Bowland Beth: The Life of an English Hen Harrier

Description

The story of the short, tragic life of Bowland Beth - an English Hen Harrier - which dramatically highlights the major issues in UK conservation. David Cobham enters her world to show what being a hen harrier today is like. He immerses himself not only in the day-to-day regimen of her life, the hours of hunting, bathing, keeping her plumage in order and roosting, but also the fear of living in an environment run to provide packs of driven grouse for a few wealthy sportsmen to shoot. The hen harrier is seen as a totemic species in the battle between the conservationists and ruralists, and as one of the key players in this emotive debate, David Cobham is uniquely placed to reflect on Beth's story. In this powerful narrative, he provides us with a profound tale which helps to illuminate the larger implications of the species' decline, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to reverse this.

David Cobham was an internationally renowned filmmaker, well known for his films Tarka the Otter and The Goshawk. Dan Powell is a wildlife artist best known for the field guide to The Dragonflies of Great Britain. His drawings and paintings have appeared in numerous wildlife books and publications.

'It is a good read, terrific in places, informative, engrossing and moving, with a vital message about conservation [...] Bowland Beth reminds us that nature deserves to be written about with passion, power and poetry. Writers and readers have a role in protecting this country. It is time we performed it better.' Spectator An 'engaging, delightfully illustrated book' BBC Wildlife 'Beautifully illustrated ... well-written and engaging, too ... a book to inspire a love of these superb raptors' Birdwatching 'David Cobham is a skilful storyteller' British Birds