Pelagic publishing gb (478 risultati)

Paperback. Condizione: New. What does it mean to be a part of-rather than apart from-nature? This book is about how we interact with wildlife and the ways in which this can make our lives richer and more fulfilling. But it also explores the conflicts and contradictions inevitable in a world that is now so completely dominated by our own species.Interest in wildlife and wild places, and their profound effects on human wellbeing, have increased sharply as we face up to the ongoing biodiversity extinction crisis and reassess our priorities following a global pandemic. Ian Carter, lifelong naturalist and a former bird specialist at Natural England, sets out to uncover the intricacies of the relationship between humans and nature. In a direct, down-to-earth style he explains some of the key practical, ethical and philosophical problems we must navigate as we seek to reconnect with nature.This wide-ranging and infectiously personal account does not shy away from controversial subjects-such as how we handle invasive species, reintroductions, culling or dog ownership-and reveals in stark terms that properly addressing our connection to the natural world is an imperative, not a luxury.Short, pithy chapters make this book ideal for dipping into. Meanwhile, it builds into a compelling whole as the story moves from considering the wildlife close to home through to conflicts and, finally, the joy and sense of escape that can be had in the wildest corners of our landscapes, where there is still so much to discover.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. What does it mean to be a part of-rather than apart from-nature? This book is about how we interact with wildlife and the ways in which this can make our lives richer and more fulfilling. But it also explores the conflicts and contradictions inevitable in a world that is now so completely dominated by our own species.Interest in wildlife and wild places, and their profound effects on human wellbeing, have increased sharply as we face up to the ongoing biodiversity extinction crisis and reassess our priorities following a global pandemic. Ian Carter, lifelong naturalist and a former bird specialist at Natural England, sets out to uncover the intricacies of the relationship between humans and nature. In a direct, down-to-earth style he explains some of the key practical, ethical and philosophical problems we must navigate as we seek to reconnect with nature.This wide-ranging and infectiously personal account does not shy away from controversial subjects-such as how we handle invasive species, reintroductions, culling or dog ownership-and reveals in stark terms that properly addressing our connection to the natural world is an imperative, not a luxury.Short, pithy chapters make this book ideal for dipping into. Meanwhile, it builds into a compelling whole as the story moves from considering the wildlife close to home through to conflicts and, finally, the joy and sense of escape that can be had in the wildest corners of our landscapes, where there is still so much to discover.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. Time outdoors is always well spent. It raises the spirits, sparks the imagination and, as research increasingly shows, measurably improves our physical and mental wellbeing. Rhythms of Nature celebrates this fundamental relationship with the natural world, and considers some ways we might rediscover it.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 exploring the local countryside. He learns the edible species, follows streams (wherever they may lead) and slips unseen through private estates. He experiments with rewilding the garden, goes on night-time rambles and watches the changing seasons in super high definition.Following on from the author's acclaimed Human, Nature, this engaging and thought-provoking book offers simple suggestions for how to enliven a sense of wonder in our surroundings. A paean to the 'neglected' and untidy places that can enrich our lives, it will appeal to anyone wishing to develop a deeper connection with wildlife or who has a desire to seek out the wilder corners of our landscape.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. Time outdoors is always well spent. It raises the spirits, sparks the imagination and, as research increasingly shows, measurably improves our physical and mental wellbeing. Rhythms of Nature celebrates this fundamental relationship with the natural world, and considers some ways we might rediscover it.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 exploring the local countryside. He learns the edible species, follows streams (wherever they may lead) and slips unseen through private estates. He experiments with rewilding the garden, goes on night-time rambles and watches the changing seasons in super high definition.Following on from the author's acclaimed Human, Nature, this engaging and thought-provoking book offers simple suggestions for how to enliven a sense of wonder in our surroundings. A paean to the 'neglected' and untidy places that can enrich our lives, it will appeal to anyone wishing to develop a deeper connection with wildlife or who has a desire to seek out the wilder corners of our landscape.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. How did our relationship with nature become broken, why does it matter and how can we fix it? From a past in which we were embedded in the natural world, revolutions in farming, science and industry have seen the human bond with nature eroded with the promise of prosperity offering happiness and meaning in life. This mindset may have delivered comfortable living for many, but there is growing recognition that the root cause of wildlife loss and the warming climate is people's disconnection from nature, which is also an important factor in our mental health. Yet solutions focus on technical fixes to treat the symptoms of that damaged relationship, such as reducing carbon emissions and increasing habitat. What we urgently need is a whole new way of thinking.Reconnection explores our hidden links with nature through the science of nature connectedness, setting out a way to revivify the relationship across society. Here is a route to a meaningful life that unites both human and nature's wellbeing for a truly sustainable future. What's more, everybody has a role to play. From business leaders to conservationists, teachers to medics, from drivers to walkers, we can all reduce the damage we do and find new ways to bring nature into our lives. This timely book considers the problems scientifically, then offers simple, practical, positive steps for how we can all work towards a better world.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. Winner of the Richard Jefferies Society and White Horse Book Shop Literary Prize'splendid' -Guardian'visionary' -New StatesmanBritain has all the space it needs for an epic return of its wildlife. Only six percent of our country is built upon. Contrary to popular myth, large areas of our countryside are not productively farmed but remain deserts of opportunity for both wildlife and jobs. It is time to turn things around. Praised as 'visionary' by conservationists and landowners alike, Rebirding sets out a compelling manifesto for restoring Britain's wildlife, rewilding its species and restoring rural jobs - to the benefit of all. …

Paperback. Condizione: New. What, exactly, is life?As young children we are taught about animals such as giraffes, lions, elephants and itsy-bitsy spiders with eight legs; we learn about trees and flowers from the plant kingdom, about toadstools in the woods and fish in the sea. This teaches us to think of living things as discrete entities with characteristic distinguishing features. Later, in school, we find out that all organisms are made up of cells, and that they evolve by natural selection. This trains us to consider nature as being full of distinct, multicellular creatures that adapt to their surroundings. But this is actually a very simplistic view of what life is all about.Embarking on a journey to explore the true diversity of life from ten radical perspectives, we discover that parasites are the most common type of organism, that we might all be descended from viruses, and that a single genetic mutation can have devastating consequences.What does masculinity mean, scientifically speaking? How do bacteria dominate our lives? Do individual fungi exist? In what ways is genealogy really about genes and not people? And why can't whales evolve gills? Join Noga Wies on a fascinating quest to uncover the essence of life itself.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. As we continue to live through a pandemic, all eyes are on microbes: an imperceptible and pervasive threat that hangs heavy on the air and clings to surfaces. But the reality of micro-organisms is far more diverse and life-sustaining than such a notion would have us believe (hence the title of this book). Not only are they omnipresent, but we are highly attuned to their workings - both in the world at large and right here within our own bodies. Meanwhile, cutting-edge microbiome research is changing our understanding of reality, challenging fundamental concepts of free will and individuality. Threaded through everything are microbes: the very glue that holds ecosystems together.This topical, engaging and original book counters the prevailing narrative of microbes as the bane of society, along the way providing much-needed clarity on the overwhelmingly beneficial role they play. We discover how the microbiome is highly relevant to environmental and social equity issues, while there's also discussion about how microbes may influence our decisions: even the way we think about how we think may need to be revisited. Invisible Friends introduces the reader to a vast, pullulating cohort of minute life - friends you never knew you had.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. Winner of the Richard Jefferies Society and White Horse Book Shop Literary Prize'splendid' -Guardian'visionary' -New StatesmanBritain has all the space it needs for an epic return of its wildlife. Only six percent of our country is built upon. Contrary to popular myth, large areas of our countryside are not productively farmed but remain deserts of opportunity for both wildlife and jobs. It is time to turn things around. Praised as 'visionary' by conservationists and landowners alike, Rebirding sets out a compelling manifesto for restoring Britain's wildlife, rewilding its species and restoring rural jobs - to the benefit of all. …

Paperback. Condizione: New. How did our relationship with nature become broken, why does it matter and how can we fix it? From a past in which we were embedded in the natural world, revolutions in farming, science and industry have seen the human bond with nature eroded with the promise of prosperity offering happiness and meaning in life. This mindset may have delivered comfortable living for many, but there is growing recognition that the root cause of wildlife loss and the warming climate is people's disconnection from nature, which is also an important factor in our mental health. Yet solutions focus on technical fixes to treat the symptoms of that damaged relationship, such as reducing carbon emissions and increasing habitat. What we urgently need is a whole new way of thinking.Reconnection explores our hidden links with nature through the science of nature connectedness, setting out a way to revivify the relationship across society. Here is a route to a meaningful life that unites both human and nature's wellbeing for a truly sustainable future. What's more, everybody has a role to play. From business leaders to conservationists, teachers to medics, from drivers to walkers, we can all reduce the damage we do and find new ways to bring nature into our lives. This timely book considers the problems scientifically, then offers simple, practical, positive steps for how we can all work towards a better world.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. This book investigates a vital and controversial question for conservation and rewilding in Britain and Ireland: could and should we learn to live with lynx, wolves and bears again? We travel back in time, around the world and into the future to explore this contested topic. The author delves deep into the human psyche, considering not only his own mixed feelings about large carnivore reintroductions but also why people have such polarised perspectives on top predators. He brings his unique combination of expertise on snow leopards - and their relationship with humans - along with his experience as a farmer to illustrate the discussion.Along the way, we meet a cast of characters from across society, including farmers, rewilders and everyone in between. It becomes clear that coexisting with large carnivores is as much about sharing landscapes with each other as it is about sharing them with wildlife. The first book to tackle this subject in detail, based on more than 50 interviews from seven countries, Living with Lynx will be of relevance to anyone with an interest in the future of nature, farming and the countryside. Personal, detailed, unflinching and engaging, it adds a great deal to this rapidly evolving debate.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. In a climate of global instability and domestic uncertainty, the question of what constitutes Britain's 'national interest' has never been more urgent.Acclaimed historian Jeremy Black's In the National Interest? British Foreign Policy, Past, Present and Future provides a sweeping analytical narrative of the forces that have sculpted Britain's engagement with the world-from the Middle Ages to the age of AI. Moving beyond the cloistered calm of traditional diplomatic history, Black argues that foreign policy is not an abstract, rational science conducted in whispers by elites, but a vibrant, often messy political construct. It is a field shaped by clashing ideologies, economic pressures, public opinion and the unpredictable impact of human agency.Spanning nearly four centuries, this volume examines the critical turning points of British history: the imperial struggles of the eighteenth century, the trauma of two world wars and the contemporary dilemmas posed by a transformed international order. Black explores how concepts like the balance of power and strategic geography have evolved, highlighting the ways in which today's crises regarding Russian aggression and the shifting global landscape echo-and depart from-the lessons of the past.Written with characteristic depth and wit, this book challenges the traditional 'Foreign Office view' and recognizes that foreign policy is inextricably linked to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the nation. For general readers, scholars, and policymakers alike, Black offers a timely and essential reminder: an accurate knowledge of our past relations is a necessity for acting with spirit and common sense in the future.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. How and why did our most acclaimed birdwatchers take up birding? What were their early experiences of nature? How have their professional birding careers developed? What motivates them and drives their passion for wildlife? How many birds have they seen?Mark Avery and Keith Betton, passionate birdwatchers and conservationists, interview members of the birdwatching community to answer these and many other questions about the lives of famous birdwatchers. They take you behind the scenes, and behind the binoculars, of a diverse range of birding and wildlife personalities.Behind the Binoculars includes interviews with: Chris Packham, Phil Hollom, Stuart Winter, Lee Evans, Steve Gantlett, Mark Cocker, Ian Wallace, Andy Clements, Mike Clarke, Debbie Pain, Keith Betton, Roger Riddington, Ian Newton, Stephanie Tyler, Mark Avery, Stephen Moss, Alan Davies and Ruth Miller, Rebecca Nason and Robert Gillmor.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. As we clear millions of hectares of forests globally, the challenge of restoring these precious ecosystems becomes ever more pressing. The stakes are high: a staggering 95% of Earth's land could succumb to degradation by 2050. While the task might appear straightforward - simply plant millions of trees - the reality is far more perplexing. Haphazard tree-planting in unsuitable locations can wreak havoc on ecosystems and jeopardise the livelihoods of local communities.The surge of interest in restoring forests has ushered in a wave of greenwashing, where deceptive environmental marketing and scientific mishaps undermine genuine efforts. Yet this new focus also brings forth a plethora of solutions and many rays of hope. Amidst such a landscape, cutting-edge science and Indigenous knowledge together can redefine our understanding in a way that not only helps regenerate nature but also allows human communities to thrive.This original, topical and engaging book navigates the complex realm of forest restoration. It reveals how a nuanced approach is required - one that integrates the latest scientific advancements (for instance in microbial ecology, acoustic technology and epigenetics), Indigenous leadership and a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of life within these vital ecosystems. Treewilding asks us to reflect on our relationship with trees and how we must see the woods (intricate social and ecological systems) for the wood (timber) - a realisation that is perhaps the biggest 'secret' to restoring nature. …

Paperback. Condizione: New. Have you ever wondered exactly what those 'weeds' are growing along the kerb or between the cracks in the pavement? Not the pampered plants of parks, front gardens and herbaceous borders, but simply those that exist everywhere and nowhere in particular: the true survivors, the botanical opportunists. In this handy guide, we introduce the most commonplace flowers, shrubs, grasses, mosses and ferns that are to be found on the street, and show the main characteristics by which you can recognise them. Soon you'll be more alert than ever to the rebellious species of tarmac, wall and gutter as they defy weedkiller, climate change and dog wee.So you can identify the plants you discover in your town as readily as possible, the species are arranged according to their growth form. The book starts with the largest group - herbaceous plants - followed by a few woody plants, grasses, mosses and ferns. The first group is divided again according to flower colour: white, yellow, red/pink, blue/purple and green or brown. Within each colour, you will first find the flowers with a maximum of four petals, then those with five, then those with more than five and finally those with bilaterally symmetrical flowers. So you know quickly which group you are in, there are corresponding symbols in the profile at the bottom of each page. This ingenious little book is sure to enliven even the most mundane walk on the dreariest of days.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. Have you ever wondered exactly what those 'weeds' are growing along the kerb or between the cracks in the pavement? Not the pampered plants of parks, front gardens and herbaceous borders, but simply those that exist everywhere and nowhere in particular: the true survivors, the botanical opportunists. In this handy guide, we introduce the most commonplace flowers, shrubs, grasses, mosses and ferns that are to be found on the street, and show the main characteristics by which you can recognise them. Soon you'll be more alert than ever to the rebellious species of tarmac, wall and gutter as they defy weedkiller, climate change and dog wee.So you can identify the plants you discover in your town as readily as possible, the species are arranged according to their growth form. The book starts with the largest group - herbaceous plants - followed by a few woody plants, grasses, mosses and ferns. The first group is divided again according to flower colour: white, yellow, red/pink, blue/purple and green or brown. Within each colour, you will first find the flowers with a maximum of four petals, then those with five, then those with more than five and finally those with bilaterally symmetrical flowers. So you know quickly which group you are in, there are corresponding symbols in the profile at the bottom of each page. This ingenious little book is sure to enliven even the most mundane walk on the dreariest of days.…

Hardback. Condizione: New. As we continue to live through a pandemic, all eyes are on microbes: an imperceptible and pervasive threat that hangs heavy on the air and clings to surfaces. But the reality of micro-organisms is far more diverse and life-sustaining than such a notion would have us believe (hence the title of this book). Not only are they omnipresent, but we are highly attuned to their workings - both in the world at large and right here within our own bodies. Meanwhile, cutting-edge microbiome research is changing our understanding of reality, challenging fundamental concepts of free will and individuality. Threaded through everything are microbes: the very glue that holds ecosystems together.This topical, engaging and original book counters the prevailing narrative of microbes as the bane of society, along the way providing much-needed clarity on the overwhelmingly beneficial role they play. We discover how the microbiome is highly relevant to environmental and social equity issues, while there's also discussion about how microbes may influence our decisions: even the way we think about how we think may need to be revisited. Invisible Friends introduces the reader to a vast, pullulating cohort of minute life - friends you never knew you had.…

Hardback. Condizione: New. As we continue to live through a pandemic, all eyes are on microbes: an imperceptible and pervasive threat that hangs heavy on the air and clings to surfaces. But the reality of micro-organisms is far more diverse and life-sustaining than such a notion would have us believe (hence the title of this book). Not only are they omnipresent, but we are highly attuned to their workings - both in the world at large and right here within our own bodies. Meanwhile, cutting-edge microbiome research is changing our understanding of reality, challenging fundamental concepts of free will and individuality. Threaded through everything are microbes: the very glue that holds ecosystems together.This topical, engaging and original book counters the prevailing narrative of microbes as the bane of society, along the way providing much-needed clarity on the overwhelmingly beneficial role they play. We discover how the microbiome is highly relevant to environmental and social equity issues, while there's also discussion about how microbes may influence our decisions: even the way we think about how we think may need to be revisited. Invisible Friends introduces the reader to a vast, pullulating cohort of minute life - friends you never knew you had.…

Hardback. Condizione: New. Conor Mark Jameson has spent most of his life exploring the natural environment and communicating his enthusiasm for it to family, friends and, more recently, readers of a range of newspapers and magazines. Shrewdunnit brings together the best of these dispatches, alongside unpublished essays, in a poetic and evocative journal that inspires and delights. Jameson's prose is fresh and in places irreverent, with a hint of mischief and a dash of wit.From his back door to the peaks of New Zealand and the swamp forests of the Peruvian Amazon, he carries on the biogumentary style he perfected in his earlier books showing - never telling - how to bring nature and conservation home. He may just have invented a genre.Praise for Silent Spring Revisited"A vividly told, beautifully written account of the environmentalist movement of the last fifty years and his own involvement in it . the author takes his place among the pre-eminent nature writers of our times. His clear, vivid writing skillfully weaves political and cultural history, personal observation and passionate advocacy for the conservation of our diminishing wildlife to create a book that will endure in the annals of natural history." Marie Winn"If Nick Hornby loved nature, he might write a book like this." Martin Harper, RSPB Director of Conservation"A lively read. what makes Jameson's work especially enjoyable is the personal slant." Matt Merritt, Editor, Birdwatching"A fine writer, who brings together an artist's sensibility with a conservationist's sense of reality. a vital read." John Fanshawe, BirdwatchPraise for Looking for the Goshawk"Conor's cultured writing and enthusiasm for the natural world and the people, like him, who care about it, will carry you along through the chapters." Mark Avery"Equally stirring as his Silent Spring Revisited. a passionate detective story. descriptive, at times poetic prose." Peter Goodfellow, Devon Birds. …

Paperback. Condizione: New. Wales has a diverse range of butterflies - from the familiar Peacock to the elusive Large Heath, from the blisteringly quick High Brown Fritillary to the dainty Wood White, from the shimmering Silver-studded Blue to the orange glow of the Brown Hairstreak. This identification guide covers the 44 species present in Wales, and includes explanations of their lifecycles, distribution maps highlighting where they are likely to be found and a section on rare migrants that have been encountered here and may occur again in the future.Butterflies are not just delicate insects flitting around our meadows, gardens and hedgerows; they are far more complicated than that. Their lifecycles are fascinating and in some cases it seems a wonder that they survive at all. Moreover, butterflies are key pollinators as well as excellent indicator species: when their numbers dwindle or they are absent, something is wrong - a cause for concern and should be investigated.This book is ideal for people living in Wales keen to identify their local butterfly species, and for visitors interested in watching these charming insects.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. This book investigates a vital and controversial question for conservation and rewilding in Britain and Ireland: could and should we learn to live with lynx, wolves and bears again? We travel back in time, around the world and into the future to explore this contested topic. The author delves deep into the human psyche, considering not only his own mixed feelings about large carnivore reintroductions but also why people have such polarised perspectives on top predators. He brings his unique combination of expertise on snow leopards - and their relationship with humans - along with his experience as a farmer to illustrate the discussion.Along the way, we meet a cast of characters from across society, including farmers, rewilders and everyone in between. It becomes clear that coexisting with large carnivores is as much about sharing landscapes with each other as it is about sharing them with wildlife. The first book to tackle this subject in detail, based on more than 50 interviews from seven countries, Living with Lynx will be of relevance to anyone with an interest in the future of nature, farming and the countryside. Personal, detailed, unflinching and engaging, it adds a great deal to this rapidly evolving debate.…

Hardback. Condizione: New. This book investigates a vital and controversial question for conservation and rewilding in Britain and Ireland: could and should we learn to live with lynx, wolves and bears again? We travel back in time, around the world and into the future to explore this contested topic. The author delves deep into the human psyche, considering not only his own mixed feelings about large carnivore reintroductions but also why people have such polarised perspectives on top predators. He brings his unique combination of expertise on snow leopards - and their relationship with humans - along with his experience as a farmer to illustrate the discussion.Along the way, we meet a cast of characters from across society, including farmers, rewilders and everyone in between. It becomes clear that coexisting with large carnivores is as much about sharing landscapes with each other as it is about sharing them with wildlife. The first book to tackle this subject in detail, based on more than 50 interviews from seven countries, Living with Lynx will be of relevance to anyone with an interest in the future of nature, farming and the countryside. Personal, detailed, unflinching and engaging, it adds a great deal to this rapidly evolving debate.…

Hardback. Condizione: New. This book investigates a vital and controversial question for conservation and rewilding in Britain and Ireland: could and should we learn to live with lynx, wolves and bears again? We travel back in time, around the world and into the future to explore this contested topic. The author delves deep into the human psyche, considering not only his own mixed feelings about large carnivore reintroductions but also why people have such polarised perspectives on top predators. He brings his unique combination of expertise on snow leopards - and their relationship with humans - along with his experience as a farmer to illustrate the discussion.Along the way, we meet a cast of characters from across society, including farmers, rewilders and everyone in between. It becomes clear that coexisting with large carnivores is as much about sharing landscapes with each other as it is about sharing them with wildlife. The first book to tackle this subject in detail, based on more than 50 interviews from seven countries, Living with Lynx will be of relevance to anyone with an interest in the future of nature, farming and the countryside. Personal, detailed, unflinching and engaging, it adds a great deal to this rapidly evolving debate.…

Hardback. Condizione: New. Reconnecting with Nature is the most important public health intervention of our time. Science has shown how our bodies are shaped by our environment - yet we still see ourselves as separate from the natural world. To protect human health, we need to reawaken our inner connection with Nature and prevent the destruction of our environment and the countless species we share it with.At a time of rapid, devastating changes to the environment and ecosystems we rely on, we are struggling with ever-increasing threats to our physical and mental health. More extreme temperatures result in a higher occurrence of diseases such as malaria, while climate change-related crop failures around the world lead to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Worsening air pollution has caused a surge in respiratory illnesses, and new animal pathogens are emerging as humans continue to encroach on and destroy natural habitats.In Nature Within, neuroscientist and doctor James Bashford explains why these and other health problems can only be managed through centring humans within the natural world rather than in opposition to it, and through understanding the natural forces at work within our own bodies. Skilfully weaving together examples of human illnesses like motor neuron disease with nonhuman ailments like Dutch elm disease, Bashford explores how similar principles of health shape our minds and bodies. From chameleons to COVID-19, from nucleic acids to nightingales, Nature has compelling lessons to teach us.Examining human evolutionary history, he shows how our physiology, biochemistry and anatomy - right down to the subcellular domain - have been shaped and sustained by natural interactions over thousands of millennia. But the destruction of natural habitats, the urbanisation of society and the digitalisation of recreation, all in the relentless pursuit of economic growth, have disconnected us from our roots in the natural world. And this is subjecting us to states of overstimulation and hyperarousal that stress our nervous systems beyond our natural capacity.The solution, he argues, is not to place undue blame or expectation on individual lifestyle choices, but rather to embrace 'small resets' which, taken together, can start to turn the tide. Offering practical advice on how to renaturalise our senses and rewild our creativity, this book fosters an unwavering optimism in the value of Nature for the conservation of human health - if we can only reconnect.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. Here are the remarkable and captivating tales from one woman's nearly 40-year career spent looking for bats and their roosts. Humorous and honest, she writes about these fascinating animals, and about dodgy ladders, small spaces and a multitude of characters - sometimes delightful, occasionally awful, but always human.George Bemment introduces the wonder of British bats and shares what it takes to be involved in wildlife conservation. From the rigours of surveys, to otters in wheelbarrows, and interactions with police and the press, we find out about life at the sharp end of being an ecologist on the ground. and in the attic.With no shortage of poo stories along the way - think dung pits, latrines, smelly roosts - and intriguing interactions with animals, from milking aardvarks to a house full of rabbits, George takes us behind the scenes of a life working with and protecting wildlife. Amidst the variety of curious and intriguing animal behaviour she has witnessed over the years, it is, of course, humans who turn out to be the oddest creatures of all.…

Paperback. Condizione: New. The Eurasian beaver was near extinction at the start of the twentieth century, hunted across Europe for its fur, meat and castoreum. But now the beaver is on the brink of a comeback, with wild beaver populations, licensed and unlicensed, emerging all over Britain.As a keystone species, the beaver plays a vital role in the creation of sustainable wetland habitats through its damming activities, providing living opportunities for a broad spectrum of wildlife. Yet as proposals for reintroducing beavers are underway, re-establishing the beaver in Britain is still a controversial issue.This book presents a case for our future coexistence with beavers by providing factual information on this species that has now passed from national memory, covering the biology, behaviour and ecology of the Eurasian beaver in a British context, from their early history in archaeology and folklore to their contemporary field signs in the wild. This book familiarises readers once again, after almost 400 years of its absence, with the Eurasian beaver, providing essential information on its requirements in our human dominated landscape.This book is for those with a specific interest in beavers and their reintroduction, and for anyone with a general curiosity in natural history, ecology or animal behaviour. It can be used as a field guide to identify beaver field signs and observe beavers in the wild by wildlife surveyors or general land users, or as an introductory guide for anyone with an interest in beavers and how to recognise them.The authors have been actively involved in the study of beaver ecology, behaviour and reintroduction for many years. They have a first-hand knowledge of beavers in captivity and in the wild in both Britain and a range of other European countries.…

Hardback. Condizione: New. As we clear millions of hectares of forests globally, the challenge of restoring these precious ecosystems becomes ever more pressing. The stakes are high: a staggering 95% of Earth's land could succumb to degradation by 2050. While the task might appear straightforward - simply plant millions of trees - the reality is far more perplexing. Haphazard tree-planting in unsuitable locations can wreak havoc on ecosystems and jeopardise the livelihoods of local communities.The surge of interest in restoring forests has ushered in a wave of greenwashing, where deceptive environmental marketing and scientific mishaps undermine genuine efforts. Yet this new focus also brings forth a plethora of solutions and many rays of hope. Amidst such a landscape, cutting-edge science and Indigenous knowledge together can redefine our understanding in a way that not only helps regenerate nature but also allows human communities to thrive.This original, topical and engaging book navigates the complex realm of forest restoration. It reveals how a nuanced approach is required - one that integrates the latest scientific advancements (for instance in microbial ecology, acoustic technology and epigenetics), Indigenous leadership and a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of life within these vital ecosystems. Treewilding asks us to reflect on our relationship with trees and how we must see the woods (intricate social and ecological systems) for the wood (timber) - a realisation that is perhaps the biggest 'secret' to restoring nature. …

Hardback. Condizione: New. As we clear millions of hectares of forests globally, the challenge of restoring these precious ecosystems becomes ever more pressing. The stakes are high: a staggering 95% of Earth's land could succumb to degradation by 2050. While the task might appear straightforward - simply plant millions of trees - the reality is far more perplexing. Haphazard tree-planting in unsuitable locations can wreak havoc on ecosystems and jeopardise the livelihoods of local communities.The surge of interest in restoring forests has ushered in a wave of greenwashing, where deceptive environmental marketing and scientific mishaps undermine genuine efforts. Yet this new focus also brings forth a plethora of solutions and many rays of hope. Amidst such a landscape, cutting-edge science and Indigenous knowledge together can redefine our understanding in a way that not only helps regenerate nature but also allows human communities to thrive.This original, topical and engaging book navigates the complex realm of forest restoration. It reveals how a nuanced approach is required - one that integrates the latest scientific advancements (for instance in microbial ecology, acoustic technology and epigenetics), Indigenous leadership and a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of life within these vital ecosystems. Treewilding asks us to reflect on our relationship with trees and how we must see the woods (intricate social and ecological systems) for the wood (timber) - a realisation that is perhaps the biggest 'secret' to restoring nature. …

Paperback. Condizione: New. Wales has a diverse range of butterflies - from the familiar Peacock to the elusive Large Heath, from the blisteringly quick High Brown Fritillary to the dainty Wood White, from the shimmering Silver-studded Blue to the orange glow of the Brown Hairstreak. This identification guide covers the 44 species present in Wales, and includes explanations of their lifecycles, distribution maps highlighting where they are likely to be found and a section on rare migrants that have been encountered here and may occur again in the future.Butterflies are not just delicate insects flitting around our meadows, gardens and hedgerows; they are far more complicated than that. Their lifecycles are fascinating and in some cases it seems a wonder that they survive at all. Moreover, butterflies are key pollinators as well as excellent indicator species: when their numbers dwindle or they are absent, something is wrong - a cause for concern and should be investigated.This book is ideal for people living in Wales keen to identify their local butterfly species, and for visitors interested in watching these charming insects.…

Hardback. Condizione: New. When will the next pandemic arrive? For wildlife, it's already here.The Nature of Pandemics explores an unspoken truth: how our actions are driving wildlife pandemics across the world. Highlighting the interconnectedness of human, (non-human) animal and environmental health, it examines historical and contemporary pandemics and considers the importance of conservation and restoration efforts, presenting a compelling case for rethinking how we approach pandemic prevention.This timely book reframes pandemics as ecological crises that require ecological solutions, unravelling the relationship between biodiversity, ecosystem health and pandemic risk. It reveals how climate change and human activities such as habitat destruction and the wildlife trade contribute to the emergence of infectious diseases, taking the reader through likely candidates for the next pandemic. An in-depth analysis of historical pandemics links past outbreaks, such as the bubonic plague in Eyam, to modern epidemiological challenges. The book also investigates human-wildlife conflict and social equity issues, demonstrating how deforestation and land-use change drive spillovers and how poorer communities disproportionately bear the brunt of outbreaks.Pandemics pose an escalating global threat, their frequency increasing due to human-induced environmental changes. Prevention is not just down to medical preparedness but also about restoring and protecting biodiversity. By offering solutions such as green prescriptions, ecosystem restoration and sustainable policies, this book sets out an exciting interdisciplinary perspective that merges microbiology, ecology, epidemiology and restoration science.…