Meadows

This is the second in the British Wildlife Collection series, Meadows, once again greets you with colourful, dynamic and attractive Carry Ackroyd cover artwork. This volume, as the name so succinctly says, is dedicated to all manner of meadow. A simple word and one we have probably given little thought to. Think meadow and we probably all have an image of a quintessentially English water meadow, moving with wild flowers and humming with insects in an English summer but, as we learn early on in the book, the very definition of what is a meadow is open to interpretation.

The author takes us on a vividly illustrated journey through meadows, through the different types, through time and across countries and continents. He explores the component flora in some detail and the uses and management of meadows in history and in the modern era. Finally he examines the future for meadows and how they fit into our modern lives.

This is a beautifully written book and a worthy second volume in the series. George Peterken, the author, writes thoroughly and well. Perhaps, for me though, a little too thoroughly. Whilst I read the first volume (Mushrooms, by Peter Marren) word for word from beginning to end, I found this one more a book to dip into rather than read from end to end. I look forward very much to the next title, which is due to be on Rivers. This series of books cannot help but draw parallels with Collins New Naturalists, but if the future ones continue with the same level of quality of writing and illustrations they will stand up to those comparisons and continue to demand space on our bookshelves.   

Book reviewed by Su Gough