United States
£ GBP
Time outdoors is always well spent. It raises the spirits, sparks the imagination and, as research increasingly shows, measurably improves our physical and mental wellbeing. Rhythms of Nature celebrates this fundamental relationship with the natural world, and considers some ways we might rediscover it.
After a career in conservation, Ian Carter moves to a secluded farmhouse tucked away in the low hills of mid-Devon between Exmoor and Dartmoor. Here he tries new approaches to exploring the local countryside. He learns the edible species, follows streams (wherever they may lead) and slips unseen through private estates. He experiments with rewilding the garden, goes on night-time rambles and watches the changing seasons in super high definition.
Following on from the author's acclaimed Human, Nature, this engaging and thought-provoking book offers simple suggestions for how to enliven a sense of wonder in our surroundings. A paean to the 'neglected' and untidy places that can enrich our lives, it will appeal to anyone wishing to develop a deeper connection with wildlife or who has a desire to seek out the wilder corners of our landscape.
Ian Carter worked as an ornithologist with Natural England for 25 years but now spends his time watching and writing about wildlife. He wrote The Red Kite’s Year and The Hen Harrier’s Year (forthcoming) with wildlife artist Dan Powell. His last book – Human, Nature – is also published by Pelagic.
"[...] This is a delightful collection of essays beginning indoors and drawing the reader out into the garden and the surrounding countryside. If you are looking for inspiration and fresh ideas for venturing out into your local area, read this book"
– Simon Bates, The Niche 54(3)
"By turns practical and philosophical, Rhythms of Nature is a genially-shared, genuine reflection on a lifetime's hard-won, hands-on knowledge from a total involvement in nature."
– Stephen Rutt, author of The Seafarers, Wintering, and The Eternal Season
"A wonderful blend of knowledge and insight, fuelled by unquenchable curiosity for the natural world. Rhythms of Nature is like a conversation with a clever friend. I loved it."
– Lev Parikian, author of Into the Tangled Bank, Light Rains Sometimes Fall, and Why Do Birds Suddenly Disappear?
"Having greatly enjoyed the author's earlier book, Human, Nature, I was pleased to find its follow-up to be another delight: a beautifully written and thought-provoking meditation on our diverse relationship with nature, this time viewed through the prism of the changing seasons."
– Jonathan Elphick, ornithologist and natural history author
"I so enjoyed reading this book. Ian's writing is engaging, thought-provoking, and refreshingly honest – and his approaches to exploring his new patch, together with suggestions for how we might all rekindle our relationships with the natural world, are both insightful and inspiring."
– Brigit Strawbridge Howard, author of Dancing with Bees
"Carter invites the reader on a gentle and entertaining exploration of nature through the seasons, discussing and dissecting our enduring and occasionally paradoxical relationship with the British countryside. Along the way, we're treated to perceptive musings on everything from wild foraging, chicken-keeping and hare-coursing to the rights and wrongs of feeding garden birds."
– Dan Eatherley, author of Invasive Aliens
