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*We have a very limited number of bookplates signed by Jonathan for this edition, available while stocks last
This lushly illustrated and fully comprehensive book about the wildlife, landscapes and history of Pembrokeshire is a much-anticipated addition to the New Naturalist series and reveals the incredible wealth of biodiversity present in the region.
Surrounded by sea on three sides, Pembrokeshire is the only national park in the UK designated mainly for its coastline. In addition to idyllic beaches, the park includes deep wooded valleys and tranquil estuaries, as well as a marine nature reserve. There is greater variety of geological and landform scenery in the park than in any other area of the same size in the British Isles, and it is an essential sanctuary for many of Britain's seabird species. There are also important archaeological sites in the park, from Iron Age hill forts and standing stones to the spectacular cathedral of St Davids, as Pembrokeshire has been consistently inhabited by humans since the Neolithic period.
Jonathan Mullard explores the evolving landscape and observes its effects on its native species and habitats. He provides a detailed examination of the geology of the region and the integration of the archaeological and historic landscape with the natural landscape and its fauna. Covering the vast diversity of Pembrokeshire's beaches and forests, rivers and waterfalls, moorland and farmland, caves and cathedrals, he provides an overview of man's influence on the natural environment over the centuries and the ongoing conservation of the area. The culmination of years of research, New Naturalist Pembrokeshire is an inspiring exploration of this diverse and fascinating area.
Editor's Preface ix
Author's Foreword and Acknowledgements xi
1. At the Land's End 1
2. A Naturalist's Paradise? 17
3. The Underlying Rocks 36
4, Inshore and Offshore Waters 66
5. Skokholm and Skomer 89
6. Ramsey and the Bishops and Clerks 130
7. Caldey and the Half-Islands 149
8. Grassholm, the Smalls and the Hats and Barrels 162
9. The Mainland Coast 180
10. Waterways and Estuaries 234
11. Rivers and Wetlands 269
12. Lowland Commons 299
13. Higher Ground 314
14. Caves and Cave Life 333
15. Trees and Woodland 350
16. Farmland Survivals 379
17. Cathedral, Churches and Chapels 401
18. Castles and Palaces 422
19. Conserving Pembrokeshire 435
Appendix 1: The Plants and Animals of Little England 446
Appendix 2: Organisations and Contacts 448
References 451
Species Index 472
General Index 501
"This is Jonathan Mullard’s third Welsh regional volume in the New Naturalist series, after Gower in 2006 and Brecon Beacons in 2014. Pembrokeshire has an exceptionally diverse coastline with internationally important and very well-studied seabird islands. To describe these islands along with the mainland coast and to do justice to the inland parts of Pembrokeshire has been a Herculean task. The result is a volume crammed full of fascinating highlights of what can be found, presented in the ‘grasshopper’ style of the two earlier books. The many photographs are again superb. [...] This book
is a brave attempt and should be read and, it is hoped enjoyed despite the errors and omissions that may be obvious only to those long embedded in the nature of this most westerly county of Wales"
– Stephen Evans, British Wildlife 31(6), August 2020
