Description
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 Fatbirder
What 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 Avery
It 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 Association
This is another good book from Carter and complements his previous book, Human, Nature, really well.
-- Paul Cheney
This 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.com
Table 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
