Book review: A Summer of British Wildlife by James Lowen

A Summer of British Wildlife: 100 great days out watching wildlife

James Lowen

Bradt Travel Guides | 2016
256 pp. | 13.5 x 21.6 cm | abundant colour photographs
Paperback | £15.99 | ISBN: 978 1 78477 009 9

Three years ago, James Lowen wrote 52 Wildlife Weekends to wide acclaim. The book 's aim was to suggest a wildlife-themed agenda for every weekend of the year and its target readership was wide: anyone with an interest in British wildlife. Those with television sets are used to watching superb-quality wildlife spectacles on the BBC, but it seems that we are less inclined to actually get outdoors and find the subjects of those wonderful documentaries in the flesh. Indeed, research shows a major disconnection between young people and their natural environment. To some extent, the book set about remedying the situation by offering unique excursions targeting our characteristic flora and fauna throughout the year. I have used that book regularly, though I confess to having butchered James's itineraries to fit the time available. Nevertheless, it has been a very handy resource.

This new book largely follows the successful approach and format of the previous guide, but this time James provides ideas for day trips rather than weekends (perhaps more realistic if young families are to be encouraged to use it). The suggestions comprise 100 summer days out – enough for three or four (or more!) British summers. Each is linked to a particular day covering the period from May 15 to August 22, beginning with spring-flowering bluebells and closing the summer with some of Norfolk's localised damselflies. The locations stretch from Shetland to the Scillies.

Each wildlife site receives an enthusiastic write-up based on the author's first-hand experience – and be assured that James is keen to make sure that field experience informs his selection and descriptions, so there is nothing in the book that the author has not tried. Directions to each location are provided, together with OS grid references and helpful websites, an indication of how much leeway the visitor might have in terms of dates and suggestions for either turning the day trip into a weekend or for alternative sights at which to encounter the featured wildlife. 

With summer only just begun, I have not had time to field test the book, but I know it will see some use over the coming months. In fact, I relish the thought of trying some of the unfamiliar experiences suggested. So if you are a nature-lover looking to explore Britain's wildlife over the summer, this guide will answer your questions. Where to go? When to visit? How to get there? What to do? What to look for? If you already own 52 Wildlife Weekends, will you need this book as well? I checked for overlap, and there is very little. Yes, one or two of the experiences, such as diving with sharks in Cornwall, are mentioned in both guides, but only because they are too good to miss.

So what are you waiting for? Get a copy, get out and enjoy a summer of British wildlife while it lasts!

Book review: Wildlife of the Caribbean by Herb Raffaele and Jim Wiley

Wildlife of the Caribbean

Herbert A. Raffaele & James W. Wiley
Princeton University Press | 2014
304 pp. | 12.8 x 29.3 cm | 600 colour illustrations. 1 map Paperback | £13.95 / $19.95 | ISBN: 9780691153827

The Caribbean is a popular destination for travellers and, as well as its signature beaches, it harbours a diverse and distinctive fauna and flora, with a large number of island endemics. Up until now there has been a lack of a field guide to enable the curious visitor to readily identify what he/she encounters. Sure enough, there are several slim photographic brochures covering different aspects of the natural world, and the wonderful old Riley field guide to butterflies, but the only really good modern resource is the comprehensive Birds of the West Indies (not to be confused with James Bond's pioneering book of the same name). Two of the authors of that guide, Herb Raffaele and Jim Wiley, have teamed up to fill the gap with this handy little pocket guide which aims to cover pretty much anything the casual visitor might encounter, from conspicuous plants to reef fish and seashells. The book is “intended to serve as a practical guide for local people and tourists alike” and the authors “presume its users have no particular experience or expertise with nature”.

The book is small and light enough to fit into a large pocket, pouch or handbag, so it can be taken almost anywhere. It is very well organised and carefully laid out, with text opposite or next to plates, so there is no need to flip back and forth to find a description. The book is split into two sections: terrestrial and marine. Chapters on terrestrial wildlife deal with plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish and invertebrates. The marine section covers whales and manatee, sea turtles, reef fish and marine invertebrates, including shells. So, whether in the mountains, on the beach, or snorkelling, this guide should be of service. The 451 commonest and most widespread species have been chosen, leaving out a large number of organisms that are rarely encountered. Most of the illustrations are paintings by several different artists, but plants and invertebrates are depicted with photographs. Given the track record of the authors, each with over 40 years' experience in the Caribbean, the user can be sure that the text is authoritative.

A 300+ page, full-colour guide written by experts, priced at £14 (and quite a lot cheaper on-line) is a real bargain. This handy guide will be welcomed by residents, casual holiday-makers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

References

Bond, J. (1936) Birds of the West Indies. Academy of Natural Sciences: Philadelphia, PA. 456 pp.

Raffaele, H., Wiley, J., Garrido, O., Keith, A. & Raffaele, J. (1998) Birds of the West Indies. Princeton University Press: Princeton NJ. 511 pp.

Raffaele, H., Wiley, J., Garrido, O., Keith, A. & Raffaele, J. (2003) Birds of the West Indies. Princeton University Press: Princeton NJ. 216 pp.

Riley, N.D. (1975) Field guide to the butterflies of the West Indies. Collins: London. 224 pp.

Book review: 52 Wildlife Weekends by James Lowen

52 Wildlife Weekends

James Lowen

Bradt Travel Guides | 2013
248 pp. | 13.5 x 21.6 cm | abundant colour photographs & maps

Paperback | £14.99 | ISBN: 978-1-84162-464-8

I have known the author of this book for more than thirty years. We were members of the same school natural history society, the same local birdwatchers' club and both went on to work for some of the same international conservation organisations. I know that he is passionate about his subject and has spent countless hours in the field observing and photographing it. No-one is more qualified to write a guide to enjoying Britain's wildlife.

As expected then, this is the perfect guide for nature-lovers of all kinds looking to make the most of British wildlife in their free time. Where to go? When to visit? What to do? What to look for? Where to stay? This guide provides the answers. It might help a family orient their weekend excursions to take better advantage of nature's sights, or allow a keen naturalist to make the most of a business trip to encounter some of the country's most wanted wild species. Although seasoned naturalists will make full use of it, the book should also nudge a less expert readership – perhaps a typical BBC Springwatch audience – to go out and experience Britain's wildlife in the flesh.

Most of the wildlife spectacles that have come to be uniquely associated with the UK are covered: huge flocks of wintering geese, glorious spring Bluebell woods, ancient Yew trees, Puffin colonies, murmurations of Starlings (the aerial displays at their roosts), dusk gatherings of crows, and opportunities to snorkel with Basking Sharks. The majority of these would be targets for even the keen naturalist: charismatic species such as Fen Raft Spider and Purple Emperor, Cirl Bunting and Pine Marten, amongst many others.

With 52 chapters, there is one for every weekend of the year (although one would have to be pretty dedicated to exhaust all the suggestions in one, or even two years). Five wildlife targets grouped within easy striking distance have been chosen for each weekend. For example, a weekend on the Yorkshire coast (#38: September weekend 3) comprises a boat trip from Bridlington, rockpooling at South Landing, and birding at Flamborough, the Outer Head and North Landing. The very first suggested weekend trip of the year is one of my favourites: an excursion to see Islay's wintering geese, and perhaps follow that with the Lagavulin and Laphroaig chasers recommended by the author. The experience is rounded off with Otters and Golden Eagle and, with a bit of luck, White-tailed Eagle. Thirty years on, this remains one of my most memorable short trips: in fact, I still remember the geese and raptors, not to mention Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Lagavulin and Caol Ila.

For each location, a weekend 'base' is suggested: a local town or a particularly characterful lodgings. Contact details and / or OS grid references of lodgings and wildlife sites are provided. There is a good spread of sites, with the majority of them outside south-east England. An index of sites and species, together with a couple of helpful tables, allow the reader to plan a whole year of rewarding wildlife excursions.

A book to inspire, but above all a guide to be taken out and used. This is recommended for anyone who wants to take a more active approach to experiencing the full gamut of Britain's wildlife, whether the keen naturalist with a wildlife hit list or simply those who want to become better acquainted with British nature. My copy has already found a home in the glove compartment...