A Natural History of the Hedgerow: and ditches, dykes and dry stone walls

Description

It is difficult to think of a more quintessential symbol of the British countryside than the British Hedgerow, bursting with blackberries, hazelnuts and sloes, and home to oak and ash, field mice and butterflies. But as much as we might dream about foraging for mushrooms or collecting wayside nettles for soup, most of us are unaware of quite how profoundly hedgerows have shaped the history of our landscape and our species. One of Britain's best known naturalists, John Wright introduces us to the natural and cultural history of hedges (as well as ditches, dykes and dry stone walls) - from the arrival of the first settlers in the British Isles to the modern day, when we have finally begun to recognise the importance of these unique ecosystems. His intimate knowledge of the countryside and its inhabitants brings this guide to life, whether discussing the skills and craft of hedge maintenance or the rich variety of animals who call them home. Informative, practical, entertaining and richly illustrated in colour throughout, A Natural History of the Hedgerow is a book to stuff into your pocket for country walks in every season, or to savour in winter before a roaring fire.

John Wright is a naturalist and one of Great Britain's leading experts on fungi. His most recent book, The Naming of the Shrew: A Curious History of Latin Names was published by Bloomsbury in 2014. His publications include books on how to forage in hedgerows and seashores, on the delights and perils of gathering fungi and mushrooms, and how to make your own booze, all published in the popular River Cottage Handbook series.

A beautifully presented field guide. -- Robbie Millen * Times * A true labour of love spiced with a fine dry humour... a rich and spellbinding love letter to the great British hedgerow... [not] just a delightful one-off read, but an invaluable work of reference that will remain on my bookshelves for good. -- Christopher Hart * The Sunday Times * This illustrated survey is historically detailed, enriched by the author's deep knowledge of British landscapes and natural history. * Guardian * After reading this delightful book, you'll see those humble boundaries as living archives of our island story. * Daily Mail * Fascinating... his book grows on me, like honeysuckle... shows a clean limb and a sense of humour... he does the hedgerow good. * Country Life * Hugely enjoyable ... such a pleasure to read ... laced with humour and an abundance of first-hand knowledge. * BBC Countryfile * Engaging... plants are described with tremendous knowledge and enthusiasm that can only come from someone who knows and loves them like old friends... [A] great educational tool - not to say fascinating read. * English Garden * Wright covers a respectable amount of ground in this hybrid field guide... Often humorous and richly informative, this a perfect book for dipping into. * The Lady * Praise for The Naming of the Shrew: Who would have thought that a book about Latin names could be quite so compelling! * Alan Titchmarsh * Brims with verbal curiosities * Nature * Nature writing at its best: insightful, entertaining and often very funny * British Wildlife * Weird and wonderful * Sunday Telegraph * Charming. * The Lady * The pleasure of Wright's book is the contrast between the rigour required for giving names and the careless minds and mischievous humour of those who devise them. * The Times * Fascinating and funny. * BBC Countrylife * Erudite but whimsical ... a book as charming as it is wise. * Irish Examiner * A great read. * Grow Your Own *