Takes an in-depth look at the flora and fauna of Lapland. This unspoilt region of northern Scandinavia and northwestern Russia lies within the Arctic circle and holds a fascinating and specialised community of plants and animals, which show a range of adaptations to life in this capricious environment. Detailed discussion of the Lapland ecology is enhanced by a wealth of colour photographs, depicting the region's diverse habitats and wildlife.
Derek Ratcliffe worked for the Nature Conservancy and has authored 2 Poyser monographs and other books on upland wildlife. Now retired, he often watches wildlife in the Arctic regions.
"A rare window onto one of Europe's most unspoiled areas, by the outstanding British field naturalist of the late 20th century."
– The Independent
"An informative and easy-to-read text on a part of the natural world unfamiliar to many. It is a fascinating, enjoyable book."
– Wildlife Activist, Summer 2006
"Truly an excellent book, providing both pleasant reading as well as a fine work of reference [...] I would recommend anyone planning a trip to Lapland to read this book first, from cover to cover."
– Alula, 2007
"The text is easy to read and the book is well illustrated with many coloured photographs and line drawings."
– BTO News (Jan/Feb 2006)
"Intensely detailed and informative and includes maps, charts and tables."
– Bird Watching (Dec 2005)
"A rare window onto one of Europe's most unspoiled areas, by the outstanding British field naturalist of the late 20th century."
– The Independent (2 Dec 2005)
"Remarkable and attractive [...] The only possible verdict on this fine book is that it is a masterpiece."
– British Ornithologists Union (2006)
" [...] a delightlful publication [...] extremely useful and hugely enjoyable"
– Journal of Biological Education