highly recommend this book for 6-9 year olds, especially as a teaching resource to introduce discussions about birds or animal behaviour in general. There are teaching notes on the publisher’s website." -- Barbara Swartz * CBCA Reading Time *"Crispe's illustrations are simply stunning. With beautiful soft colours and details galore, in only one setting (Magpie's tree at the park). Crisp creates an entire world, with multiple characters that have stories of their own lovingly weaved into their expressions, clothing and accessories. It's truly a delight to turn each page, meet a new character and imagine who they are and what has brought them to the park." -- Shayne Wardrop * Kids Book Review *"Coupled with explanatory notes at the end and thorough teaching ideas which cover science, English, ethics and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, this is a book that must be shared with every young student so they understand why magpies swoop, and that they are just like human parents in their desire to keep their babies safe." * The Bottom Shelf *

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Book SynopsisA captivating story of the remarkable, but critically endangered, swift parrot - one of the fastest parrots in the world! Swifty grows from a hatchling to a fledgling in the blue-gum forests of Tasmania. She is then ready to make a challenging migration, following the blossom trail across Bass Strait to mainland south-eastern Australia.Trade Review"Swifty is beautifully illustrated by Astred Hicks. There is so much to learn in her illustrations from the fluffy down of newborn parrots to their feasting on lerps on leaves and sticky nectar from gum blossoms. The information pages at the back of the book, help to unlock the open questions in Swifty. There are also excellent teacher notes at the CSIRO publishing website. We have reviewed several of their books lately and the quality is high with all of them. Highly recommended." -- Susanne Gervay * CBCA Reading Time *"Illustrator Astrid Hicks, also an award-winner, brings colour, joy and so much heart to the pages. Her illustrations are funky and detailed, and Swifty’s rainbow plumage shines bright one very page. With detailed teachers notes to accompany it, this book is great for classrooms keen to learn about Australian wildlife. But it’s equally brilliant as a bedtime story, with or without the extra notes at the back... Joyful, inspiring and engaging, Swifty the Super-fast Parrot is a winner." -- Shaye Wardrop * Kids' Book Review *"Swifty is another wonderful book that provides younger readers with the opportunity to learn about one of Australia’s critically endangered birds through an engaging story. The stunning endpapers and glossy illustrations by Astrid Hicks perfectly complement the text and offer the reader so much to explore on each page." -- Kathryn Beilby * ReadPlus *

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Book SynopsisAustralia is home to many distinctive species of birds, and Aboriginal peoples have developed close alliances with them over the millennia of their custodianship of the country. This book provides a review of the broad physical, historical and cultural relationships that Aboriginal people have had with the Australian avifauna.Trade Review"With its exploration of Indigenous knowledge of birds, this book should help inform future research in ornithology, anthropology and ethnoscience, and will be of interest to everyone who has an interest in the Australian landscape, ecology and it’s avian inhabitants." * Wildlife Health Australia *From the Prologue: "Since the dawn of time our people have had a spiritual, environmental and cultural connection to all birds and their habitats. Whether it be through our Ngartji [ngaitji] system which defines our roles and responsibilities of caring for Country and all in it, our storylines and songlines, as a food source, as a material source or as a transmitter of messages – birds are and have always been a part of our daily rituals and wellbeing. This book encompasses all that is our connection to Country and self." -- Mark Koolmatrie * Ngarrindjeri Elder *"This is a very welcome publication. Anthropologist Philip Clarke has produced a wide-ranging survey of the historical and cultural relationships between Australia’s aboriginal peoples and its distinctive avifauna." -- Jeremy Mynott * Association of Field Ornithologists BookReview *

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Book SynopsisIt's hard to resist a scavenger hunt. Give kids a list of things to find, and they naturally want to turn it into a game and start checking things off. Add in an outdoor and nature twist, and the game is elevated to a whole new leveland what an amazing opportunity to engage kids and families with nature in a whole new way.

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Book SynopsisVenture into an animal''s life story through its tracks and signs. More than simply determining where an animal crossed the road, tracking can lead to a study of how the animal uses its habitat, how it travels, where it feeds or hunts, how it breeds and raises its young, and how it survives. In this book, leading tracking expert Jim Lowery distills his remarkable expertise, gained over decades of intensive research and practical field experience, into a comprehensive field guide to tracking North American mammals. Fully illustrated with hundreds of drawings and high-resolution photographs, The Tracker''s Field Guide sets a new standard for books on tracking. This easy-to-use guide features: Clearly written descriptions plus photos and illustrations of scats, tracks, and gait patterns Easy-to-use track measurements for each animal Tips on proper track interpretation technique Notes on the behavior and habitat of each mammal A glossa

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