52 Wildlife Weekends A Year of British Wildlife-Watching Breaks

This book is a rare treat; a site guide with an engaging nature essay writing style. Prepare for an exhilarating gallop across Britain in search of nature. Britain is a large island which is surprisingly varied in its underlying geology, plant communities and the various animals that live in a complex matrix of habitats. Admittedly it will not have the overwhelming diversity of species of a tropical rainforest or the megafauna of Africa. But for anyone with an interest in nature, for a number of reasons including the availability of literature, a fantastic network of nature reserves connected with public transport and a variety of local and national nature groups, it is one of the best places in the world to develop field skills as a naturalist. Whether you want to become a better naturalist or simply enjoy some spectacular and beautiful wildlife, this book’s infectious enthusiasm will fire your desire to explore Britain’s wildlife.

James Lowen is an experienced wildlife guide and photographer whose interest spans a number of taxonomic groups from plants to mammals. He also has a strong technical grasp of his subject matter and knows how to convey it in a manner where his enthusiasm shines through. Most site guides are dry, but not in this book where the accounts are spirited and evocative enough to be an armchair read. Each of the wildlife watching weekends is a readable essay with key information skilfully inserted not to detract from the flow of the essay with a page on practicalities at the end to provide the key logistics.

The front sections include a numbered map with the locations described. It also has summary to flag which weekend accounts are best for birds, large land mammals, orchids, etc. The end sections have a more detailed summary which also allows you to identify sites that are good for a combination; for example birds and mammals, birds and butterflies etc. The end sections have an index for target species and useful websites. It also has advertisements which will help those who prefer an organised wildlife break.

Whether what fires your imagination is dolphins, badgers, slipper orchids, purple emperors or golden-ringed dragonflies, this book will help you to find it and inspire an exploration of Britain with fresh eyes.