Ever since the very first issue back in 1989, British Wildlife has featured book reviews of the most important new titles in natural history publishing, from nature-writing bestsellers to technical identification handbooks, and every review included in the magazine since 2018 is available to read on the British Wildlife website. These reviews provide in-depth critiques and are all authored by experts in relevant subjects, ensuring an honest and insightful appraisal of each book featured. Here is a list of the book reviews included in volume 34 of British Wildlife, all with links to take you directly to the full review.
- The genus Cortinarius in Britain by Geoffrey Kibby and Mario Tortelli
“This monograph has keys, descriptions and notes for every species, but its crowning glory is the pictures: coloured drawings by Geoffrey Kibby combined with colour photographs taken in situ by Mario Tortelli.”
– Peter Marren, BW 34.1 October 2022. Read the review here.
2. Land Healer: How Farming Can Save Britain’s Countryside by Jake Fiennes
“Fiennes is forthright, his arguments stocked with enough facts and figures to baffle all but the most diligent reader. Yet for me they convince because they resound with first-hand experience and learning…”
– James Robertson, BW 34.1 October 2022. Read the review here.
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Concise Flora of the British Isles by Clive Stace
“I cannot imagine anyone with more than a passing interest in the British flora not having this book, and I suspect that many may now rely on this much cheaper alternative as their British Flora of choice.”
– Fred Rumsey, BW 34.1 October 2022. Read the review here.
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Impacts of Human Population on Wildlife: A British Perspective by Trevor J. C. Beebee
“This is a well-written account by a very well-informed British naturalist of the way population affects wildlife. It is written without recourse to technical jargon, but also with a careful, precise and temperate use of language, and with the balanced judgements which you would expect in a small-circulation scientific series published by Cambridge University Press.”
– Peter Marren, BW 34.2 November 2022. Read the review here.
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The Secret Life of the Adder: The Vanishing Viper by Nicholas Milton
“The Secret Life of the Adder is very readable and richly illustrated with some excellent photographs, which, coupled with box features exploring specific sub-topics, will help the book appeal to a broad range of readers.”
– Howard Inns, BW 34.2 November 2022. Read the review here.
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Peter Scott and the Birth of Modern Conservation by Chris Moore
“This new biography would be the perfect reading for someone who, after visiting the new museum at Slimbridge, wanted to know more.”
– Peter Marren, BW 34.3 December 2022. Read the review here.
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The Flow: Rivers, Waters and Wildness by Amy-Jane Beer
“Add to that a generosity of spirit in wanting to share nature with as many people as possible and the result is a warm and immersive book. It flows along like its watery subjects, from one captivating story to the next. It was a pleasure to read.”
– Ian Carter, BW 34.4 February 2023. Read the review here.
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The Hen Harrier’s Year by Ian Carter and Dan Powell
“The Carter and Powell duo have triumphed again. This book is informative and relevant, and a delight both to read and simply to look at.”
– Keith Betton, BW 34.5 April 2023. Read the review here.
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When the Kite Builds: Why and How we Restored Red Kites across Britain by Mike Pienkowski
“His book deals with all aspects of the work, from early discussions about whether [the Red Kite reintroduction programme] would succeed (many thought not) to the practicalities of establishing a team, choosing the first release sites and then collecting, rearing and releasing the birds.”
– Ian Carter, BW 34.6 May 2023. Read the review here.
“Mike Dilger is an amiable and enthusiastic companion, describing the pleasures and pitfalls of flower-finding with a smile, a presenter who loves his subject and longs to tell you all about it.”
– Peter Marren, BW 34.6 May 2023. Read the review here.
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Plant Atlas 2020: Mapping Changes in the Distribution of the British and Irish Flora (2-Volume Set) by Peter A. Stroh, Kevin J. Walker, Tom A. Humphrey, Oliver L. Pescott and Richard J. Burkmar
“To suggest that Plant Atlas 2020 is a formidable achievement of British and Irish field botany rather undervalues it. It has left me breathless.”
– Peter Marren, BW 34.7 June 2023. Read the review here.
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The Lost Rainforests of Britain by Guy Shrubsole
“Shrubsole has written a stimulating book, and shown himself to be a powerful advocate for nature. Time will tell how far he gets with his stated ambition ‘to find Britain’s lost rainforests and bring them back’.”
– James Robertson, BW 34.7 June 2023. Read the review here.
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Trees and Woodlands by George Peterken
“The book is a timely reminder of the enormous diversity of British woodland types and of the need to respect the individuality of the woods themselves.”
– Rob Fuller, BW 34.8 August 2023. Read the review here.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this well-designed, informative and utterly different wildlife gardening book and as a keen observer of my own (much humbler) garden I can wholeheartedly recommend it.”
– Brett Westwood, BW 34.8 August 2023. Read the review here.
Since its launch in 1989, British Wildlife has established its position as the leading natural history magazine in the UK, providing essential reading for both enthusiasts and professional naturalists and wildlife conservationists. Individual back issues of the magazine are available to purchase through the NHBS website, while annual subscriptions start from just £32 – you can subscribe online or by phone (01803 467166). Visit www.britishwildlife.com for more information.
