This detailed guide to the reptiles and amphibians of Britain, Ireland and the Channel Islands has been produced with the aim of inspiring an increased level of interest in these exciting and fascinating animals. It is designed to help anyone who finds a lizard, snake, turtle, tortoise, terrapin, frog, toad or newt to identify it with confidence. It will also be indispensable as a convenient reference for field workers and managers.
Howard Inns has a lifelong interest in Britain's reptiles and amphibians and is a trustee of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust. He lives in Farnham in Surrey on the doorstep of some of the best reptile and amphibian sites in Britain. He has been actively involved in heathland management and population monitoring for rare reptiles for more than 25 years. His broad general knowledge of natural history also includes a special interest in grasshoppers and crickets.
"Amateur naturalists will be armed with all the tools they need to identify an array of reptiles and amphibians in Britain, Ireland and the Channel Islands, from Great Crested Newts to Hawksbill Turtles. Species photos are accompanied by detailed descriptions, and the handy ID charts will be perfect for quick references when out in the field."
– BBC Wildlife
"In addition to useful quick identification charts, each species receives a full treatment in an account awash with excellent photographs. It is a stunning book, well thought out and eminently practical."
– Mike Toms, BTO News
"Whether trekking with the aim of field-study, or whether simply interested in reptiles and amphibians, I would recommend Britain's Reptiles and Amphibians to anyone with interests in herpetology and native wildlife."
– Ian Millichip, Lacerta
"[T]his guide is a worthy addition to any naturalist's library."
– Rachel Thompson, Surrey Nature
"This slim but extremely useful and profusely illustrated new book, written by life-long herpetological enthusiast Howard Inns, helps to spotlight the creatures that rarely make headlines and can be difficult to observe really well."
– Ron Toft, TheTravelEditor.com
"An absolute 'must have' for all nature lovers whatever they may already know about our reptiles and amphibians."
– Chris Davis, RAUK
"Absolutely fascinating [...] A terrific book."
– Lee and J.J. MacFadden, Bristol Herald Courier