Natural History of the Hedgerow : And Ditches, Dykes and Dry Stone Walls

Wright, John

ISBN 10: 1846685532 / ISBN 13: 9781846685538

Published by Profile Books Ltd, 2017

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 28533329-n

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Natural History of the Hedgerow : And Ditches, Dykes and Dry Stone Walls
• Publisher: Profile Books Ltd
• Publication Date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1846685532
• ISBN 13: 9781846685538
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

It is difficult to think of a more quintessential symbol of the British countryside than the British Hedgerow, bursting with blackberries, hazelnuts and sloes, and home to oak and ash, field mice and butterflies. But as much as we might dream about foraging for mushrooms or collecting wayside nettles for soup, 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, when we have finally begun to recognise the importance of these unique ecosystems. His intimate knowledge of the countryside and 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 who call them home.

Informative, practical, entertaining and richly illustrated in colour throughout, A Natural History of the Hedgerow is a book to stuff into your pocket for country walks in every season, or to savour in winter before a roaring fire.

About the Author

John Wright is a naturalist and one of Great Britain's leading experts on fungi. His most recent book, The Naming of the Shrew: A Curious History of Latin Names was published by Bloomsbury in 2014. His publications include books on how to forage in hedgerows and seashores, on the delights and perils of gathering fungi and mushrooms, and how to make your own booze, all published in the popular River Cottage Handbook series.