Cottongrass Summer: Essays of a naturalist throughout the year

(Paperback)

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A collection of vibrant essays on climate change, and conservation to inform, stimulate and call every nature lover to action.

I cant think of a more important book thats been written about British wildlife in the past 20 years ...Roy Dennis [is] the UKs pre-eminent conservationist of the past half century .." BBC Countryfile Magazine

Through unparalleledexpertise as a field naturalist, Roy Dennis is able to write about the natural world in a way that considers both the problems and the progress in ecology and conservation. Beginning with cottongrass, whose snow-white blooms blow gently in the wind across the wetter moors and bogs, this is a year-round trove of insight and knowledge for anyone who cares about the natural world, from birdsong and biodiversity to sphagnum and species reintroduction.

Written by one of the UK's most prominent advocates for rewilding, the essays have a clear message: Never give up on trying to conserve and restore wildlife and the wild places you cherish. It's essential to try and to succeed. And remember, it's never "if," but "when," and with climate chaos closing in, the time is now.

Reviews

THE HIGHLAND BOOK PRIZE 2020, LONGLISTED; "I can't think of a more important book that's been written about British wildlife in the past 20 years ... Roy Dennis [is] the UK's pre-eminent conservationist of the past half century ... he writes with such conviction, clarity, insight, depth and purpose. He understands better than anyone how times have changed ... In just a sentence or two, he cuts to the quick ... If you read any book about the environment this year, read this." James Fair, naturalist, in Countryfile's Best Nature Books of 2020; "In an exhilarating roundelay of profoundly questioning essays, Roy Dennis has revealed a lifetime in nature conservation, while also delivering a sparkling vision for an ecologically sustainable Highlands, the country and the planet. This little book is a testament to a rare and redeeming curiosity; we must all learn from the deep wisdom of experience." Sir John Lister-Kaye OBE; "This is a cracking book full of beautifully descriptive prose and thought-provoking sentiments by a man who, more than anyone else, has been there, done that and got the 'T'-shirt." Iolo Williams; "Roy is not just a brilliant conservationist but a superb naturalist too ... These beautiful essays are also positive and pragmatic about the future ... absolutely joyous." Chris Packham; "Reminds me strongly of Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac, which is a classic of the ecological literature, and I can think of no better comparison to give you an idea of its content and of this book's quality and worth ... It is a book of ideas; ideas about how the future should be, but rooted in the present and with knowledge of the past." Mark Avery, Nature Book of the Year 2020; "The wonderful, insightful and eclectic musings from a lifetime watching wildlife, by one of Britain's greatest conservationists." Mike Dilger; "Fine and very enjoyable ... packed with a wisdom that only comes from lifelong experience." Stephen Moss, Best nature books of 2020; A pleasure to read This book should become a classic. John Low, Scottish Birds

Author Bio

Roy Dennis is one of the UK's most prominent field naturalists. His approach to wildlife and conservation stems from years of experience working in the field, from climbing trees to ring osprey chicks to handling lynx kittens in Norway - and wanting to smuggle them back to Scotland. His Wildlife Foundation of 25 years' standing is internationally recognised for its work in conservation and wildlife protection.