Search Results for: Memoir and Biography

One of BBC Wildlife‘s books of the year

“A book of great courage, curiosity, discovery and connection.” – Amy-Jane Beer, author of The Flow

A moving, honest and revealing memoir of living with chronic illness, and an examination of the ways a relationship with the natural world can affect us, from debut author and Guardian country diarist Nic Wilson

When Nic Wilson begins researching the history of her local landscape and its wildlife, the last thing she wants to do is consider her own past. But as she unearths tales of giant sequoias, puss moths, nightingales and chalk streams, Nic realises her affinity with the nearby wild began as a way to handle growing up with a mother who lived with a debilitating chronic illness.

Now in her forties, and struggling with mental and physical health herself, Nic revisits her childhood to trace the influence of the natural world on her life. As she grapples with revelations from the past, the boundaries between self and land become increasingly porous, and the lure of the wetlands around her home threatens to engulf her. Can she find the strength to face the waves of chronic illness – past and present – and learn to reach for steady ground?


With the natural world facing more threats than ever before, Land Beneath the Waves inspires us to develop a meaningful bond with our local natural spaces and landscapes, illuminating a hopeful path towards a better future for human and non-human life.

A moving, honest and revealing memoir of living with chronic illness, and an examination of the ways a relationship with the natural world can affect us, from debut author and nature writer Nic Wilson

When Nic Wilson begins researching the history of her local landscape and its wildlife, the last thing she wants to do is consider her own past. But as she unearths tales of giant sequoias, puss moths, nightingales and chalk streams, Nic realizes her affinity with the nearby wild began as a way to handle growing up with a mother who lived with a debilitating chronic illness.

Now in her forties, and struggling with mental and physical health herself, Nic revisits her childhood to trace the influence of the natural world on her life. As she grapples with revelations from the past, the boundaries between self and land become increasingly porous, and the lure of the wetlands around her home threatens to engulf her. Can she find the strength to face the waves of chronic illness – past and present – and learn to reach for steady ground?


With the natural world facing more threats than ever before, Land Beneath the Waves inspires us to develop a meaningful bond with our local natural spaces and landscapes, illuminating a hopeful path towards a better future for human and non-human life.

“Funny and messy” – The Mail on Sunday

Step into the fascinating world of Bristol Zoo with Alan Toyne, a dedicated zookeeper and primate expert whose extraordinary story of hand-rearing two baby gorillas will warm your heart

When Afia, a newborn Western Lowland Gorilla, is rejected by her mother Kera after a difficult birth, her human keepers must start the challenging – but rewarding – experience of hand-rearing her themselves. Teaching her the ropes of life in the Gorilla House at Bristol Zoo is tricky enough. But providing 24/7 care for a baby gorilla means Alan must hand-rear Afia in his own home too, an experience that forges a remarkable emotional bond between the two of them over the course of many sleepless nights.

Soon a second baby gorilla, Hasani, is facing rejection from his mother, and Alan and his colleagues must embark on a daring mission to train Kera – now recovered but socially isolated – to become Hasani’s surrogate mother. Can she learn to protect and love Hasani as her own, in a way she couldn’t for Afia? Can she find her maternal instincts and claim a place within the troop at last?

With a vibrant cast of characters – from the volatile Silverback Jock to the mysterious Sal and the stately Romi – Gorillas in Our Midst offers a unique glimpse into the intricate world of primate social dynamics, in all their complicated, human-like glory. More than just a behind-the-scenes look at zoo life, this thought-provoking and heart-warming memoir is a testament to the enduring bonds between humans and animals, and to the power of resilience and compassion.

“A joy to read. ” – Mary Colwell, author of Curlew Moon and The Gathering Place

“Tender, warm-hearted and honest…It’s Detectorists, but for nature, and without your own kit.” – Nicola Chester, author of On Gallows Down and Ghosts of the Farm

“The Volunteers gripped me from the first page.” – Vicki Hird MSc FRES, author of Rebugging the Planet

A Country and Town House book of the year 2024

A heart-warming true story of the woods and wildlife, conservation and community, perfect for fans of Detectorists and The Outlaws

When Carol’s world suddenly unravels, leaving her single and jobless, she stumbles upon an unexpected opportunity: leading a ragtag team of countryside conservation volunteers. At first glance, the prospect of nurturing Britain’s diverse wildlife in the great outdoors seems like a dream come true. However, reality paints a different picture: her office is a ramshackle porta-cabin overrun with mice and plagued by leaky ceilings, and the volunteers are far from impressed with her lack of practical skills.

Despite this rocky beginning, Carol gradually earns the respect of her eclectic group of volunteers, forging a tight-knit community that will grow to become essential to each member. This diverse group spans generations, from twenty-somethings to septuagenarians, with each of them looking to get something different out of volunteering, whether it’s a sense of purpose, a fresh start in life or a tick on their community service form. They also bring their unique quirks and life experiences to the mix.

Volunteer days soon evolve into the highlight of Carol’s week, as they bond over their love of nature, mental health battles, and the desire for companionship. As they work together outdoors, the team discover a simple yet powerful recipe for self-confidence, improved well-being and a newfound perspective on life’s challenges. This journey not only brings solace and new joys to Carol’s weeks, but eventually it helps her move on with her life, too.

The Volunteers is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the redemptive force of the woods and wildlife. It underscores the universal need for belonging and illustrates how, even in the most unexpected places, we can find a community to call our own.

“A gentle, warm, vulnerable book that buzzes and sings and blossoms… Donaldson shows that it is not just nature that benefits from working with the earth – the human soul heals and grows too. With lives as tangled and bright as the wildflowers in the verges, this book is a joy to read. ” – Mary Colwell, author of Curlew Moon and The Gathering Place


A heart-warming true story of the woods and wildlife, conservation and community, perfect for fans of Detectorists and The Outlaws

When Carol’s world suddenly unravels, leaving her single and jobless, she stumbles upon an unexpected opportunity: leading a ragtag team of countryside conservation volunteers. At first glance, the prospect of nurturing Britain’s diverse wildlife in the great outdoors seems like a dream come true. However, reality paints a different picture: her office is a ramshackle porta-cabin overrun with mice and plagued by leaky ceilings, and the volunteers are far from impressed with her lack of practical skills.

Despite this rocky beginning, Carol gradually earns the respect of her eclectic group of volunteers, forging a tight-knit community that will grow to become essential to each member. This diverse group spans generations, from twenty-somethings to septuagenarians, with each of them looking to get something different out of volunteering, whether it’s a sense of purpose, a fresh start in life or a tick on their community service form. They also bring their unique quirks and life experiences to the mix.

Volunteer days soon evolve into the highlight of Carol’s week, as they bond over their love of nature, mental health battles, and the desire for companionship. As they work together outdoors, the team discover a simple yet powerful recipe for self-confidence, improved well-being and a newfound perspective on life’s challenges. This journey not only brings solace and new joys to Carol’s weeks, but eventually it helps her move on with her life, too.

The Volunteers is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the redemptive force of the woods and wildlife. It underscores the universal need for belonging and illustrates how, even in the most unexpected places, we can find a community to call our own.

From the best-selling author of The Hedgerow Apothecary

A Countryside magazine book of the month

Explore the fascinating folklore and rich history of wildflowers with this beautiful photographic spotter’s guide

Nestled in our meadows, woodlands and hedgerows are hidden treasures: wildflowers. Growing naturally, without being intentionally planted, wildflowers are a crucial part of any thriving environment, and they have been part of the human story for thousands of years as medicine, food, decoration, symbolism and more.

This is the essential guide to understanding and celebrating wildflowers. Learn about the folklore and history behind these stunning plants and embrace the simple pleasure of spotting them in the great outdoors with the seasonal guidance and bespoke photographs within these pages. You can also enjoy the therapeutic delights of these blooms with easy-to-follow recipes and makes, including:

– Wild cornflower seed bombs
– Soothing coltsfoot balm for glowing skin
– Delicious pineapple weed ice cream
– Restorative dock root tonic
– Refreshing wild mint tea
– And much more!

Celebrate our most beloved broadcaster, biologist and environmentalist with this stunning gift book, packed to the brim with facts, trivia questions and a selection of his most insightful and inspiring quotes

Sir David Attenborough has spent a lifetime inspiring, educating and delighting viewers of all ages with his pioneering wildlife documentaries and his appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. His passion, knowledge and authority – as well as his deep sense of humanity – have made him one of the most respected and beloved icons of our time. He has also used his platform to help raise awareness of the plight of our wildlife, being a tireless advocate for conservation and the environment.

This collection of his wisest and most inspirational quotes, along with eye-opening facts and trivia, is a must-have for any Attenborough afficionado. Dive into a celebration of the incredible richness of the natural world around us, from the majesty of the animal kingdom to the awe-inspiring depths of the oceans, and discover a hopeful outlook for the future, through David Attenborough’s eyes.

Connect with nature’s sacred roots with this enchanting exploration of the magick and mysticism of trees

Inside you will find:

– Tales of trees in folklore
– Ancient tree mythologies
– Tree symbols and their meanings
– The role of trees in magick
– A selection of tree spells

And much more!

Their stories are written in folklore, they are revered across cultures, and they stand as powerful sources of ancient magick; trees have always been a source of fascination to humans. Uncover the secrets of the forest with this bewitching guide to tree legends, symbols and spells.

Delve into mystical beliefs, discover tree mythologies and read about tree spirits as you move through this captivating little book. Every turn of the page will enrich your bond with the natural world.

The Little Book of Trees is a comprehensive guide to help you deepen your connection with arboreal deities, honour ancient traditions, understand the role of trees in various cultures and practise magickal rituals.

Let your spiritual journey take root as you delve into the magickal world of trees.

Perfect for fans of Remarkably Bright Creatures or anyone who enjoyed My Octopus Teacher, this little book offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most distinctive animals on the planet

– Unravel the secrets of this astonishing animal and explore its mystifying world
– Learn about the rich folklore and myth surrounding the octopus
– Bite-size and easy to read chapters

Did you know an octopus can fit through a gap as small as a penny, but some can grow longer than a bus? Or that some species pack enough poison to kill humans within minutes? Or that they can problem-solve, navigate mazes and open locks, and that they can even have a favourite toy?

With their remarkable behaviours and unique anatomy, it’s hardly surprising that octopuses have captivated our imagination for centuries. But there is so much more to this misunderstood and spellbinding creature.

With this book, you will discover how octopuses utilize their three hearts and blue blood, how their highly developed nervous system endows them with extraordinary intelligence, how they regenerate their limbs, and so much more. Learn about the rich folklore and myths that surround them, from ancient maritime legends to symbolic meanings across cultures, and journey through their diverse habitats and history.

Whether you’re a marine biology enthusiast or just curious about these astounding cephalopods, dive in and uncover the magic and mystery of the octopus.

This informative pocketbook of essential foraging tips and tricks will help any aspiring forager on their journey to becoming a food-gathering fiend

– Foraging is becoming an extremely popular pastime, so this is a great gift for nature lovers
– Learn the dos and don’ts, what equipment you need and safety tips
– Discover how to use your foraged ingredients in food and drink recipes

As an antidote to the stresses of modern life, more and more people are flocking to forests, fields and hedgerows in pursuit of all the benefits nature brings.

But if you are new to foraging or haven’t done it for a while, sometimes it’s tricky to know where to go and what to pick. Not to mention the dos and don’ts of foraging safely that can leave even the most adept forager confused.

So, whether you’re a complete beginner or wanting to brush up on your existing skills, and no matter where you live, this resourceful little book will help you:

– Learn the essentials of foraging, including the dos and don’ts, equipment you need and where you can do it
– Discover what you can and can’t forage and how to identify what you’ve found
– Use your foraged foods to make delicious dishes and drinks

The Little Book of Foraging is the ideal companion for anyone starting out in the world of foraging, and will show you how to gather food safely, responsibly and joyfully.

Take a breath of fresh air with this vibrant puzzle book that includes a collection of 200 nature-themed puzzles, perfect for lovers of the great outdoors

Pick up your backpack, your boots and your pencil!

Filled with trees, plants, and creatures great and small, this collection of puzzles celebrates Mother Nature in all her glory. Whether you’re wandering in the woods or the weather has you cooped up indoors, how about a puzzle or two to keep you feeling down to earth? From quick quizzes and riddles to more leisurely crosswords and sudoku, there’s plenty in these pages to fill your mind with wonder for our wide, wild world.

Inside this book, you will be challenged to:
– Find the flowers hiding within word searches
– Spot the differences between majestic oaks
– Shuffle the letters of anagrams to identify fascinating flora and fauna
– Wind your way through a series of woodland mazes

And much more!

This informative pocketbook of essential gardening tips and tricks will help any aspiring gardener brush up on their knowledge and become a green-fingered fanatic

– GREAT FOR BEGINNERS: Learn gardening lingo and about essential equipment
– TIPS on common garden pests and problems
– DISCOVER a range of common plants and flowers and where they thrive
– HOW TO plan a garden

Nowadays, we are gardening more than ever. As an antidote to the stresses of modern life, more and more people are picking up their trowel in pursuit of happiness, better health and a blossoming backyard.

But sometimes it’s tricky to know where to start with your garden and which direction to take. Not to mention the puzzling terminology and plant names that can leave novice and expert gardeners alike scratching their heads in confusion.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or wanting to hone your existing skills, taking on a large-scale project or getting started in a small space, this book will help you. The Little Book of Gardening is the ideal companion on your gardening journey, and will show you how to garden at your own pace, in your own time, in your own way.

This handy guide is brimming with quick tips, life hacks and budget-friendly tricks to help you reduce your carbon footprint and live more sustainably

An eco-friendly lifestyle is expensive and time-consuming, right? Wrong! There are countless ways to make green choices that don’t take a toll on your time, your bank balance or the planet.

This book is your one-stop guide to living a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether you need tips on conserving energy or reducing food waste, or you want to give your home a makeover without impacting the planet, these pages include everything you need to get started. You will find:
– Clever life hacks to make reducing your carbon footprint that bit easier
– Simple tips to help you make planet-friendly choices in everyday life
– Smart advice for eco-living on a budget
– Inspiration for eco-friendly crafts and DIY projects

It’s more important than ever to do our bit for the environment, and Planet-Friendly Hacks will help you live life to the full without costing the earth.

The Responsible Traveller is your ticket to sustainable and ethical travel. This pocket-sized book provides the knowledge and tools that can help you to explore the world with a lighter footprint.

Whether you travel out of curiosity, to find respite, to remind yourself of how vast and wonderful our planet is, or in search of life-shaping adventures, having the freedom to explore can be exhilarating and hugely rewarding. However we owe it to the people, cultures, ecosystems and wildlife that we encounter along the way to travel with respect; to preserve our beautiful world for generations to come.

The Responsible Traveller will show you how to make actionable changes that result in more thoughtful and adventurous travels, while also doing our very best for Planet Earth. Through case studies and storytelling, you’ll learn about the environmental and social effects of tourism and gain a deeper understanding of cultural sensitivity. And through simple, achievable tips and practical lifestyle changes, you’ll discover how you can make an almighty difference in reducing your impact. Empowered with this information, perhaps your next adventure will be inspired by consideration, understanding and compassion.

Discover the fascinating world of mushrooms with this beautiful pocket guide, featuring trivia, history, identification tips, delicious recipes and more

One of nature’s most extraordinary organisms can be found right under your feet: the mushroom. For thousands of years these fungi have intrigued humankind, providing food, inspiring folklore and proving to be both poison and cure.

The Little Book of Mushrooms will allow you to uncover this mysterious kingdom for yourself. Learn the difference between a giant puffball and a scarlet elf cup and discover how mushrooms and the fungal network help plant life to communicate. You will also find:

– Fascinating facts about the fungi kingdom
– Mushroom folklore from around the world
– A beginner’s guide to identifying common wild mushrooms
– A collection of delicious mushroom-based recipes
Mushrooms are vital to life on earth, and this book will be your guide to these spectacular organisms that have influenced our past and could shape our future.

You don’t need a garden to grow your own food! This book is the perfect beginner’s guide to micro-gardening, featuring tips on how to start, what to choose and how to grow over 20 types of plant for your kitchen.

Have you ever been curious about growing your own food? Do you lack a garden? Have you got limited space in your home? Then this book is for you!

Whether you want to produce fresh herbs for your cooking, save money on your food bill, reduce your carbon footprint or enjoy the simple pleasure of watching something grow, My Tiny Kitchen Garden is bursting with tips and ideas to help you get started, including:

– The basics of micro-gardening
– Troubleshooting tips
– Plant profiles to help you choose what to grow
– Craft ideas to help you style your plants
– Advice on growing food from scraps
– How to save and store seeds
Whether you’re a budding gardener or a seasoned expert looking for seeds of inspiration, dive into this book to hone your green fingers and cultivate your very own tiny kitchen garden.

This book will help you save money, buy less and do your bit for the environment – just through loving your leftovers! It’s your essential guide to shopping smarter and making meals that go the extra mile.

Trying to be more sustainable and eco-friendly in the kitchen may seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of help and encouragement you can dramatically reduce your food waste. Not only does this help your budget, as you don’t have to buy so much food, but it can also help to save the planet – because when you’re using up your leftovers rather than throwing them away, you reduce your carbon footprint.

The Zero-Waste Kitchen includes:
– Meal-planning hacks
– Simple ways to store your food for maximum freshness
– Ideas for growing vegetables and fruit from the scraps you usually throw away
– An A-Z guide to common leftovers and how they can be used in the kitchen and beyond
– Easy-to-follow recipes for using up ingredients that tend to go to waste
And much, much more!

From the best-selling author of The Hedgerow Apothecary

Learn how to make the most of your common garden plants like the herbalists of the past

Unlock the sustainable and ethical art of the apothecarist, and explore its rich folklore and history. Discover the hidden delights in your own garden and how to use them to make delicious edible treats, herbal cures and restorative beauty products. With photographs to help you safely identify edible plants and tips on how best to prepare and preserve your finds, this is the essential guide to enjoying the home-grown riches of your garden.

Enjoy the therapeutic delights of the plants to be found in your own garden with easy-to-follow recipes.

– Heal dry hands with calendula balm
– Encourage restful sleep with cherry moon milk
– Get creative with a vivid blue ink made from cornflowers
– Try a borage infusion for tired eyes
– Soothe itchy skin with herbal bath tea
– Bake a delicious nettle and lemon sponge cake
– Freshen up with a rosemary mouthwash
– Enjoy a cool glass of red clover lemonade
And much more!

Be kind to the planet, but most of all, be kind to yourself


When you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, grab this book for a dose of calm and courage. Packed with reassuring tips and advice, from mindfulness exercises to practical steps you can take to make a difference, this guide will ease your eco-anxiety and help you to live a more environmentally friendly life.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the thought of the climate emergency?

Do you want an eco-friendly lifestyle but don’t know where to start?

Then dive into this little book, full of simple, achievable ways to help you reduce your carbon footprint. From tips on creating a more eco-friendly home and ways to reduce your plastic use, to advice on shopping sustainably, within these pages you will discover everything you need to know to help you make planet-friendly choices and live a more sustainable life.

There are so many important decisions to make about how we must adapt our lifestyles to reverse climate change, but where do we start?

From your first steps toward living sustainably all the way to going zero-waste, this book is here to help you find solutions to all your climate conundrums by taking inspiration from a true eco-warrior.

If we each approach the climate emergency in the same way as Greta, we can all live a planet-friendly life and enjoy a brighter future.

Living well doesn’t have to cost the earth

We all want to do our bit for the planet, and now it’s easier than ever. This book is your guide to eco-thrifty living: the way to look out for the climate and your budget at the same time. Explore the art of recycling and upcycling to spruce up your home and garden, find out how to revamp old clothes and how to say no to waste, and learn the secrets to conscious, creative living – all without the hefty price tag.

There is no planet B, but with eco-thrifty living, we won’t need one. From nifty cleaning tips, to stylish home decor and natural beauty, discover the countless ways to reduce your carbon footprint and live a life you love that’s sustainable – both for the world and your wallet.

Learn to forage in the hedgerows like the herbalists of the past with this best-selling beginner’s guide.

For centuries our ancestors looked to nature not just for food, but also for healing. To this day, our ancient hedgerows, woodlands and forests are still full of remedies – and they’re waiting to be discovered.

This is the essential guide to enjoying the bountiful delights of the natural world. Learn how to make delicious preserves, healing balms, soothing toddies and cures for colds with nature’s jewels such as rose hips, elderberries and mugwort.

You will also find:

– Photographs to help you safely identify edible plants
– Advice on what is available in each season
– Guidance on how best to prepare and preserve your finds
– The fascinating folklore and history of foraging
Every walk is an opportunity to learn, identify a new plant, gather something to eat and reconnect with nature – so dive in to begin your foraging adventure.

Cutting out animal products has never been easier!


From eco to ethical, there are plenty of sound reasons to eat less meat. It’s possible to make positive changes to your diet without radically altering your lifestyle – and you can still eat tasty, nutritious food without feeling like you’re missing out. This practical book is full of nutritional tips, lifestyle hacks and delicious meat-free recipes, so that you’ll find it easy to take the first step and make a difference.