Unlock the secrets of Britain's natural world with this essential wildlife guide Ever wanted to know if it's a great tit, or a blue tit, a rabbit or a hare, a cowslip or an oxlip? Covering all common animals and plants found in the British Isles, 'Collins British Wildlife' tells you everything you need to know about the things you see in your garden, the park or the countryside - and how to tell the difference between them. The key to enjoying the natural world is being able to put a name to the animal or plant that you see outdoors. Including all wildlife groups in one comprehensive volume, this is the perfect home reference guide - an essential volume for every bookshelf. With over 3,500 stunning photographs, and written by one of the UK's leading naturalists, this is a book that will unlock the secrets of the extraordinary natural world around you.

An inspirational and beautifully illustrated book that tells the stories of 80 plants from around the globe. In his follow-up to the bestselling Around the World in 80 Trees, Jonathan Drori takes another trip across the globe, bringing to life the science of plants by revealing how their worlds are intricately entwined with our own history, culture and folklore. From the seemingly familiar tomato and dandelion to the eerie mandrake and Spanish 'moss' of Louisiana, each of these stories is full of surprises. Some have a troubling past, while others have ignited human creativity or enabled whole civilizations to flourish. With a colourful cast of characters all brought to life by illustrator Lucille Clerc, this is a botanical journey of beauty and brilliance. 'A beautiful celebration of the plants and flowers that surround us and a quiet call to arms for change' The Herald 'This charming and beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a voyage of discovery, exploring the many ingenious and surprising uses for plants in modern science and throughout history' Kew Magazine 'With beautiful illustrations from Lucille Clerc, this captivating book traverses the globe via plants: nettles in England, mangoes in India and tulips in the Netherlands' Daily Mail

'In Clive, we have an ever-fascinating guide to Britain's heathery districts, not only marvelling at the wildlife of such wild places, but also celebrating their diverse origins, uses and cultural resonances' - ANDREW BYFIELD Heathlands are so much more than simply purple carpets of heather. They are ancient landscapes found throughout Britain that support a complex of inter-related species and an immense diversity of habitats. They also possess a unique human history defined by the struggle between pastoralism and the competing demands of those who seek exclusive use of the land. In this latest addition to the British Wildlife Collection, Clive Chatters introduces us to Britain's heathlands and their anatomy. He then takes the reader on a geographical heathland tour – from the maritime sub-arctic of the Shetlands to the mild wetness of the Atlantic coast – with an in memoriam nod to those heaths that have been erased from common memory and understanding. He concludes with a review of how people have perceived and used heathland wildlife over the ages, and sets out a future vision for this iconic landscape, its unique habitats and the species that live there. Most of our heaths are pale shadows of their former selves. However, Chatters argues, it is not inevitable that the catastrophic losses of the recent past are the destiny of our remaining heaths. Should we wish, their place in the countryside as an integral part of British culture can be secured.

Discover over 1,200 species of animals and plants found in the coastal regions of Britain and make the most of your surroundings, whether you are on a holiday browse or serious quest. This is the definitive photographic reference guide for nature enthusiasts.

There is no escaping the fact that the British climate is changing, and our wildlife is changing with it. Warmer and wetter winters, combined with longer summers, have worked to the advantage of some plants such as the rare Lady Orchid and a whole range of insects including butterflies, crickets and dragonflies. Many are moving their range edges northwards, while spring flowers and butterflies are appearing earlier year on year. Britain is also hosting new arrivals that come in on the wing, especially dragonflies and damselflies. But it isn't all good news. Alpine plants and seabirds - particularly Kittiwakes - are suffering declines as our climate warms. Britain has the longest history of wildlife recording anywhere in the world and we are in pole position for studying how climate has influenced our flora and fauna over at least decades and, in some cases, centuries.

An engaging account of the natural history of rock and boulder-strewn shores around Britain's coastline. Rocky Shores explores the species, communities and landscape of the narrow strip of land surrounding much of the British Isles. While it may be limited in extent, this habitat is incredibly biodiverse, and this insightful book details all the patterns of marine life that might be encountered on sheltered and exposed shores, from the inhospitable splash zone to the repeatedly submerged lower shore, and everything in between. Comprehensive chapters accompanied by exceptional photographs cover various members of the rocky-shore community in turn: striking lichens that colourfully adorn the rocks; seaweeds that have sustained human settlements for millennia; mysterious and often spectacular worms and their relatives; molluscs with variously configured shells; spiny-skinned echinoderms that move using tube feet; arthropods that range from tiny marine insects to heavy-clawed crabs; and microscopic species that drift around at the mercy of the tides. Rock pools provide pockets of diversity dotted across the shore, while the strandline at the high-tide mark supports a unique assemblage of microbes and invertebrates that attracts a variety of birds and mammals. For anyone with a love of the shore – from the occasional rockpooler to avid naturalists – this book is a must for your collection.

WINNER OF THE MARSH BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD (2019) A pioneering look at how climate change is affecting British wildlife – winners, losers, new arrivals and future prospects. There is no escaping the fact that the British climate is changing, and our wildlife is changing with it. In this remarkable account, Trevor Beebee examines the story so far for our plant, fungi and animal species. Warmer and wetter winters, combined with longer summers, have worked to the advantage of plants such as the rare Lady Orchid, and a whole range of insects. The UK is also hosting new arrivals that come in on the wing. But there is adversity, too. Alpine plants and seabirds – particularly Kittiwakes – are suffering declines as our countryside warms. Given the evidence so far, can we predict what the future holds for our British ecosystems? "Fascinating but frightening, compelling and concerning ... this book brings together all you need to know about how the climate is impacting wildlife." - Chris Packham

'A meticulously researched, important and beautiful volume that goes well beyond the scope of its title to describe the hitherto neglected subject of woodland flora and place it in a broad ecological and historical context.' - Stehan Buczacki Observing the plants of the forest floor – the flowers, ferns, sedges and grasses – can be a vital way of understanding our relationship with British woodland. They tell us stories about its history and past management, and can be a visible sign of progress when we get conservation right. For centuries, woodland plants have also been part of our lives in practical ways as food and medicines, and they have influenced our culture through poetry, perfume and pub signs. In this insightful and original account, Keith Kirby explores how woodland plants in Great Britain have come to be where they are, coped with living in the shade of their bigger relatives, and responded to threats in the form of storms, fires, floods, the attentions of grazing herbivores and the effects of the changing seasons. Along the way, the reader is introduced to the work of important botanists who have walked the woods in the past, collecting information on where plants occur and why. In-depth profiles of some of our most important and popular ground flora species provide extra detail and insight. Beautifully illustrated, Woodland Flowers is a must for anyone who appreciates and wants to learn more about British woodland and its plants.

Britain is a place of remarkable beauty and extraordinary extremes, boasting immense natural diversity in a comparatively small area. Here, life is run by the seasons: each month brings enormous transformations to our island and its inhabitants, from the largest native mammal to the smallest migrant bird. In this lavish companion to the unforgettable BBC One series, acclaimed nature writer Stephen Moss reveals a breathtaking view of the wildlife on our very own doorstep, complete with stunning photography, innovative maps and unique behind-the-scenes materialfrom the award-winning BBC Natural History Unit. Britain's wildlife is at once iconic and surprising, and this book celebrates it all in the light of our ever-changing seasons. From the clash of majestic stags to the emergence of delicate damselflies; and from the sharks and whales that swim our waters to the elegant and imposing birds in our skies, The Great British Year reveals the unmissable drama and beauty of our islands.

Discover over 1,000 species of animal, plant and fungi found in Britain From the humming-bird Hawk moth to the False Deathcap Fungi, spot common British animal, plant and fungi species with this guide. In-situ photographs and no nonsense notes will help you identify them in the field quickly and accurately. Maps show you what animals, plants and fungi to find where and species are categorised so you can plan your spotting and make the most of your surroundings, whether you are on a holiday browse or serious quest. An ideal guide for all the family.