Wildlife: general interest Books

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Book SynopsisJulia Rothman's series of Anatomy books (549,000 copies in print) are beloved by children and adults alike. In Wildlife Anatomy, Rothman captures the excitement and distinctive attributes of wild animals around the world.The book is packed with hundreds of her charming, original illustrations, detailing the unique features of animals of the rainforest, desert, grasslands, oceans, and much more. From lions, bears, and zebras to monkeys, mongoose, bats, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and much more, Rothman's visual guide covers all the key features, right down to the anatomy of a lion's claw and a wild horse's hoof. All the illustrations are accompanied by labels, intriguing facts, and identifying details, such as: When is a Panther Not a Panther? and What Makes Aardvarks So Odd? Rothman's characteristic combination of curiosity and an artist's eye makes this wildlife treasury rich and full, and promises new discoveries every time it's opened.

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Book SynopsisIn the early months of 2020, the world’s attention was riveted on Australia, where the nation’s iconic wildlife fought for survival in the face of unprecedented wildfires. Images of koalas drinking from firefighters’ water bottles went viral and became the global face of a catastrophe that would kill as many as three billion animals. Known as the Black Summer, the fire season was responsible for more wildlife deaths and near-extinctions than any other single event in Australian history. Flames of Extinction, written by a journalist at the heart of this news coverage, is the first book to tell the stories of Australia’s record-setting fires, focusing on the wild animals and plants that will be forever changed. As news of the fires spread around the world, journalist John Pickrell was inundated with requests for articles about the danger to Australia’s wildlife. The picture seemed grim, from charred koalas to flames that burned so hot not even animal skeletons remained. But Pickrell’s reporting exposed a larger picture of hope. Flames of Extinction tells the story of the scientists, wildlife rehabilitators, and community members who came together to save wildlife and protect them in the future. As climate change intensifies and devastating wildfires become more commonplace, Australia’s Black Summer offers a poignant warning to the rest of the world. Through evocative and urgent storytelling, Flames of Extinction puts readers on the ground to witness the aftermath of one of Australia’s greatest tragedies and inside the inspiring effort to save lives.Trade Review"A carefully researched and deeply empathetic portrayal of the battle to save Australia's precious wildlife as we cook our planet. Fascinating and essential."--Gaia Vince, author of Adventures in the Anthropocene "Pickrell tells a series of deep and compelling stories of resilience and recovery, finding hope amid the ashes of the most disastrous bushfires in modern history. Through detailed research and vivid storytelling, he puts a face on the otherwise impossible-to-comprehend abstraction of three billion animal deaths. In each tale of these plants and animals' fight to survive, he also provides a map for humanity in our own endeavor to learn to live with an increasingly fiery planet."--Michael Kodas, author of Megafire and High Crimes "The story of Australia's devastating holocaust and how we must stop it happening again. It's up to us."--Robyn Williams, host of Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Science Show and Ockham's Razor "Powerful and compelling, Flames of Extinction should be read by all who cherish life on Earth."--Professor Chris Dickman, University of Sydney

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Book SynopsisYour Quick Guide to Identifying Animal Tracks When you’re out and about, keep this convenient track guide by Jonathan Poppele close at hand. Designed for ease of use, the tabbed booklet is organized by track group for quick identification. Narrow your choices by group, and view just a few animal tracks at a time. The detailed illustrations cover more than 100 species of mammals—from mice and squirrels to deer and bears—as well as common birds, amphibians, and reptiles. It includes species found in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The illustrations are carefully drawn to resemble the track prints as you might see them in the field. Plus, size information, sample gait patterns, and a step-by-step guide to track identification help to ensure positive ID. The pocket-sized format is much easier to use than laminated foldouts, and the tear-resistant pages help to make the booklet durable. So bring this lightweight quick guide along on your next hike, camping trip, or walk in the park, and improve your tracking skills with every animal track sighting.Trade Review“Jonathan Poppele has created a terrific little resource here on some of the most common animals in the region that a tracker might be interested in. There are great details about track ID, as well as some bigger picture concepts in how to learn track ID, as well as animal gait interpretation. An inspired naturalist will be grateful to have this in your backpack.” —Marcus Reynerson, Evaluator at Tracker Certification North America and Lead Instructor at Wilderness Awareness SchoolTable of ContentsHelpful Notes for Using This Quick Guide About the Author Tiny Mammals Squirrels Large Rodents Rabbits Skunks Weasels Five-toe Walkers Dogs Cats Ungulates Birds Reptiles & Amphibians Tracking Tips Photographing Tracks Track Group Chart

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Book SynopsisWolves were once common throughout North America and Eurasia. But by the early twentieth century, bounties and organized hunts had drastically reduced their numbers. Today, the wolf is returning to its ancestral territories, and the “coywolf”—a smaller, bolder wolf-coyote hybrid—is becoming more common. In Return of the Wolf, author Paula Wild gathers first-hand accounts of encounters with wolves and consults with wildlife experts for suggestions on how minimize conflict, respond to aggressive wolves and coexist with the apex predator. Wild explores the latest theories on how wolves became dogs, the evolving strategies to prevent livestock predation, and why Eurasian wolves seem more aggressive toward humans than their North American cousins. She also addresses the many misconceptions about wolves: for example, that they howl when hungry, kill for pleasure and always live in packs. What is true is that a wolf possesses a howl as unique as a human fingerprint and can trot eight kilometres per hour for most of the day or night in search of prey while using earth’s magnetic field to find its way. Some scientists consider wolves’ complex social structures and family bonds closer to humans’ than those of primates. In a skillful blend of natural history, Indigenous stories and interviews with scientists and conservationists, Wild examines our evolving relationship with wolves and how society’s attitudes affect the populations, behaviour and conservation of wolves today. As a highly social, intelligent animal, the wolf is proving adept at navigating the challenges of an ever-changing landscape. But their fate remains uncertain. Wolves are adapting to humans; can humans adapt to wolves?Trade ReviewPaula Wild takes us on an in-depth and fascinating journey through the dualities of hatred and devotion, fear and fascination that for so long have shaped our haunted relationship with wolves. If we fear what we do not understand, then this well researched and insightful book will take us closer to understanding and, hopefully, to compassion for a species maligned for far too long. * Ian McAllister, Executive Director of Pacific Wild *Return of the Wolf is a timely, important and much needed book. Wild explores diverse perspectives of the often troubled relationships between wolves and humans from around the world and provides insights into ways we can prevent conflict and share the landscape with this amazing predator. * Stephen Herrero, Author of Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance *Wolves are possibly the most amazingly wonderful animals. They are certainly the most irrationally hated. Paula Wild helps set the record straight by helping us know the real wolf. This is important because wolves belong, because humans and wolves can coexist, and because we must learn to wage peace with them. * Carl Safina, Author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel *“Impressively informative, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, Return of the Wolf: Conflict and Coexistence is enhanced for academia with the inclusion of a four page Appendix (Wolf Safety Checklist), a six page listing of Selected Sources, and a seven page Index, making it an ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library Contemporary Wildlife collections in general, and Wolf Ecology supplemental studies reading lists in particular.” ~Midwest Book Review, March 19, 2019 http://www.midwestbookreview.com/lbw/mar_19.htm#PetsWildlife

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Book SynopsisJurassic Park meets The Sixth Extinction in Rise of the Necrofauna, a provocative look at de-extinction from acclaimed documentarist and science writer Britt Wray.A captivating whirlwind tour through the birth and early life of the scientific idea known as "de-extinction."-Beth Shapiro, author of How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-ExtinctionWhat happens when you try to recreate a woolly mammoth-fascinating science, or conservation catastrophe?In Rise of the Necrofauna, Wray takes us deep into the minds and labs of some of the world's most progressive thinkers to find out. She introduces us to renowned futurists like Stewart Brand and scientists like George Church, who are harnessing the powers of CRISPR gene editing in the hopes of "reviving" extinct passenger pigeons, woolly mammoths, and heath hens. She speaks with Nikita Zimov, who together with his eclectic father Sergey, is creating Siberia's Pleistocene Park-a daring attempt to rebuild the mammoth's ancient ecosystem in order to save earth from climate disaster. Through interviews with these and other thought leaders, Wray reveals the many incredible opportunities for research and conservation made possible by this emerging new field.But we also hear from more cautionary voices, like those of researcher and award-winning author Beth Shapiro (How to Clone a Woolly Mammoth) and environmental philosopher Thomas van Dooren. Writing with passion and perspective, Wray delves into the larger questions that come with this incredible new science, reminding us that de-extinction could bring just as many dangers as it does possibilities. What happens, for example, when we bring an "unextinct" creature back into the wild? How can we care for these strange animals and ensure their comfort and safety-not to mention our own? And what does de-extinction mean for those species that are currently endangered? Is it really ethical to bring back an extinct passenger pigeon, for example, when countless other birds today will face the same fate?By unpacking the many biological, technological, ethical, environmental, and legal questions raised by this fascinating new field, Wray offers a captivating look at the best and worst of resurrection science.Published in partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.

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Book SynopsisThis up-close, captivating look at an iconic animal traces our complex relationship to bears throughout history—and what they can tell us about ourselves. On Being a Bear draws on history, legends, scientific studies, and the author’s thirty years of observing bears around the world to offer a richly detailed biography of these iconic animals, including the many ways bears have figured in our lives and imaginations. As author Rémy Marion tells us, some cultures view bears as our wild cousins—as humans cloaked in fur—while others cast bears as cuddly characters in cartoons or seek to eradicate their grizzled forms from civilization. Scientists have made new discoveries into bears’ varied diets, their powerful sense of smell, and a mother bear’s stubborn patience with her cubs. Bears play a vital role in our ecosystems, and new studies into bear hibernation could lead to medical breakthroughs for humans. Offering these and more astonishing insights, On Being a Bear brings readers face-to-face with these long admired, feared, and misunderstood animals, and sets the record straight through a combination of thrilling science and expert storytelling.Trade Review“[T]here’s plenty of entertaining biology and anthropology alike in these pages. Those with a fondness for our shaggy fellow mammals will enjoy Marion’s wanderings in the world of bears.” —Kirkus Reviews “Marion's obvious love for bears shines throughout this very readable primer on our ursine cousins.” —Booklist “[A] holistic look at brown bears, black bears and polar bears...a celebration of all things bear.” —Hollywood Soapbox “[On Being a Bear] delivers a precise and passionate account of the current state of bears wherever they live. It deserves a prominent place on the shelf of every serious lover of the ursus species.” —Bernd Brunner, author of Bears: A Brief History, Birdmania: A Remarkable Passion for Birds, and Winterlust:Finding Beauty in the Fiercest Season

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Book SynopsisRocky Mountain Animal Tracks will help you identify tracks of all shapes and sizes, from the Grizzly Bear to the Deer Mouse. This book is perfect for children, teachers, parents, backwoods explorers and naturalists: * Excellent illustrations of the animals * Detailed drawings of fore and hind prints * Stride patterns * Easy track identification * Animal behavior.

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Book SynopsisWashington and Oregon abound with many species of animals and this book will help you identify their tracks. Concise descriptions of the animals and their tracks are combined with detailed drawings of the front and back prints, stride patterns and other important identifying aspects. A perfect guide for teachers, parents, hikers and urban adventurers.

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Book SynopsisConcise descriptions of the animals and their tracks are combined with detailed drawings of the front and back prints, stride patterns and other important identifying aspects. A perfect guide for teachers, parents, hikers and urban explorers.

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Book Synopsis'a true gem' —London Naturalist 'I love this book' —Nick Baker The author completes the book with an identification guide to dung itself, so that you can identify the animal that left it behind. Pellets or pats? Scats, spraints, frass, guano, spoor learn your way around different species droppings. There's also a dung-feeder s identification guide that includes the species you re most likely to encounter on an exploration of the dung heap. Journey through the digestive systems of humans, farm and wild animals, and meet some of nature’s ultimate recyclers as they eat, breed in and compete for dung. The fall of bodily waste onto the ground is the start of a race against the clock as a multitude of dung-feeders and scavengers consume this rich food source. From the enigmatic dung-rolling beetles to bat guano and giant elephant droppings, dung creates a miniature ecosystem to be explored by the aspiring dung watcher. The author completes the book with an identification guide to dung itself, so that you can identify the animal that left it behind. Pellets or pats? Scats, spraints, frass, guano, spoor – learn your way around different species’ droppings. There’s also a dung-feeder’s identification guide that includes the species you’re most likely to encounter on an exploration of the dung heap.Trade Review... an exquisitely written and outstandingly articulated book, which offers captivating insights that are of relevance to established ecologists, students of biological sciences, and the general public interested in the workings of the natural world. -- Jessica Dawson & Deena Pillay * Quarterly Review of Biology *In this friendly yet informative look at an under-appreciated ecosystem, Jones skillfully introduces a world of sperm competition and game theory that doesn’t lose sight of the charisma of his vast cast of invertebrates. There is even a field guide for newbie dropping-spotters. -- Jules Howard * BBC Wildlife Magazine *Not since Miss Felicity Beedles’ World of Poo (Pratchet 2012) have I enjoyed reading a book so much. Written in a light hearted manner with ecological concepts interspersed with natural history and personal experiences, this book is both informative and engaging. -- Darren Mann * Journal of Insect Conservation *A hyena’s is white; an otter’s smells of violets. Dung, reveals entomologist Richard Jones in this deft treatise, is a wonder of the biosphere. Jones is a witty guide to the mammalian digestive tract, animal waste as an ecological resource and the scores of insects that live in or on excrement, including the hulking Pride of Kent (rare rove beetle Emus hirtus). -- Barbara Kiser * Nature *[Jones] focuses on a host of species that rely on dung – including ‘cuckoo’ beetles and predators that exploit dung to catch prey – and looks at species used daily by humans to break up our own waste. There are fantastic facts about dung being used as a building material, insect repellent and in ‘poo wars’. Ancient Egyptians famously worshipped the ‘scarab’ beetle and crafted jewellery depicting the insect, some dating back 4,000 years. Final chapters cover dung identification, dung inhabitants and a dung dictionary. An amazing book – don’t be put off by its title. -- John Miles * Countryfile *Anyone with an interest in natural history and entomologists, particularly coleopterists and dipterists, will enjoy this book. The style is engaging and easy to read, not becoming bogged down in too much science, although importantly it is well referenced making it easy to research further if you wish. It is a shame there are no colour illustrations or photographs, but that does keep the cost down to a very reasonable price. I hope it will inspire more naturalists to get ‘stuck in’ to the world of dung! -- Victoria Burton * Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society *I must say that when I was asked by the editor if I would consider reviewing this publication, I approached it with some considerable apprehension, for apart from not feeling qualified not being a coleopterist I was asking myself how can a book of around 300 pages be compiled on the subject of excrement; in the event I have been pleasantly surprised.... This is a most thought-provoking, well-researched, well-illustrated and informative book full of interesting facts by a well-known author who knows his subject and whilst obviously appealing to the dedicated coleopterist or dipterist it also cannot help but be appreciated by the general entomologist. Crap it most certainly is not - but be careful where you put your foot!!! Enjoy. -- John W. Phillips * British Journal of Entomology and Natural History *Overall, Call of Nature is an interesting voyage of exploration from the formation of one animal’s waste to its essential role in creating new life for others. This book would make a great addition to any entomologist's bookshelf and a thought-provoking read for anyone simply curious about crap. I'm just glad it's not scratch-and-sniff. -- Alex Evans * Biosphere Magazine *Call of Nature is an eloquent review of what is currently known of the biology of insects in dung. The authors sense of humour bubbles to the surface throughout the text offering an often mischievous counterpoint to the biology under discussion. Here is a book that may even render dung an acceptable topic in polite conversation. It is a must for anyone with an interest in the natural world who does not mind getting their fingers warm and fragrant. -- Peter Smithers * Antenna *The language used is user-friendly; this is scientific education by stealth and I fully approve. I picked it up intending only to glance at it before reviewing it later, but I could not put it down! I finished the full 292 pages at that first sitting and ended up wishing that the book might have been even longer. It is an absolute MUST for all entomologists whatever their chosen group and it is certain to be enjoyed also by others whose lives are blighted by having an entomologist as a life partner. I suspect that it will probably also attract friends, neighbours, tradesmen and most others if left lying around like flies around...! -- Colin W. Plant * Entomologist’s Record *General readers may not think there'd be much to say about the subject; but as entomologist Richard Jones proves, there's actually quite a lot to learn about, whether discussing dung beetles or elephants. A lively tone pairs with detailed scientific facts and research in a surprisingly compelling survey which many will pick up for its shock value, only to find its details unexpectedly engrossing. -- Diane Donovan * California Bookwatch *This book is a true gem and one that opened up a whole new world of natural history to me.... a ‘best practice’ example of scientific writing. -- Clive Herbert * London Naturalist *In this friendly yet informative look at an under-appreciated ecosystem, Jones skilfully introduces a world of sperm competition and game theory that doesn’t lose sight of the charisma of his vast cast of invertebrates. -- Jules Howard * BBC Wildlife *Table of Contents1 Introduction – what is dung? 2 Cleanliness is next to fastidiousness – the human obsession with sewage 3 Waste not – dung as a human resource 4 It’s worth fighting over – dung as a valuable ecological resource 5 Dung communities – interactions and conflicts 6 The evolution of dung feeding – where did it all begin? 7 A closer look – who lives in dung? 8 Cross section of a dung pat – a slice of coprophagous life 9 The ageing process – time line of a dung pat 10 Dung problems – the end of world ordure as we know it 11 Dung types – an identification guide 12 Dung inhabitants and dung feeders – a rogues’ gallery 13 Dung is a four-letter word – a scatological dictionary References Index

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Book SynopsisHow and why did our most acclaimed birdwatchers take up birding? What were their early experiences of nature? How have their professional birding careers developed? What motivates them and drives their passion for wildlife? How many birds have they seen? Keith Betton and Mark Avery, passionate birdwatchers and conservationists, interview members of the birdwatching community to answer these and many other questions about the lives of famous birdwatchers. Following on from the success of their 2015 book Behind the Binoculars, Keith and Mark are back again, taking you behind the scenes, and behind the binoculars, of a diverse range of birding and wildlife personalities. Behind More Binoculars includes interviews with: Frank Gardner, Ann and Tim Cleeves, Roy Dennis, Kevin Parr, Tony Marr, Tim Appleton, Tim Birkhead, Dawn Balmer, Jon Hornbuckle, Tony Juniper, Richard Porter, Bryan Bland, Carol and Tim Inskipp, Barbara Young, Bill OddieTrade Review...it’s a good entertaining read, and although it might be dismissed as a kind of ornithological Hello! magazine, there’s enough serious stuff about the development of conservation organisations and changes in bird populations to give it a serious edge. -- Jeremy Brock * Scottish Birds *Sceptical at first with the concept of these books, I was won over after reading the first few interviews. There is an essential honesty at work here – one that binds together these different generations of people. Overall we get a gentle insight into some of the birding characters we may have occasionally met or heard in the media or in person, across this small world of devotees. These two volumes are a bit of a field guide themselves. -- Barry Larking * ECOS *Prepare to be entertained, educated but above all inspired. -- Justin Walker * BTO About Birds *...the interviews constitute a surprisingly revealing and valuable record of the history of birdwatching, ornithology and conservation. -- Andy Stoddart * Rare Bird Alert *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements List of abbreviations The interviews: Frank Gardner Ann and Tim Cleeves Roy Dennis Kevin Parr Tony Marr Tim Appleton Tim Birkhead Dawn Balmer Jon Hornbuckle Tony Juniper Richard Porter Bryan Bland Carol and Tim Inskipp Barbara Young Bill Oddie Last thoughts Selected bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA unique collection of concise but detailed information on 10,000 animals, plants, fungi and algae of the British Isles. Every species with an English common name is included. The compendium is in two parts. The first, smaller part, looks at various terms that people interested in natural history may come across. The second provides information on individual species or species groups, with entries on those with English (common) names, as well as selected families, orders, classes, etc. In the case of marine organisms, entries are given for intertidal and subtidal invertebrate species, and generally speaking for fish species that might be observed inshore. Indication is often given on distribution as well as whether a species is common, scarce or something in between. For some species a note is made of population size and trends. Comments are made where appropriate on etymology, both of the English name and the binomial. No other natural history dictionary or cognate publication relating to the British Isles is as comprehensive in taxonomic cover.Trade ReviewI will use it a lot in future because I need a bit of information on lots of species and this will be a good place to start. And although it is fact-packed and I haven’t found any jokes in the text so far, I have found myself reading the entry for one species or group of species and then the next, and the next and … -- Mark AveryThis is a book every UK household should have if we are to reclaim our island for all the creatures and plants that live here. This one’s a keeper. -- Fat Birder * Fatbirder.com *Gives an excellent picture of biodiversity at the start of the twenty first century, and something to be used either as a reference book, or the perfect book to pick up and dip in and out. -- Patricia MacDuff * British Naturalists' Association *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements List of abbreviations and acronyms Part I: Terms Part II: Organisms Bibliography

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Book SynopsisWhat does it mean to be a part of—rather than apart from—nature? This book is about how we interact with wildlife and the ways in which this can make our lives richer and more fulfilling. But it also explores the conflicts and contradictions inevitable in a world that is now so completely dominated by our own species. Interest in wildlife and wild places, and their profound effects on human wellbeing, have increased sharply as we face up to the ongoing biodiversity extinction crisis and reassess our priorities following a global pandemic. Ian Carter, lifelong naturalist and a former bird specialist at Natural England, sets out to uncover the intricacies of the relationship between humans and nature. In a direct, down-to-earth style he explains some of the key practical, ethical and philosophical problems we must navigate as we seek to reconnect with nature. This wide-ranging and infectiously personal account does not shy away from controversial subjects—such as how we handle invasive species, reintroductions, culling or dog ownership—and reveals in stark terms that properly addressing our connection to the natural world is an imperative, not a luxury. Short, pithy chapters make this book ideal for dipping into. Meanwhile, it builds into a compelling whole as the story moves from considering the wildlife close to home through to conflicts and, finally, the joy and sense of escape that can be had in the wildest corners of our landscapes, where there is still so much to discover.Trade ReviewA delightful read... Not only are the interactions with nature well told and engaging, the deeper thoughts they trigger have been honed by a lifetime’s experience. -- Dr. Mark Averylan is probably better known for his books on Red Kites, but here he tells the tale of his 25 years working for the government agencies for nature [and] living in a house next to a dyke on the fens... The book really comes alive at the end, with lan's move to Devon and his trips to Western Scotland, and I eagerly await his new book on Hen Harriers with Dan Powell. * Bird Watching's August Book of the Month *Touches upon some of the most important issues facing us all that need resolving before we assign nature to history and ourselves to oblivion! I bet once you pick this book up you will be tempted to put things on hold while you read the lot in one sitting! -- Bo Beolens * Fatbirder *If you want a slightly different perspective on our complex and complicated relationship with the natural world then this is as good a place to start as any. -- Paul Cheney * Halfman, Halfbook *… an eminently readable, thoughtful, honest and fascinating contribution to modern birding literature, which I can thoroughly and unreservedly recommend. -- Mike Everett * British Birds *A thoughtful and timely look at contemporary relationships between people and nature. -- James Robertson * British Wildlife *It’s the perfect book for dipping into and also for sitting engrossed for a couple of hours. -- Alan Williams * https://tontowilliams.com/ *A thought-provoking book…full of short discussions emanating from Ian’s vast knowledge of birds gained through his many years as an ornithologist. -- Alan Stewart * Wildlife Detective blog *This is an interesting and balanced take on the current state of play in the UK, wildlife-wise, from an author who knows it as well as anyone else...a particularly engaging and fascinating read. -- Josh Jones * Bird Guides *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction CLOSE TO HOME The island effect The late-summer lull Man’s best friend? A rat’s life Local patch wildlife Familiar species All-time favourite HUMAN NATURE Number conundrum Mario or mud pies? Splitting headaches The naming game Missing from the list A love of birds? Unwelcome wildlife The sound of silence Health-enhancing House Martins Adopt a species Wanted: dead or alive The state of nature Urban wildlife CONFLICTS Recent arrivals Rescuing wildlife The culture of killing A tale of two raptors Meddling with wildlife Moving things around WILD PLACES The pursuit of wildness Seabirds at sea Western Isles refuge A change of scene Western Isles revisited Index

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Book SynopsisTime outdoors is always well spent. It raises the spirits, sparks the imagination and, as research increasingly shows, measurably improves our physical and mental wellbeing. Rhythms of Nature celebrates this fundamental relationship with the natural world, and considers some ways we might rediscover it. After a career in conservation, Ian Carter moves to a secluded farmhouse tucked away in the low hills of mid-Devon between Exmoor and Dartmoor. Here he tries new approaches to exploring the local countryside. He learns the edible species, follows streams (wherever they may lead) and slips unseen through private estates. He experiments with rewilding the garden, goes on night-time rambles and watches the changing seasons in super high definition. Following on from the author’s acclaimed Human, Nature, this engaging and thought-provoking book offers simple suggestions for how to enliven a sense of wonder in our surroundings. A paean to the ‘neglected’ and untidy places that can enrich our lives, it will appeal to anyone wishing to develop a deeper connection with wildlife or who has a desire to seek out the wilder corners of our landscape.Trade ReviewA tramp through the west country and a diary of a cottage garden, thoughts on rewilding and the value of hens. Does that sound disparate… its not. This book is semi-autobiographical if you see the reflection in nature described, it sets out hopes, pitfalls and down to earth experiences. It's entertaining and, almost by osmosis informative. Thoroughly well written it is most accessible and flows so well a promised few pages ends up a chapter or two, while you follow the seasons. Great stuff! -- The FatbirderWhat makes this book, and Ian’s writing in general, is not that Ian sees things that the rest of us couldn’t see but that he thinks more about what he sees than many do, and then writes softly and engagingly about his thoughts. I find myself mentally commenting ‘Good point, well made’ as I move through the book but even if I very occasionally differ, slightly, from the author I don’t mind because he puts his thoughts over so well. -- Mark AveryIt is difficult to do justice to the range of matters that are covered in this book, but I found it a hugely enriching read. It benefits, I think, from being a collection of essays, each one of which melds personal experience, lightly worn expertise and consideration of things we are all, or should be, concerned about, with information and details that encourage curiosity and wonder too. Each chapter is eye-opening and provides pause for thought. It also goes against the grain of a lot of contemporary nature writing by being intentionally funny- ‘ forest bathing’ being described as a ‘ fancy term for a stroll in the woods’! -- Ian Tattum * Pilgrim House *Carter has a flair for setting the scene, drawing the tableaux and then moving the reader through the landscape. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it to all. -- Paul Meadows, British Naturalists AssociationThis is another good book from Carter and complements his previous book, Human, Nature, really well. -- Paul CheneyThis is a delightful collection of essays beginning indoors and drawing the reader out into the garden and the surrounding countryside. If you are looking for inspiration and fresh ideas for venturing out into your local area, read this book. -- Simon Bates, British Ecological Society...strongly recommended. -- Gordon Hamlett, Birdwatchers, Best Bird Books of the Year[The author's] continuing curiosity about how the world works, and firm belief that we are just one part of it and not entirely 'separate' from other life on Earth, give the book a particular relevance and will provoke a sympathetic response from readers who also enjoy and benefit from contact with the natural world. -- Rob Hume, birdguides.comTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction HOME TURF House guests Growing the lawn Garden rewilders Dabbling in management To feed or not to feed The turning of the Earth VENTURING OUT Signs of life Fellow-travellers Wild browsing WAYS OF SEEING Reminders of wilderness Wild nights out Going with the flow The gentle art of tramping CONNECTIONS Tragedy on the common Fleeing humanity Rain, forest Green unpleasant land The amateur naturalists Wintering Index

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

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Book SynopsisThe idea of this book started many years ago with my love of nature, places and people. If I think it is interesting, it has to be photographed! It all started when a friend of my family took some pictures of us as children. I was so fascinated with the camera that he let me have a try. On my thirteenth birthday my parents bought me a Brownie C620. I dashed over the fields to photograph a Point-toPoint Horse Race. Although I took many photographs, I did not get serious about photography until my daughter married and my brother-in-law suggested I got a Canon AV1 and since then I have always used Canon cameras. Now I have an EOS 90D plus a 100 to 400 MkII lens for wildlife with a 1.4mm extension. I have an EOS 7D MkII I use for landscape and close work with a 24 to 105mm lens. As I got older I found it difficult to carry other heavy lenses. Over the last 20 years or so, one of my travelling companions has been Bas Yates who is also a wildlife photographer and a cousin with the same interests. We are constantly competing to get a better photograph. My 70 years as a photographer have been fantastic, I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I have enjoyed taking them.

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Book SynopsisConor Mark Jameson has spent most of his life exploring the natural environment and communicating his enthusiasm for it to family, friends and, more recently, readers of a range of newspapers and magazines. Shrewdunnit brings together the best of these dispatches, alongside unpublished essays, in a poetic and evocative journal that inspires and delights. Jameson’s prose is fresh and in places irreverent, with a hint of mischief and a dash of wit. From his back door to the peaks of New Zealand and the swamp forests of the Peruvian Amazon, he carries on the biogumentary style he perfected in his earlier books showing – never telling – how to bring nature and conservation home. He may just have invented a genre. Praise for Silent Spring Revisited “A vividly told, beautifully written account of the environmentalist movement of the last fifty years and his own involvement in it ... the author takes his place among the pre-eminent nature writers of our times. His clear, vivid writing skillfully weaves political and cultural history, personal observation and passionate advocacy for the conservation of our diminishing wildlife to create a book that will endure in the annals of natural history." Marie Winn “If Nick Hornby loved nature, he might write a book like this.” Martin Harper, RSPB Director of Conservation “A lively read... what makes Jameson’s work especially enjoyable is the personal slant...” Matt Merritt, Editor, Birdwatching “A fine writer, who brings together an artist’s sensibility with a conservationist’s sense of reality... a vital read.” John Fanshawe, Birdwatch Praise for Looking for the Goshawk “Conor’s cultured writing and enthusiasm for the natural world and the people, like him, who care about it, will carry you along through the chapters.” Mark Avery "Equally stirring as his Silent Spring Revisited... a passionate detective story... descriptive, at times poetic prose..." Peter Goodfellow, Devon Birds Trade ReviewShrewdunnit is done in an old form, one currently neglected, perhaps as old- fashioned, in the US, and still done very well in England-- a year's observations, mostly of one place (although he is a thoroughly modern naturalist and also goes abroad); a phenology, a record, a series of sketches light and serious. Such a book stands or falls by two things: how well the writer knows his chosen place, and how well he writes, how originally he he can see. Conor succeeds on both counts. -- Stephen Bodio * Querencia (blog) *"It's a great read, and it's hard to get through it without at least once promising yourself to live a little bit more deliberately, and attentively. Truly inspirational." -- Matt Merritt * Birdwatching Magazine *"blends environmental knowledge with gentle humour.... while these diary pieces are packed with information, their pace is leisured and their tone deceptively simple... There is a quirkiness to his wildlife passions. This warm-hearted book also displays a gift for fine writing... underscores why his RSPB column is so popular." -- Mark Cocker * Countryfile, June 2014 *

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisAmong the most captivating of creatures, the mountain hare has inhabited Britain’s upland landscape since the last major ice age. Andy Howard fell in love with these shy, charming creatures at first sight. Here he introduces them both as a species precious within the great wheel of the seasons, and as individuals with their own, delightful personalities. Foreword from Welsh conservationist and TV presenter Iolo Williams.Trade Review‘A book that captures beautifully the character and charm of this enchanting British species.’ * Kate Humble *‘A passport to an austerely beautiful world. Gorgeous...’ * BBC Wildlife Magazine *‘A truly remarkable achievement... It is the end result, the balance of pictures and text, that make this book stand out as something quite exceptional.’ * Undiscovered Scotland *‘Andy Howard is a stunning wildlife photographer, a man at the very peak of his profession.’ * Iolo Williams *‘Andy Howard’s vivid images brilliantly capture this elusive animal, which has been hopping about on the British Isles for 10,000 years, in all its long-eared, wiggly- nosed fabulousness.’ * The Daily Mail *‘Captures the beauty and charm of these elusive creatures in a series of stunning images.’ * The Countryman *‘With its engaging text and lavish photos, this beautiful book is the next best thing to enjoying a day on the hill with Andy and his hares.’ * Walkhighlands *‘A stunning photographic book that follows the hares of the Cairngorms through the seasons.’ * West Coast Review *‘A book that is both gorgeous to look at, and sheds light on one of our more mysterious animals.’ * Evergreen *‘The author, a wildlife photographer, says that mountain hares became an 'engulfing passion' and it shows in his wonderful pictures. Every aspect of hares lives is shown and described. Lovely!’ * Chris Townsend *

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Book SynopsisThe best of contemporary nature writing from the winners of the inaugural international Nature Chronicles Prize. The Nature Chronicles Prize is a new biennial, international, English-language literary award founded to celebrate engaging, unique, essay-length non-fiction that responds to the time we are in and the world as it is. Conceived in 2020 to mark the global pandemic, the prize is also a memorial to Prudence Scott, a lifelong nature diarist who died in 2019. Contained within this volume are the outstanding shortlisted entries for the inaugural prize. These winning works express diverse responses to our planet and its life, and together embody the best of contemporary nature writing, whether by emerging or established authors. The anthology is introduced by bestselling nature writer Kathryn Aalto, who was one of the prize judges.Trade Review“A richly layered reading experience……Not only did ‘A Parable of Arable Land’ make us think deeply, but we had the sense that Prudence Scott might also have chosen it.” (On the winning essay by Nicola Pitchford) -- The Nature Chronicles Prize Judges“A refreshing essay on queerness, sexuality, and love.” (on Jenny Chamarette’s ‘Q is for Garden’) -- The Nature Chronicles Prize Judges“So stylishly written that it could have been fiction … an essay about boundaries and relationships written in sharp and vivid imagery.” (On Laura Coleman’s ‘The Fence’) -- The Nature Chronicles Prize Judges“This unflinching essay has a hot, wild breath … a brisk, braided [that] transports readers.” (On Ben Crane’s ‘The Flight of the Goshawk’) -- The Nature Chronicles Prize Judges"This gritty essay is about displacement, loss, and overconsumption in the desert ecosystem of Las Vegas … finds solace in knowing what does belong.” (On Joanna Pocock’s ‘None of This Should Be Here’) -- The Nature Chronicles Prize Judges“Neha Sinha brought a vital global perspective, putting the pandemic at the heart of the story and graphically revealing the different ways it was experienced.” (On ‘City of Covid Trees’) -- The Nature Chronicles Prize Judges

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Book SynopsisConservationist Laurence Rose spent two years exploring the cultural roots of our relationship with nature in order to map out its future. From the magnificent white-tailed eagles of Orkney and Mull to the fascinating world of ants and crickets on the southern heaths, he describes his encounters with wildlife in exquisite language and vivid detail. This is a book about the complexity and vulnerability of nature, and the unexpected connections between people and wildlife. While his writing builds on decades of experience as a leading conservationist, Laurence's passion shines from every page. Unflinching in describing the long journey needed to rebuild a mutually-beneficial relationship with nature, ultimately it is a book about optimism and hope.Trade Review'Here we join this conservationist, composer and lyrical, erudite writer on field trips in search of fragile species . . . this is full of warnings and wonder and birdsong. We could despair, or we could heed Rose's call to reconnect with the living world around us.' Saga Magazine (Nov 2020); ‘The success or failure of all conservation efforts depends on the connections that we form with the species or aspects of nature under consideration. That’s the basic thrust of this excellent, highly readable book . . . Rose also has a knack of observing a whole landscape – while his focus may be on an individual species, his keen gaze also takes in all sorts of other details, making this a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in any aspect of the natural world.’ Birdwatching Magazine (Book of the Month, November 2020)Table of ContentsThemes - Loss & Recovery - Conflict & Coexistence - Small Matters - Hope Part 1: Portraits from Life 1. White-tailed Eagle - South Ronaldsay 2. Corncrake - Iona 3. Fox - West Yorkshire 4. Badger - West Yorkshire - Derbyshire 5. Yellow Tit - Yorkshire coalfields 6. Field Cricket - Farnham Heath 7. Narrow-headed Ant - Chudleigh Knighton 8. Otter - Berwick-upon-Tweed - Isle of Mull 9. Nightingale - Weald of Kent Part 2: Landscapes of Change 10. Vanishing Points - In the Fen Country - Re:Connecting 11. From Stones to Humankind - Mumbai - Gir 12. Perspective - Reckonings - The Wasted Land - Loss Revisited - Value

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Book SynopsisA wide-ranging collection of essays from new and established voices writing about nature, environment, conservation, biodiversity and the challenges that London faces to protect green spaces from urban development as well as the drive towards rewilding. The first of four books about London's wildlife, this edition focuses on the green spaces of Richmond Deer Park, Barnes Wetlands, Kew Gardens, Gunnersbury Triangle, Crane Park, Chiswick House, Bushy Park and many others.Trade Review"This slim volume of 136 pages with hard covers and numerous colour photos immediately exudes quality...It consists of a series of 14 essays covering different sites or areas of West London, written by ten different authors, interspersed with many colour photos (including double-page spreads). The diverse writing styles of the different authors add to the charm of the book, each seemingly representing an authentic voice of experience and expertise. In addition, between each chapter, there is a full-page image opposite a short ‘inspirational quote’, generally well-chosen and apposite; while some may see these as ’padders’, we found them useful to give the book space to breathe, the rest of the pages being either full of words and photos, or completely given over to large images. All too often such places are suffering at the hands of Man, and so need the sorts of actions, understanding and care that are amply demonstrated here. Each individual story could provide such inspiration for somebody faced with similar challenges, wherever they are." -- Chris and Jude Gilbert; "A gorgeous photography book showcasing some gorgeous wildlife featured in London. I often feel you see so much of the historical side and building ect so this is quite nice to see as well. I think readers will really enjoy it." ***** Jill Speedman - Librarian, Netgalley reviewer; "Having lived in West London all my life I was really interested to see what areas I knew here. My local venue in here is Ruislip lido, loved reading about the history of the lido. Many places in here I have visited and a few I haven't like the Wetland but this will be on my list. Beautiful photographs my favourites ones are the red deer and Jackdaw and mandarin duck both by James Yates, both stunning I would absolutely love to frame these photographs." ***** -- Lucy Cawte - Netgalley reviewer; "Beautiful photography throughout is interspersed with inspirational quotes by such diverse characters as William Shakespeare, Andy Warhol and Sir David Attenborough. Divided into chapters about different areas of open space in West London, there are a whole host of interesting facts about the biodiversity that can be found there. It has given me a taste for what I might see when next I venture to explore some of the beautiful parks and other wild spaces near me." ***** Sue Hill - Netgalley reviewer

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