Books of the Month
June
June has arrived, bringing with it glorious displays of Oxeye daisies brightening the verges, foxgloves rising above the hedgerows, fledglings finding their wings, and fox and badger cubs exploring the world beyond the sett.
To celebrate this wonderful time of year, we've chosen four Books of the Month inspired by the wild world around us:
Candida Meyrick
Be More Bird
‘A small masterpiece, written with heart, self-belief and wisdom. Wonderful!’ PAUL THEROUX
Set in one of Britain’s wildest landscapes, Be More Bird is an inspiring work of nature writing that follows the bond between a woman and her Harris Hawk, exploring falconry, freedom, birds of prey and our connection to the natural world.
A highly enjoyable blend of part birding memoir and part self-help, it is perfect for readers searching for the best nature writing books, books about birds and falconry, or just a truly moving story written with great joy and filled with universally applicable nuggets of wisdom.
Read this if you loved... ♡
The Goshawk by T.H. White
Helen Scales
What the Wild Sea Can Be
‘A passionate look at how saving the seas is an essential part of saving ourselves’ - Kirkus Reviews
What the Wild Sea Can Be is a beautifully written work of nature writing in which marine biologist Helen Scales explores the future of the ocean through stories of penguins, sharks, coral reefs and kelp forests, revealing both the fragility and resilience of marine life.
A compelling work of environmental nonfiction, this is an inspiring read for readers interested in marine conservation, climate change and the natural world.
Read this if you loved... ♡
The Sea Around Us by Rachel Carson
Tim Birkhead
Birds and Us
‘A brilliant and passionate celebration - how birds enrich our lives and now, more than ever, depend on us.’ - Nick Davies - Author of Cuckoo
Birds have accompanied humanity throughout history, shaping our myths, beliefs, art and understanding of the world. In Birds and Us, Tim Birkhead traces this remarkable shared story, from the ibises revered by the Ancient Egyptians and Renaissance studies of woodpeckers to the Victorian passion for egg collecting and today's urgent efforts to protect threatened species. Along the way, he reveals the many ways birds have influenced human society, while exploring how our own actions have transformed their lives in return.
Combining history, science and personal reflection, Birkhead draws on a lifetime spent studying birds to create a rich and deeply engaging account of our relationship with the natural world. Birds and Us is a rewarding read for anyone with an interest in ornithology, wildlife, and natural history.
Read this if you loved... ♡
The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman
John Wright
A Natural History of the Hedgerow
‘This illustrated survey is historically detailed, enriched by the author's deep knowledge of British landscapes and natural history.’ ― Guardian
‘After reading this delightful book, you'll see those humble boundaries as living archives of our island story.’ ― Daily Mail
Drawing on decades of experience and a deep knowledge of British Wildlife, Wright brings the hidden world of hedgerows to life. Alongside their ecological importance, he explores traditional hedge-laying techniques, the craft of countryside management and the variety of plants, animals, and fungi that depend upon these habitats for their survival.
Richly illustrated throughout and packed with insight, this is an essential addition to any collection of British wildlife, natural history books, and books about the British countryside. An absolutely cracking read that will transform the way you see hedges, lanes and field boundaries around you.
Read this if you loved... ♡
Hedgelands by Christopher Hart