Nature's Calendar

Chris Packham (introduction) £17.99

Perhaps ironically, this accompaniment to a BBC television series is introduced by presenter and co-author Chris Packham in a stand against Britain as a TV nation. Thankfully, Packham understands this irony and the need for an engagement with nature beyond our screens. Therefore, this month-by-month guide to wildlife locations is focused on getting the public outdoors to experience wildlife in the many diverse natural habitats of the British Isles. With an interesting cross section of locations incorporating national parkland, wildlife sanctuaries and even a bed and breakfast, this stylish title packages the expertise of its authors in a manageable way. Locations are broken down into months based on natural highlights so that the most amateur naturalist can maximise on their enjoyment. The experienced naturalist is likely to feel spoon-fed by this title, but in all fairness, it is aimed at people much like myself who really appreciate seasonal tips on what to see and where. Web links encourage the reader to find out more and, helpfully, the opening times and charging policies of local attractions are listed. Overall, this book successfully combines education and enjoyment with thoroughly accessible writing and beautiful photography, all designed to motivate the most hardened couch potato to step into nature.

Collins, www.collins.co.uk
ISBN: 9 780 00724 646 5

Reviewed on 08/08/2007 by Maria Thomas