After a career in conservation, Ian Carter moves to a secluded farmhouse tucked away in the low hills of mid-Devon between Exmoor and Dartmoor. Here he tries new approaches to connecting with the local countryside – from following streams wherever they may lead, to night-time rambles or simply rewilding the garden. 

A tramp through the west country and a diary of a cottage garden, thoughts on rewilding and the value of hens. Does that sound disparate… its not. This book is semi-autobiographical if you see the reflection in nature described, it sets out hopes, pitfalls and down to earth experiences.

It's entertaining and, almost by osmosis informative.

Thoroughly well written it is most accessible and flows so well a promised few pages ends up a chapter or two, while you follow the seasons.

Great stuff!

What makes this book, and Ian’s writing in general, is not that Ian sees things that the rest of us couldn’t see but that he thinks more about what he sees than many do, and then writes softly and engagingly about his thoughts.  I find myself mentally commenting ‘Good point, well made’ as I move through the book but even if I very occasionally differ, slightly, from the author I don’t mind because he puts his thoughts over so well.

It is difficult to do justice to the range of matters that are covered in this book, but I found it a hugely enriching read. It benefits, I think, from being a collection of essays, each one of which melds personal experience, lightly worn expertise and consideration of things we are all, or should be, concerned about, with information and details that encourage curiosity and wonder too. Each chapter is eye-opening and provides pause for thought. It also goes against the grain of a lot of contemporary nature writing by being intentionally funny- ‘ forest bathing’ being described as a ‘ fancy term for a stroll in the woods’!

Carter has a flair for setting the scene, drawing the tableaux and then moving the reader through the landscape. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it to all.

This is another good book from Carter and complements his previous book, Human, Nature, really well.

This is a delightful collection of essays beginning indoors and drawing the reader out into the garden and the surrounding countryside. If you are looking for inspiration and fresh ideas for venturing out into your local area, read this book.

...strongly recommended.

[The author's] continuing curiosity about how the world works, and firm belief that we are just one part of it and not entirely 'separate' from other life on Earth, give the book a particular relevance and will provoke a sympathetic response from readers who also enjoy and benefit from contact with the natural world.

Ian Carter worked as an ornithologist with Natural England for 25 years but now spends his time watching and writing about wildlife. He wrote The Red Kite’s Year and The Hen Harrier’s Year (forthcoming) with wildlife artist Dan Powell. His latest book – Human, Nature – is also published by Pelagic.