A Natural History of the Hedgerow

Description

It is difficult to think of a more quintessential symbol of the British Countryside than a hedgerow, bursting with blackberries, hazelnuts and sloes.  Home to Oak and Ash, field mice and butterflies we may dream about foraging for mushrooms or collecting wayside nettles for soup but most of us are unaware of quite how profoundly hedgerows have shaped the history of our landscape and our fellow species.

One of Britain’s best known naturalists, John Wright, introduces us to the natural and cultural history of hedges (as well as ditches, dykes and dry stone walls).  From the arrival of the first settlers in the British Isles to the modern day we have finally begun to recognise the importance of these unique ecosystems.

John Wright’s intimate knowledge of the countryside an its inhabitants brings this guide to life, whether discussing the skills and craft of hedge maintenance or the rich variety of animals, plants, algae and fungi that call them home.

Richly illustrated throughout, this is a book to savour in every season.

First published by Profile Books Ltd.