Wildlife

Britain’s wildlife is varied, can create the most beautiful scenery and is more important to our everyday lives and well-being than we often realise.

Our brand new titles can help you to not only understand more about the wildlife around you in your garden and surrounding countryside, but also to show you what you can see and how to find it.

From beautiful books full of incredible photographs of all kinds of wild animals to guides to the best walks in the country and advice about encouraging wildlife in your own garden, there will be something to interest anyone with a passion for wildlife and its preservation.

Format: Hardback
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9781526723550
Pub Date: 30 Jun 2019

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 30 Jun 2019

Pages: 240

ISBN: 9781526723550

Description: There are many guides to the the world’s great wildlife experiences, but the UK is neglected and this book sets out to remedy this. 100 Great Wildlife Experiences really takes in all the amazing things to see and do in the UK, in all seasons – because winter, of course, can be just as good as summer or spring. The 100 experiences to be had here in the UK are placed in categories such as “Best for families”, "Best for Couples", “Best on a budget” and so on. Covering every county in the country, this book is useful for people who want to explore their local area and surrounding counties, and for those in need of an insightful guide to take on their travels.
RRP: £25.00
Format: Paperback
Pages: 216
ISBN: 9781526751577
Pub Date: 31 May 2019

Format: Paperback

Pub Date: 31 May 2019

Pages: 216

ISBN: 9781526751577

Description: Have you ever wondered how trees got their names? What did our ancestors think about trees, and how were they used in the past? This fascinating book will answer many of your questions, but also reveal interesting stories that are not widely known. For example, the nut from which tree was predicted to pay off the UK’s national debt? Or why is Europe’s most popular pear called the ‘conference’? Simon Wills tells the history of twenty-eight common trees in an engaging and entertaining way, and every chapter is illustrated with his photographs. Find out why the London plane tree is so frequently planted in our cities, and how our forebears were in awe of the magical properties of hawthorn. Where is Britain’s largest conker tree? Which tree was believed to protect you against both lightning and witchcraft? The use of bay tree leaves as a sign of victory by athletes in ancient Greece led to them being subsequently adopted by many others – from Roman emperors to the Royal Marines. But why were willow trees associated with Alexander Pope, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Samuel Johnson? Why did Queen Anne pay a large sum for a cutting from a walnut tree in Somerset? Discover the answers to these and many other intriguing tales within the pages of this highly engrossing book.
RRP: £16.99
Format: Hardback
Pages: 168
ISBN: 9781526729897
Pub Date: 30 Apr 2019

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 30 Apr 2019

Pages: 168

ISBN: 9781526729897

Description: How to Catch More Salmon is about fishing according to the application of principles and practicalities that will not stop at a first salmon, but go on to catching more salmon, whether or not that is your final destination. It is not unique to fishing that a beginner can coexist with the expert and at times enjoy near-parity in terms of sporting success. But as Charles Ritz wrote in his quirky and brilliant classic, A Fly Fisher's Life: 'More than all else, I like watching other fishers, and examining their tackle. In helping beginners, I often learn as much as they do.' Whether your passion for fishing takes you globe trotting (like Ritz) or not, this book invites you along for the experience, while sharing sporting insight at all levels, including luminaries of today's on and offline media. It is an aim of the book that this melting pot will draw real results from the techniques and conclusions that emerge, in terms of fish caught and opportunities taken. Think and catch more fish is a central theme, but to enjoy the sport via more nuanced and philosophical aspects is key. Get it, teach it and share it, in the UK and Ireland but also on the rivers of Norway, Canada and Russia. Enhance the common good and turn the dream of a fishing lifetime into new reality with the rest of us.
RRP: £25.00
Format: Hardback
Pages: 85
ISBN: 9781526729736
Pub Date: 06 Mar 2019

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 06 Mar 2019

Pages: 85

ISBN: 9781526729736

Description: Indoor Wildlife is a book that looks at our houses and other buildings from the point of view of wild animals and plants. Some come indoors to hibernate, some come indoors to find food and others come indoors to set up home. Still others use the walls and roofs of our homes, as well as our garages, sheds and outhouses. All-in-all, we share our homes with all kinds of fauna and flora. Some species can be tolerated, while others can be a nuisance or even harmful. Ultimately, our homes offer artificial habitats to these species, so they accept the invitation. Controlling them is a matter of understanding their ecological requirements.
RRP: £19.99
Format: Hardback
Pages: 216
ISBN: 9781526711748
Pub Date: 25 Feb 2019

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 25 Feb 2019

Pages: 216

ISBN: 9781526711748

Description: The aptly named giant otter is exceptionally well adapted to life in rivers, lakes and wetlands in tropical South America. Known in Spanish as lobo del rio or 'river wolf', it can be as long as a human is tall, and is the most social of the world's thirteen otter species. Each individual is identifiable from birth by its pale throat pattern, as unique as your fingerprint. Giant otters are top carnivores of the Amazon rainforest and have little to fear... except man. There are many reasons why scientists and tourists alike are fascinated by this charismatic species. Spend a day in the life of a close-knit giant otter family and you’ll realise why. Learn about their diet and hunting techniques, marking and denning behaviour, and breeding and cub-rearing strategies, including shared care of the youngest members. Become familiar with the complex life histories of individual otters over their 15-year lifespans. And accompany a young disperser during the trials and tribulations of a year spent looking for a mate and a home of its own. Although giant otters have few natural enemies, they became the target of the international pelt trade in the 1940s, and by the early 1970s had been hunted to the brink of extinction. Today, illegal hunting is a minor hazard. So why is the giant otter still endangered? Find out about current threats to the species and discover how a variety of conservation actions are benefiting the otters over the last decades. Then be a part of the solution by acting on the steps we can all take to help further giant otter conservation.
RRP: £25.00
Format: Paperback
Pages: 108
ISBN: 9781526712899
Pub Date: 05 Oct 2017

Format: Paperback

Pub Date: 05 Oct 2017

Pages: 108

ISBN: 9781526712899

Description: ‘A joyous book’ - Alan Titchmarsh ‘Bright, colourful and boundlessly enthusiastic, this is also a practical guide to making your garden a refuge for wildlife to fit all plots.’ - Chris Packham The Wildlife Gardener is a book which helps you to create wildlife habitats in your very own garden, and is very handily split into sections on shelter, food and water. Kate gives advice on the best nectar and pollen plants to grow, dos and don'ts of bird feeding and organic methods of pest control.There are also 10 step-by-step projects that will help encourage wildlife into your garden, such as: creating a bumblebee nester, making a green roof and building a hedgehog box. With step-by-step pictures to help you follow the instructions, these homely creations are all achievable in a weekend and are suitable for even the smallest gardens. Also included is a mini field guide, which will help you to identify the birds and other creatures that you are likely to spot in your garden. Kate gives tips on particular species, explaining what to look out for and how to cater for specific birds, mammals, bees, butterflies, moths and pond life. The Wildlife Gardener is a passionately written, practical book that is essential reading for those who would like to make homes for wildlife in their garden.
Format: Hardback
Pages: 134
ISBN: 9781526729699
Pub Date: 11 Feb 2019

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 11 Feb 2019

Pages: 134

ISBN: 9781526729699

Description: Garden Wildlife is a book that looks at the habitats in our gardens from the point of view of wild animal and plants. If we understand our gardens in this way, then we can appreciate that different parts of our gardens essentially mimic wild habitats in microcosm. This means that we can provide places for wild animals and plants to flourish in our gardens, whether they happen to be in rural, suburban or urban settings. Above all, we need to get away from the current obsession with tidiness and sterility in our gardens, and allow odd corners to go wild, so that our native species can live alongside us in the modern world. Without wildlife to discover and observe in our gardens, our lives are impoverished, so we have a duty to ourselves and our children to invite nature back into our outside spaces.
RRP: £19.99
Format: Paperback
Pages: 120
ISBN: 9781526737472
Pub Date: 30 Jan 2019

Format: Paperback

Pub Date: 30 Jan 2019

Pages: 120

ISBN: 9781526737472

Description: If you care about what you eat, you should care about how you grow it. Gardeners can demonstrate that by going beyond organics to veganics - growing without animal inputs - they are a driving force in saving the environment. This book gives you the tools to grow without harming the planet and animals, and explains why moving beyond organics towards super organic vegan gardening is the way to show you are genuinely concerned about environmental issues and the industrial commodification of living, sentient creatures. From advice about how to make and buy natural fertilisers and compost, to putting nutritional values on what you grow, and to how to cook it, and how to share your plot with wildlife, this book covers all the bases. The foreword is by RHS Chelsea Flower Show best in show winner Cleve West, who is a passionate vegan gardener. Vegan Organic Network and Garden Organic have backed the book too.
RRP: £16.99
Format: Hardback
Pages: 203
ISBN: 9781526701596
Pub Date: 12 Dec 2018

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 12 Dec 2018

Pages: 203

ISBN: 9781526701596

Description: Have you ever wondered how trees got their names? What did our ancestors think about trees, and how were they used in the past? This fascinating book will answer many of your questions, but also reveal interesting stories that are not widely known. For example, the nut from which tree was predicted to pay off the UK’s national debt? Or why is Europe’s most popular pear called the ‘conference’? Simon Wills tells the history of twenty-eight common trees in an engaging and entertaining way, and every chapter is illustrated with his photographs. Find out why the London plane tree is so frequently planted in our cities, and how our forebears were in awe of the magical properties of hawthorn. Where is Britain’s largest conker tree? Which tree was believed to protect you against both lightning and witchcraft? The use of bay tree leaves as a sign of victory by athletes in ancient Greece led to them being subsequently adopted by many others – from Roman emperors to the Royal Marines. But why were willow trees associated with Alexander Pope, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Samuel Johnson? Why did Queen Anne pay a large sum for a cutting from a walnut tree in Somerset? Discover the answers to these and many other intriguing tales within the pages of this highly engrossing book.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 328
ISBN: 9781526737038
Pub Date: 12 Dec 2018

Format: Paperback

Pub Date: 12 Dec 2018

Pages: 328

ISBN: 9781526737038

Description: An inspiration to amateur and professional astronomers alike, the Yearbook of Astronomy warrants a place on the bookshelf of all sky watchers and stargazers. Maintaining its appealing style and presentation, the Yearbook of Astronomy 2019 contains an authoritative set of sky charts and comprehensive jargon-free monthly sky notes to enable backyard astronomers everywhere to plan their viewing of the year’s eclipses, comets, meteor showers and deep sky objects. In addition, a variety of entertaining and informative articles present the reader with information on a wide range of topics including, among others, The Cassini-Huygens Mission to the Saturn System; 100 Years of the International Astronomical Union; The First Micro-Quasar; Getting the Measure of Double Stars; Asaph Hall: Man of Mars; and Science Fiction and the Future of Astronomy. The Yearbook of Astronomy has been around for well over half a century and, as it heads towards its Diamond Jubilee edition in 2022, continues to be essential reading for anyone lured by the magic of astronomy and who wants to extend their knowledge of the Universe and the wonders it plays host to.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 192
ISBN: 9781526708922
Pub Date: 13 Jun 2018

Format: Paperback

Pub Date: 13 Jun 2018

Pages: 192

ISBN: 9781526708922

Description: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks” – John Muir This is a book about Britain’s wildlife, and how and where to find it. The aim is to show that you don’t have to travel to the nether reaches of the Arctic or the deepest corners of the Amazon rainforest to experience weird and wonderful creatures. They are right here, on our doorstep. You just need to know where to look! In a world where the natural world is slowly being replaced by technology and material things, every single one of us could do with appreciating the flora and fauna that exist on our tiny island. And that starts with spending time in the outdoors; exploring, searching and learning. Teaching ourselves that there is life beyond our laptop screens, and re-discovering our hidden nature. And this nature needs our help. Threatened by climate change, pollution and urban developments, we are losing our amazing wildlife at an alarming rate. But how are we meant to know what to save, if we don’t know what we stand to lose? How can we get passionate about conservation, if we don’t appreciate the wildlife we have at home? This is a guide to finding and appreciating the UK’s wildlife. Written by a young conservationist who refuses to grow up, it details her small adventures travelling the UK in search of wildlife encounters on a shoestring budget. Included are tips and tricks of the trade; advice on wildlife spotting, the best places to find it, and, where possible, how to encourage and conserve our native species. From ancient forests and coastal wilderness, to bustling city streets and your own back garden, nature is everywhere – if you just know where to look. Featuring unique illustrations and photography, Hidden Nature will inspire you to get out there and discover Britain’s wilderness for yourself.
Format: Hardback
Pages: 171
ISBN: 9781526715531
Pub Date: 08 May 2018

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 08 May 2018

Pages: 171

ISBN: 9781526715531

Description: Spectacular nebulae where stars are born, beautiful star clusters from the early formation of the Milky Way, and galaxies as far as a billion light years away, all feature in this book of stunning images from astro photographer Chris Baker. The author takes the reader on a journey through time and space to the Deep Sky, far beyond our Solar System. It is a pictorial description of the awe-inspiring wondrous objects that exist “out there”. The images are of objects from hundreds to many millions of light years away; distances of such enormity are hard for our minds to grasp. The book presents fascinating information on what the Earth was like when the light started its earth-bound journey through space. For example, as the light left the Andromeda Galaxy 2.5 million years ago on its interstellar journey to Chris’s telescope, the Himalayas are still being raised. Chapters are included describing the basics of astrophotography, as modern telescopes and cameras make this a rewarding hobby well within reach of the amateur astronomer. Chris describes his observatory in the mountains of Spain along with practical guidance on how to get started in astrophotography. With a concise, clear discussion on the background of astronomical science, this is above all, a book to celebrate the beauty and fascination of space.
Format: Hardback
Pages: 128
ISBN: 9781526706836
Pub Date: 08 May 2018

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 08 May 2018

Pages: 128

ISBN: 9781526706836

Description: Hugely charismatic, the Highland cattle breed is the focus of this photographic tribute to one of Britain’s most popular farm animals. These long-horned, curly coated cows are amongst the many now famous subjects featured in Villager Jim’s daily online photographic adventures, which have gained nearly 200,000 followers. Jim often wanders amongst the herds throughout the seasons, taking shots from many different angles as they graze on moorland, heathland, woodland copses and lush green farmland. Getting close to one to photograph is always a respectful journey; although they are normally very peaceful animals, Jim is always mindful to stay within their field of view and not invade their space too much. Despite rarely seeing their eyes, many of Jim’s shots have a comedy element to them, with the cows’ fondness for constant nose cleaning and their serious but amusing expressions semi-hidden behind masses of tangly hair. Through this book, Jim is very proud to help grow the following for this most beautiful breed of cattle.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 160
ISBN: 9781526714336
Pub Date: 11 Apr 2018

Format: Paperback

Pub Date: 11 Apr 2018

Pages: 160

ISBN: 9781526714336

Description: ''Gardening is where science meets art, where nature meets nurture and where food and health unite.'' In an age of clean eating and fad diets, the term super food has become synonymous with inflated prices and overstated claims about the disease-fighting, anti-aging, life-enhancing powers of certain foods. Sales of fruits and vegetables like kale, beetroot and blueberries have rocketed, but why spend money on products that have travelled miles around the country or even the globe only to sit in a supermarket wrapped in plastic for days, when you could grow your own? This lively, engaging book weeds out the hype and unearths the secrets of what makes a food a super food. Discover a wide array of fruits and vegetables all with their own super qualities, and learn how to sow and plant them yourself, free from chemicals and full of goodness. In the comprehensive directory of crops you'll find information about the nutritional benefits of an A to Z of fruits and vegetables, followed by practical advice for planting and growing, plus mouthwatering recipes for making the most of your harvest. Experience the delight of following your food's journey from seed to plate, and the gratification of picking and eating your own produce. Indulge your taste buds with tasty, nutritious meals, where the key is pleasure not avoidance. It's time to take control of what you eat and grow your way to better health.
Format: Hardback
Pages: 248
ISBN: 9781526708380
Pub Date: 26 Mar 2018

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 26 Mar 2018

Pages: 248

ISBN: 9781526708380

Description: Mankind has always had a morbid fascination with poisonous plants; how their poisonous properties were discovered and developed will most likely be left unknown. Over the centuries poisonous plants have been used to remove garden pests, unwanted rivals and deceitful partners. They have also been used for their medicinal qualities, as rather dangerous cosmetics, even to help seduce a lover when perceived as an aphrodisiac. Some of these and other uses originate in a medieval book that has not yet been translated into English. Shamans and priests used these plants for their magical attributes, as a means to foretell the future or to commune with the gods. Discover how a pot of Basil helped to conceal a savage murder. Learn the truth about the mysterious mandrake, a real plant although many do not realise it. Jane Austen wrote a conundrum to entertain her family; the answer is one of the plants in the book. Will you be able to solve the mystery? Death In The Garden is based on Michael Brown’s most popular talk, popular as this subject holds a strange interest, for many will enjoy learning about these treacherous and peculiar plants, their defensive and deadly traits, as well as the folklore that has grown around them. This title will appeal to gardeners, horticulturalists, nature enthusiasts and anyone who holds an interest in this strange and enchanting corner of the garden. But be warned, many of these deathly plants may already be taking root in your very own garden…
Format: Paperback
Pages: 298
ISBN: 9781526717412
Pub Date: 13 Nov 2017

Format: Paperback

Pub Date: 13 Nov 2017

Pages: 298

ISBN: 9781526717412

Description: The YEARBOOK OF ASTRONOMY 2018 is a book no stargazer should be without. Recognised by both amateurs and professionals alike as an indispensable guide to the night sky, the Yearbook of Astronomy is one of the only reference books to be fully revised each year. The Yearbook of Astronomy is one of the longest-running series of books on astronomy and the night sky. It first appeared way back in 1962 (well over half-a-century ago) and continues to be, as it was then, the main popular astronomy annual for amateur astronomers. For most of this time the Yearbook of Astronomy was edited by Patrick Moore. Forthcoming editions will endeavour to maintain the popular style and familiarity of previous editions, as well as offering its readers a new, invigorating and inspirational layout and presentation. The 2018 edition contains authoritative sky charts and detailed monthly sky notes that plot a clear path though the year’s eclipses, comets, meteor showers and deep sky objects. In addition the Yearbook of Astronomy features a variety of topical and specially commissioned articles covering a wide range of astronomy-related topics. Articles for the Yearbook of Astronomy 2018 include: Supermassive Black Holes by David M Harland Imaging Comets (astrophotography) by Damian Peach Double and Multiple Stars by John McCue Modern Video Astronomy by Steve Wainwright Is There Still a Place for Art in Astronomy? by David A Hardy A Year of Solar System Exploration 2016-2017 by Peter Rea Astronomy 2016-2017 by Rod Hine Anniversaries in 2018 by Neil Haggath Bursting with up-to-the-minute information, this collection is essential reading for anyone fascinated by the night sky . . .
Format: Hardback
Pages: 128
ISBN: 9781526706799
Pub Date: 13 Nov 2017

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 13 Nov 2017

Pages: 128

ISBN: 9781526706799

Description: Over many years Jim has gained the trust of a number of special birds and animals who have gradually taken it as second nature that a member of their own small world is a large chap with a camera! Bobbin Robin and her friends have a huge social media audience, with tens of thousands of viewers following her weekly adventures from the RSPB and on Facebook. Bobbin the robin has now become rather adept at posing for Jim, perching on various platforms for wherever Jim sits in his garden. Open up the book to see the daily goings on of these wildlife friends in some of Jim’s very best pictures taken in this beautiful setting. They illustrate the close relationship Jim has formed with Bobbin and her friends. Jim's lively captions express the mood and spontaneous character of each individual shot and are an essential element of what makes his pictures so special.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 160
ISBN: 9781526701558
Pub Date: 08 Nov 2017

Format: Paperback

Pub Date: 08 Nov 2017

Pages: 160

ISBN: 9781526701558

Description: Even the most well-informed wildlife enthusiast will be entertained by the stories and fascinating facts in the beautifully illustrated book. Our ancestors hunted, tamed, worshipped and depicted birds, and even bestowed magical properties upon them. Why did ancient writers consider the sparrow a lustful creature? Which bird was killed and hung up to predict the weather? And what was an 'arse-foot'? Wildlife photographer and history journalist Simon Wills explores the intriguing and at times bizarre stories behind our relationship with birds. Find out why robins feature on Christmas cards, and how Mozart was persuaded to keep a pet starling. What bird did Florence Nightingale carry around in her pocket? How did the blue tit get its name? Whole careers have been created around birds – from falconers to ostrich farmers – and birds have had great symbolic importance too. Discover, for example, why Raleigh bicycles carry a heron logo and why church lectems are in the shape of an eagle. If you enjoy wildlife, then this book is full of surprises. Pigeons were trained to carry messages in wartime, but could gulls be taught to hunt U-boats? And which American president's parrot started swearing at his funeral?
Format: Hardback
Pages: 128
ISBN: 9781526706751
Pub Date: 13 Sep 2017

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 13 Sep 2017

Pages: 128

ISBN: 9781526706751

Description: Villager Jim, the famous Peak District photographer, takes us on a journey to his very favourite places on the moors surrounding the Peak District National Park, where he lives. From wonderful wild deer to breathtaking buzzards and other birds of prey, Jim allows us a glimpse of his daily moorland travels with all the abundant wildlife that lives in that part of the world. Jim often concedes that it is his most favourite place on earth, being out alone with his camera within this unforgiving landscape, watching the sun rise on the horizon, whilst at the same time, seeing stags wander, grazing on the moorland. It is here also that many of his favourite birds of prey abound. And, of course, he is there to capture the beautiful landscape shots rolling in mists or washed in the golden light of dawn.
Format: Hardback
Pages: 128
ISBN: 9781526706713
Pub Date: 21 Jun 2017

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 21 Jun 2017

Pages: 128

ISBN: 9781526706713

Description: Birds, bees, and a whole host of other flora and fauna that share Villager Jim’s garden in the tiny Peak District village of Foolow, are featured in this stunning book of photographs. Bobbin Robin is just one of the regular visitors to the garden; she and her friends have a huge social media audience, with tens of thousands of viewers. Open up the book to see the daily goings on of these wildlife friends in some of Jim’s very best pictures taken in this beautiful setting. They illustrate the close relationship Jim has formed with some of the regular wildlife visitors to his garden. His quirky captions capture the mood and spontaneous character of each individual shot and are an essential element of what makes Villager Jim’s pictures so special.
RRP: £19.99
Format: Hardback
Pages: 202
ISBN: 9781473885851
Pub Date: 06 Jan 2017

Format: Hardback

Pub Date: 06 Jan 2017

Pages: 202

ISBN: 9781473885851

Description: The storms that cross the Great Plains of North America each spring are some of nature's most spectacular. They can also be some of the most dangerous. Most people who live in areas susceptible to these storms keep a close eye on the weather reports and take cover or evacuate when one is on the way. Storm chasers keep an even closer eye on the weather data, but for a different reason: they don't run away when they see a storm approaching, they follow it! Professional photographer and Emmy Award winner, Mike Olbinski has chased storms throughout his native Arizona, as well as even further afield, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado. Whether he's photographing lightning, tornadoes or even cloud formations, his remarkable images are able to convey the awesome power and beauty of nature in its most dramatic and impressive forms. With over 100 stunning colour photographs, this book brings together some of Mike's most breath taking images from the past five years as he describes his love of the open road and the thrill of capturing the perfect storm on film.
RRP: £25.00