Wildlife through the Year

This book provides colourful and informative anecdotal commentary on British nature and wildlife in a series of short articles that are a short and easy read over breakfast or a cup of tea. The stories on everyday (and some more unusual) observations from a natural historian out in his local countryside are perfect for reinvigorating the enthusiasm of the casual natural historian or introducing newcomers to some of the spectacular or hidden natural gems to be found in their nearby patch of countryside. Even accomplished natural historians may find the book engaging, as a different eye lends a new perspective on even commonly observed phenomena. As a newcomer to the UK, the chronological progression of wildlife observations provided me with a great deal of perspective on ‘what it used to be like’: the noticeable declines of species such as Willow Tit, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker punctuate the timeline of articles, interspersing the narrative with rather melancholic notes. While the articles are rather heavily focused towards the nature and wildlife of Bedfordshire (all have appeared in the Bedfordshire County Life magazine), those out in their wood or patch elsewhere in the country can still gain insight into the wonders of their local nature and wildlife from the observations of this experienced natural historian.

Book reviewed by Samantha Franks

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