Sally Coulthard – författare

'Beautifully observed and carefully researched' Brigit Strawbridge Howard'The real voice of the proper countryside' John Lewis-StempelEvery day, just before sunrise and straight after sunset, magic happens. Dawn and dusk – those fleeting, half-lit hours – are when the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Skies flare with colour, landscapes shift in mood and an unseen cast of creatures emerges from the shadows. Welcome to twilight.In THE SECRET WORLD OF TWILIGHT, author and smallholder Sally Coulthard invites us into this magical in-between realm, where seductive night-blooming flowers open, secretive mammals stir, giant moths reign and fantastical sea creatures ride the tide. Twilight profoundly affects human life too – but in our age of electric light and closed doors, we’ve almost forgotten how to see it.Blending natural history, folklore and memoir, Coulthard reveals twilight as a vital, liminal force: one that has inspired awe for millennia and still has the power to illuminate our daily lives.

'This book deserves a place in your bookcase next to Harari's Sapiens. It's every bit as fascinating and is surely destined to be just as successful' Julian Norton From the plains of ancient Mesopotamia to the vast sheep farms of modern-day Australia, sheep have been central to the human story. Since our our Neolithic ancestors' first forays into sheep-rearing nearly 11,000 years ago, these remarkable animals have fed us, clothed us, changed our diet and language and financed the conquest of large swathes of the earth.Sally Coulthard weaves this fascinating story into a vivid and colourful tapestry of engaging anecdotes and extraordinary ovine facts, whose multiple strands celebrate just how pivotal these woolly animals are to almost every aspect of human society and culture.This title was published also in the United States under the title Follow the Flock.'A snappy, stimulating book, and certainly not just for shepherds' Mail on Sunday'Full of fascinating social history' Independent'You won't look at a sheep in the same way again' Country Living

A Waterstones Best Book of 2024: Nature Writing The untold story of rural Britain revealed through its artefacts 'A really lovely, fascinating book. I dived straight into this clever, joyous, celebration of nature, history, and – of course – the countryside.' Charles Spencer, author of The White Ship For most of human history, we were rural folk. Our daily lives were bound up with working the land, living within the rhythm of the seasons. We poured our energies into growing food, tending to animals and watching the weather. Family, friends and neighbours were often one and the same. Life revolved around the village and its key spaces and places – the church, the green, the school and the marketplace.And yet rural life is oddly invisible our historical records. The daily routine of the peasant, the farmer or the craftsperson could never compete with the glamour of city life, war and royal drama. Lives went unrecorded, stories untold.There is, though, one way in which we can learn about our rural past. The things we have left behind provide a connection that no document can match; physical artefacts are touchstones that breathe life into its history. From farming tools to children’s toys, domestic objects and strange curios, the everyday items of the past reveal fascinating insights into an often-forgotten way of life. Birth, death, celebration, work, crime, play, medicine, beliefs, diet and our relationship with nature can all be read from these remnants of our past.From ancient artefacts to modern-day memorabilia, this startling book weaves a rich tapestry from the fragments of our rural past.

A Waterstones Best Book of 2024: Nature Writing The untold story of rural Britain revealed through its artefacts 'A really lovely, fascinating book. I dived straight into this clever, joyous, celebration of nature, history, and – of course – the countryside.' Charles Spencer, author of The White Ship For most of human history, we were rural folk. Our daily lives were bound up with working the land, living within the rhythm of the seasons. We poured our energies into growing food, tending to animals and watching the weather. Family, friends and neighbours were often one and the same. Life revolved around the village and its key spaces and places – the church, the green, the school and the marketplace.And yet rural life is oddly invisible our historical records. The daily routine of the peasant, the farmer or the craftsperson could never compete with the glamour of city life, war and royal drama. Lives went unrecorded, stories untold.There is, though, one way in which we can learn about our rural past. The things we have left behind provide a connection that no document can match; physical artefacts are touchstones that breathe life into its history. From farming tools to children’s toys, domestic objects and strange curios, the everyday items of the past reveal fascinating insights into an often-forgotten way of life. Birth, death, celebration, work, crime, play, medicine, beliefs, diet and our relationship with nature can all be read from these remnants of our past.From ancient artefacts to modern-day memorabilia, this startling book weaves a rich tapestry from the fragments of our rural past.

An immersive history of our coasts and the people who have shaped them The coast means something different to everyone.It’s a place of pleasure and reckless pursuits, of fishing, fearless endeavours and a crashing, rugged beauty. The coast is, and always has been, our first line of defence and our springboard to other cultures.Through the lens of 100 carefully selected objects, this treasure chest of a book delves into the myriad ways our coastlines have shaped, and been shaped by, our history, culture, and identity. From Roman lighthouses to rosary beads, knitted jumpers to Viking slave shackles, each object serves as a portal to a unique story.Sally Coulthard’s engaging narrative goes far beyond the traditional seaside holiday to illuminate the coast’s role as a first line of defence, a site of trade, and a catalyst for cultural exchange. Readers will discover how the coast has influenced our beliefs, economy, and even our domestic lives. And, looking out to sea, this book will show how Britain’s story is anchored to those of our European neighbours and of faraway lands.From one of Britain’s finest historians of material culture, this book vividly captures the enduring magic and significance of our shores. Whether it’s smugglers’ underpants or sailor’s hoaxes, whale vomit or pickled puffin – it all washes up on the British coast…

In this beautifully illustrated guide, best-selling author Sally Coulthard demonstrates how to transform your living and working spaces into places that put you in touch with nature.Eight inspiring chapters cover key elements for the 'biophilic home', including materials, views, colour and natural light. Each section explores the links between home, health and happiness, drawing on environmental research and neuroscience while making practical suggestions for bringing the natural world into your home.Bring nature indoors with flowers and plants, rediscover the innate pleasure of real fires and fresh air, and learn how to improve your mood and sleep patterns with dynamic light. Create a space filled with natural elements, patterns, nature's colours, fabrics and textures that lift your mood; find out why natural sounds and water are soothing; and learn how to make small changes that will inspire, invigorate and enrich your relationship with the natural world.'As best-selling author and designer, Sally Coulthard, reveals in this guide, creating a 'biophilic home' can have a huge impact on your wellbeing; improving your mood and encouraging healthier sleep patterns...Be it plants, materials, colour or light, it's enlightening to see how small changes can make a big difference, while deepening your respect and correlation to the natural world.' FORBES Magazine'How to embrace the natural world by transforming your interior spaces with specific materials, colours, views and sounds.' Gardens Illustrated'Humans are mammals, programmed over millennia to respond to the natural world. We may be able to live and work in man-made environments most of the time. But according to a new movement of "biophilic" designers and enthusiasts, we are not thriving...writer Sally Coulthard likens it to the practice of keeping animals in captivity, in surroundings ill-suited to their needs. "We live in a world that is fundamentally mismatched to our evolutionary adaptation - we don't see, hear and feel the things that we are programmed to respond to," she writes.' Financial Times'In this beautifully illustrated hardback, Coulthard explores the many benefits of biophilic design, drawing on environmental and neuroscientific research to uncover the links between home, health and happiness. A fascinating and uplifting read that looks at the science behind feel good furnishings.' The Independent 'Never before has the need been greater for being more connected with the natural world, as more and more of us spend longer periods in our own homes. Divided into eight chapters covering key elements for the 'biophilic home', including materials, views, colour and natural light, the book explores the links between home, health and happiness. Drawing on environmental research and neuroscience, Sally makes practical suggestions for bringing the natural world into our homes, positively impacting cognitive function, psychological health and general well-being.' The Lifestyle Editor'...bestselling author Sally Coulthard picks out...the easiest ways we can bring nature indoors' Town and Country House magazine'[Sally] recounts how biophilia, the idea that humans are viscerally wired to feel a communion with the natural world, has shifted from a hypothesis espoused by the biologist Edward O. Wilson and others to the emergence of urban beekeeping, increasingly diverse city gardens and wild ideas for residences and workplaces.' New York Times'an excellent book' 50 Plus Magazine'Sally Coulthard's new book 'Biophilia', explains how important the colours of the natural world are for decorating' Esquire Magazine'Biophilia, a new book by Yorkshire author Sally Coulthard, reveals how staying close to nature will make you healthier and happier.' Yorkshire Post'Coulthard explores ways to harmonize home and the natural word. She covers proper lighting, temperature, and airflow; decorating with natural materials; beneficial colors and patterns, and more.' Publishers Weekly'Probably the most beautifully produced book I've read for many a year, with such fabulously written text, I have to say it is such a delight to read, you feel like you are holding nature in your hands. Each page brings with it something inspiring, from colour, to light, to sound, to choosing materials, temperature, views, spaces, water and more.' Argenta Wellness'Our senses are wired to seek out the natural world. In author and designer Sally Coulthard's exploration of organic and natural design, she breaks down how homes can be designed to tap into our fundamental attraction to the outdoors. In addition to techniques that can improve our wellness, Coulthard's advice can also make interiors feel more like home even as they bring nature inside.' LX Collection'A beautifully illustrated book packed with ideas for bringing the outside inside to your home or workplace.' Spirituality and Practice 'North Yorkshire writer Sally Coulthard is your guide to green living in her new book' Great British Life

A life-saving list of what to expect, what to know, what to do and what to say.

In the Parents’ Book of Checklists you’ll find fast practical advice for all those moments when you are unsure of what to do or say, from pregnancy through birth to toddlers.

Are you uncertain about the foods you can eat when you’re pregnant? Are you unsure of what to expect from you antenatal care or how you can best prepare for the birth? Are you anxious about being a new parent and looking for a quick guide for what to do about feeding, crying and coping with a new baby? Do you wonder how much sleep your one-year-old should be getting? And what is the best way to get them to wind down for sleep in the first place?

Designed to be easy to dip into, you’ll find over 90 checklists covering the essentials from staying healthy during pregnancy, preparing for birth and adjusting to new parenthood through to the pleasures of parenting such as ideas for playing with your baby, special occasions and holidays. The Parents’ Book of Checklists is the  handbook for every parent.

 

Ever dreamed of having your very own garden retreat? Off-the-shelf sheds aren’t always the answer – the cheap ones are badly made and freezing cold, and the better quality ones are really expensive. But what if you could build your own shed from scratch? How to Build a Shed is the ultimate practical guide. With its clear, easy-to-follow instructions, expert advice and specially commissioned illustrations, you’ll be able to source the materials, choose the right tools and build your dream shed on a budget – even if you’ve never used a hammer.

Crafted is a celebration of craft in the 21st century – a definitive visual guide to all things handmade.Featuring over 73 of the most popular and well-established crafts, Sally Coulthard explores their history, materials and techniques as she offers a deeper insight into some of your favourite crafts and provides inspiration for both new and ancient creative pursuits.After an introductory section covering the culture of craft (its definition, why it matters, history and community), the main body of the book consists of beautifully illustrated entries on 73 of the world's most established crafts. The scope is encyclopaedic and covers Paper, Pen & Print (bookbinding, origami, calligraphy, lino printing), Textiles, Cloth & Leather (fur & leather, embroidery, knitting, dyeing), Pottery, Glass & Stone (porcelain, stained glass, stone carving), Wood, Willow & Nature (basket weaving, wood carving, lime plastering and thatching) and Metal (gold, bronze, cast iron and steel).A comprehensive directory of craft organisations and professional communities and guilds, completes this groundbreaking compendium.

Flowers can talk. Red roses say ‘I love you’, white lilies offer condolence and poppies invite us to remember.For thousands of years, humans have used flowers as a language, a short-hand for emotions and meanings. In her new book, Sally Coulthard, takes a fascinating look at floriography and shows how we still use this secret language across the world. She delves into the meanings of flowers and where they came from, whether it’s ancient mythology or hedgerow folklore.Covering 50 well-loved flowers and plants, from peonies to sweetpeas, ivy to irises, Floriography is a beautifully illustrated guide that will take the reader on an intriguing journey through the history, legend, anthropology and literature of flowers, showing how modern-day society still relies on the meaning of flowers. From the Chinese lotus flower to the Celtic bluebell, the myth, magic and language of flowers is still blossoming today.

A revelatory uncovering of a vanished agricultural way of life by bestselling nature writer Sally Coulthard. 'A gem of a book' Country Smallholding 'Engaging and filled with gentle humour and fascinating facts' Get History 'Shows us the beauty and rich history of everyday things' Country Walking MagazineAcross the foldyard from Sally Coulthard's North Yorkshire farmhouse, stands an old stone barn. When she discovered a set of witches' marks on one of its internal walls, she began to wonder about the lives of the people who had once lived and worked there.Both the intimate story of a building and its hinterland, and a wider social history, The Barn explores a hidden corner of rural Britain that has witnessed remarkable changes. From the eighteenth-century Enclosures to the Second World War, the fortunes of the Barn have been blown, like a leaf in a gale, by the unstoppable forces of new agriculture and industry. Seismic shifts in almost every area of society were all played out here in miniature – against a backdrop of scattered limestone villages and the softly rolling Howardian Hills.

'A beautiful gift... Full of fascinating facts' Yorkshire Post'We all want to help the beleaguered bee and Sally Coulthard's latest book is a great place to start' Amateur Gardening'How to help bees thrive and give your garden a real buzz' You MagazineWe need bees. These tiny, hardworking insects have transformed our lives with their quiet diligence; fertilizing the wild plants we rely on, and giving us thousands of years of sugary pleasure. But bees are in danger; across the planet, their numbers are plummeting.Sally Coulthard is here to share fifty ways we can all save bees. Whether you garden for bees, campaign for bees, or just learn a bit of bee-whispering, little things can make a big difference. Just ask a bee.

A COUNTRYFILE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR'Wonderful' Yorkshire Times'Not just a celebration of these enigmatic creatures, but also a timely alarm bell about their shrinking numbers' The Lady'Just about every hedgehog fact you could wish to know' Northern EchoHedgehogs, with their quiet determination and bristling, bumbling ways, are one of the most enduring symbols of the countryside and town gardens. The Hedgehog Handbook explores different facets of this enigmatic and much-admired mammal – from its eating and sleeping habits to its literary heritage and how we can help preserve this icon of rural life. Packed with inspirational quotes, entertaining facts, folklore and literary references, it's the perfect gift for anyone with a penchant for prickles.

The humble chicken has conquered the world.This unlikely descendant of Tyrannosaurus Rex is now so ubiquitous there are more than 20 billion chickens pecking, strutting and scratching around the planet at any one time. And yet, of all animals, the chicken perhaps best represents the contradictory way we humans treat other species: both beloved pet and cheap commodity, symbol of a sustainable good life and brutalised object of factory farming.Sally Coulthard charts the chicken’s fascinating journey from dinosaur to domestication, exploring every aspect of the history of Gallus gallus domesticus. As informative as it is entertaining, Fowl Play tells a remarkable tale of evolutionary change, epic global travel and ruthless exploitation – as well as of companionship, ingenuity and the folly of human nature.

'Crisp and refreshing' Pen Vogler, The SpectatorSin, cider and apple crumble… the 10,000-year story of the world’s most tempting fruit.The Apple: A Delicious History takes the reader on an extraordinary journey, from the apple’s prehistoric beginnings in the Tian Shan mountains of Kazakhstan to the explosion of commercial apple-growing in twenty-first-century China.Zigzagging across the centuries and straddling the globe, Sally Coulthard explores how the apple travelled along the Silk Road from Central Asia to Europe, appearing as an erotically charged symbol in Greek myth and poetry and even featuring in the shopping list of a senior Roman officer stationed on Hadrian’s Wall. She samples the cider that flowed from the emperor Charlemagne’s orchards in the early Middle Ages, and relishes the crispness of the yellow sweeting, the first new apple variety to be cultivated in seventeenth-century America. And she discovers why, despite the existence of more than 7500 varieties of apple – from the ubiquitous Granny Smith to the purple-skinned Black Diamond of Tibet – only a handful of cultivars are available in modern supermarkets.Amplified by mouth-wateringly appley recipes and the stories behind them, The Apple: A Delicious History embraces not only culinary, horticultural, social and commercial history but also age-old traditions in mythology, folklore and religion. It is the perfect gift book for gardeners and nature lovers – and for anyone who enjoys a drop of cider or a slice of apple pie.

'Crisp and refreshing' Pen Vogler, The SpectatorSin, cider and apple crumble… the 10,000-year story of the world’s most tempting fruit.The Apple: A Delicious History takes the reader on an extraordinary journey, from the apple’s prehistoric beginnings in the Tian Shan mountains of Kazakhstan to the explosion of commercial apple-growing in twenty-first-century China. Zigzagging across the centuries and straddling the globe, Sally Coulthard explores how the apple travelled along the Silk Road from Central Asia to Europe, appearing as an erotically charged symbol in Greek myth and poetry and even featuring in the shopping list of a senior Roman officer stationed on Hadrian’s Wall. She samples the cider that flowed from the emperor. Charlemagne’s orchards in the early Middle Ages, and relishes the crispness of the yellow sweeting, the first new apple variety to be cultivated in seventeenth-century America. And she discovers why, despite the existence of more than 7500 varieties of apple – from the ubiquitous Granny Smith to the purple-skinned Black Diamond of Tibet – only a handful of cultivars are available in modern supermarkets. Amplified by mouth-wateringly appley recipes and the stories behind them, The Apple: A Delicious History embraces not only culinary, horticultural, social and commercial history but also age-old traditions in mythology, folklore and religion. It is the perfect gift book for gardeners and nature lovers – and for anyone who enjoys a drop of cider or a slice of apple pie.

Frogs are remarkable creatures. They have mastered both land and water, and can breathe through their skins and their lungs. Some of them are so poisonous that just one tiny frog harbours enough toxins to kill ten people, while others hold the key to lifesaving medicines. Frogs have colonised some of the most challenging terrains on the planet, from the Arctic to the South African desert, adopting miraculous breeding strategies in the process.Sally Coulthard explores both familiar native British species of frogs and toads and exotic rarities – many of which are under threat – and offers plenty of helpful advice on how to make your garden more frog-friendly.Brimful of extraordinary facts – from frogspawn and froglets to eating habits and hibernation – The Book of the Frog is the ideal jumping-off point for anyone with a fascination for amphibians.

Sally Coulthard dives into a fascinating exploration of the cultural and natural history of the frog.Frogs are remarkable creatures. They have mastered both land and water, and can breathe through their skins and their lungs. Some of them are so poisonous that just one tiny frog harbours enough toxins to kill ten people, while others hold the key to lifesaving medicines. Frogs have colonised some of the most challenging terrains on the planet, from the Arctic to the South African desert, adopting miraculous breeding strategies in the process.Sally Coulthard explores both familiar native British species of frogs and toads and exotic rarities – many of which are under threat – and offers plenty of helpful advice on how to make your garden more frog-friendly.Brimful of extraordinary facts – from frogspawn and froglets to eating habits and hibernation – The Book of the Frog is the ideal jumping-off point for anyone with a fascination for amphibians.

Few of us know what goes on after dark, underneath the moon. Sally Coulthard shines a light on the barn owl, one of the most mesmerising and elusive icons of the countryside.'Fascinating insights... An endearing book for lovers of the barn owl' Daily Mail 'Enjoyable and lyrical... enhanced by Vanessa Lubach's arresting lino prints' Country Life 'Packs in everything the amateur nature enthusiast would want to know' Yorkshire Life 'This is a gorgeous little book' Permaculture MagazineWith its heart-shaped face and silent, graceful flight, the barn owl regularly tops the nation's list of favourite birds. But how much do we really know about this sublime tenant of the night?Here, bestselling author Sally Coulthard shines a light on the barn owl. Full of fascinating insights, conservation advice and the latest research, this affectionate and timely guide also tells the story of a barn owl's early life – from first pip of the shell to leaving the nest – a fascinating time in this captivating creature's journey.

An inspiring, aspirational and practical guide to building fires both indoors and out.'A cracking book' Sainsbury's Magazine 'Follow these tips and your inner caveman will be proud' Sunday Times 'A brilliantly informative guide with stylish illustrations' Yorkshire Post 'Celebrates the heart-warming properties of the hearth' Simple ThingsNothing beats the companionable crackle of an open fire. Fires invite us to sit and share stories or watch in contemplative silence. We feel drawn to the flickering flames, the gentle curls of aromatic smoke and reassuring radiant heat. Snuggled under a blanket, toasting crumpets and listening to the pleasing pops of burning wood – what better way to spend a winter's evening? Or, come the summer, few pleasures are richer than cooking food, perched around a campfire, waiting for the stars to come out.But for all this talk, how many of us know how to build a fire? Would we know which kinds of trees burn best? Could we make our own firelighters or build the perfect fire stack? The Little Book of Building Fires is a richly illustrated pocket guide to sourcing, seasoning and storing firewood, choosing kindling and tinder, and how to build and light the perfect fire. From campfires to woodburners, bonfires to open hearths, this book blends practicality with personal experience and will get you back in touch with your ancient firemaking instincts.

A charming celebration of all things snow.Is it true that no two snowflakes are ever alike? How many Christmases have actually been white? Do the Inuit have dozens of words for snow? Can it ever be too cold to snow?Our memories and imagination are buried in snow. It's the weather of play, joyful abandon and mischievous games – of snowball fights, skiing holidays and rattling down a hillside at full speed. It's the weather of childhood – the world transformed into a temporary playground. Even as adults, the urge to throw a snowball is too hard to resist, those impish, childish instincts overtaking our adult workaday selves.Packed with fascinating insights, outdoor fun, cultural lore and traditional wisdom, The Little Book of Snow delves into the history, science, literary and cultural heritage that surrounds snow, frost and ice – the perfect book for anyone who loves that feeling when you open the curtains in the morning and find the world has turned to white...'Super-cute... Packed full of snowy snippets' Sunday Express

Murderers’ potions, symbols of prosperity, aphrodisiacs, and fairy furniture—mushrooms have captivated human imagination in countless ways. Discover the enchanting world of mushrooms in Fungi Lore by Sally Coulthard, the author of Floriography and Bird Lore. This beautifully illustrated book delves into the magic, mythology, and mystery of fungi, revealing their profound influence on human history and culture. From the iconic Fly Agaric, with its fairy tale allure, to the grotesque Stinkhorn, emerging like a pungent spear, Sally Coulthard explores 50 of the world's most curious and mystical mushrooms. Learn about the Tippler’s Bane, a mushroom that turns an innocent drink into a lethal potion, and uncover how fungi have inspired medicine, magic, storytelling, and ancient customs.Fungi Lore is more than a guide to well-known mushrooms; it's a journey through the hidden magic of one of nature’s most mysterious organisms. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone captivated by the wonders of the natural world.

The Wildlife Year will help you reconnect with nature and take a walk on the wild side, wherever you live.Nature is right on your doorstep. Whether you’re in the countryside, city or somewhere in between, there is wildlife everywhere if you know where to look. And while it’s trickier to find in some places than others, nature can thrive in the most surprising spaces.The Wildlife Year is a gentle introduction to the events that mark the natural cycle of the year. Best-selling author, Sally Coulthard, will inspire you to discover nature in all its glory and to seek out, observe and enjoy the wildlife around you. Explore the unique properties of the seasons. Discover more about meteorological phenomena like weather events and cloud formations. And even learn how the moon and its cycle affects the natural world. This fascinating introduction will help you identify both our best-loved, and most misunderstood, plants, birds, mammals, amphibians, and insects, with helpful information on where and when to look for them.This book is a glorious celebration of the magic that can be found in each season. Beautifully illustrated, this irresistible guide will encourage you to get outdoors and make a wonderful gift for the nature-seeker in all of us.

From bestselling author, Sally Coulthard, comes this charmingly illustrated guide to our favourite feathered friends and folklore that surround their lives.Even today, birds are hugely symbolic. From songbirds to seagulls, nightingales to morning larks, we still use the cultural language of the avian world. Doves bring peace, storks carry newborn babies. Robins mark Christmas, hens Easter. Blackbirds and thrushes herald the dawn, owls welcome in the night. Even in our modern, rational world, magpies and peacocks still invite superstitions.In her new book, Sally takes a fascinating flight through the myths, magic and meaning of birds. Covering 50 well-loved avian species from across the world, she glides through their folklore, legends and symbolism. From common sayings to strange superstitions, ancient beliefs to modern celebrations, this gloriously illustrated and international guide reveals that Bird Lore is as alive and vibrant as it ever was.

From druids’ oaks to deadly yews, tempting apples to erotic peaches, humanity has long imbued trees with spiritual and superstitious meaning.Trees run deep in our folklore and mythology. Their leaves, branches, roots and fruits have all served as metaphors for human needs and desires – from strength and resilience to shelter and sustenance. Each species’ unique qualities have inspired fables, sayings and symbolism.In this new book, Sally Coulthard explores the enchanted world of tree folklore, where nature and legend intertwine. From lovers’ trysting trees and festive firs to boughs of peace and hangman’s favourites, she examines 50 of the world’s most iconic species and their myths and magical associations. Discover the chivalric allure of medieval holly, how willow became a symbol of mourning, and why blackthorn was feared as the witch’s tree. Learn why the Greeks revered the fig, the Vikings the mighty ash, and how the banyan came to embody protection and fertility.Beautifully illustrated, Tree Lore: The Myths, Folklore and Meaning of Trees is more than a guide to familiar species – it reveals the rich, often surprising ways we relate to the natural world. Blending storytelling with botanical and cultural history, it places trees firmly at the heart of the human story.

A COUNTRYFILE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR'I thought I knew quite a bit about earthworms – until I picked up this charming little book' Nick Baker'Many wonderful wormy tales unearthed by Coulthard' BBC Countryfile Magazine'A gem of a book' Country SmallholdingWithout these little engineers of the earth, the world's soils would be barren, and our gardens and fields wouldn't be able to grow the food we need to survive. Worms recycle decaying plants, putting nutrients back into the soil; they provide a food source for wildlife; and their constant burrowing helps heavy rain soak away. Sally Coulthard's fascianting guide offers a wealth of information and practical advice about the world's msot industrious but little understood creature.

When we describe a home as being 'full of character', we mean that it's individual or exceptional in some way. Character comes from a variety of sources, some from the property itself, and others from the people who live there, while the act of bringing character into a home is a layering process, one that starts with the bones of the building and finishes with the decor - the human element. In this new book, interiors expert Sally Coulthard explains just what it takes to turn an uninspiring space into a personality-packed home, whether it's a cottage, an apartment or a modern family house. Each chapter focuses on a particular element - for example, the importance of family and loved ones, and making an interior feel like a social space - and explains why this element matters and how to bring it into your home. Inspirational features, in the form of 'Keys to Character' boxes, offer tips on incorporating individuality into even the most unpromising of spaces, from making the most of period details and mixing old and new furnishings to introducing artwork and displaying photographs.