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Describedby some as 'the Pine Marten Bible', the first edition of this acclaimed bookhas been extensively revised with the latest findings and developments in therecovery of the species in Britain and Ireland. Johnny Birks deliverscomprehensive, up-to-date information on pine martens in an entertaininglylight-hearted style. Via a quirky blend of humour and science we are ledthrough the species' 'Horrendous History' in Britain and Ireland towards acautiously optimistic concluding chapter on 'Pine martens, forestry and climatebreakdown'. We learn about the pine marten's ten close relatives within the'Martes Complex' (including the troublesome stone marten that destroys carcomponents in Continental Europe); we delve into the species' ecology andbehaviour - with details presented clearly in boxed sections, charts and tables- and gain insights into its interactions with humans and other animals,including its emerging role in grey squirrel control. Drawing upon threedecades of involvement with this charming mammal in Britain and Ireland, aswell as his many international contacts, Johnny Birks provides personalinsights into the challenges of studying and conserving pine martens acrosstheir Eurasian range: from designing den boxes to satisfy the exactingrequirements of breeding females, through the technicolour world of scatsurveys and the secrets they reveal, to the hope provided by pine martenrecovery supported by translocations and reintroductions. The book is enrichedby Antony Griffiths' drawings and cheeky cartoons and by Terry Whittaker'sremarkable photographs.

From timid shrews to commonly seen rabbits, red deer to minke whales, and including the many species of bats, there are over 60 resident wild mammals in the UK or around its coasts. The aim of this book is to provide a brief account of these and also of some that are no longer here. They represent a diverse and sometimes surprising group.The essential illustrated guide for children and adults alike.

This amazingly informative book has now been redesigned and republished as the first volume in The British Natural History Collection. Sadly Chris Mead died in 2003 so the original text has been brought right up to date by his former colleague and friend Mike Toms.Now includes colour photographs. A feature of the book is the beautiful and accurate line drawings and cartoons by renowned wildlife artist Guy Troughton. This special edition also features an eight-page gallery of stunning colour images by bird photographer Mark Hancox including his photograph of a Short-eared Owl, winner of the Bird-Guides Photo of the Year 2010 competition.Owls reveals all sorts of curious and unexpected facts about the owls found in Britain, and also some oddities about those species found elsewhere. The book gives readers helpful advice on how to observe and count their local owls and how to assist in protecting them. It even has a section on the design and construction of nest-boxes and where best to position them.

Paul Chanin has substantially updated his original book on otters for this new volume. He reports on the results of recent research studies and comments on what is now known about the causes of the decline and the eventual recovery of this charming - and still very elusive - mammal.A feature of the book is the beautiful and accurate line drawings and cartoons by renowned wildlife artist Guy Troughton. This special edition also features an eight-page gallery of stunning colour photographs.

This entirely new book takes us deep into the world of moles. In the lonely darkness of their tunnels hunger forces moles on a cycle of digging, patrolling and eating, broken in spring as males drive themselves to exhaustion on mating forays, and females raise babies in warm nests. When their time comes young moles make dangerous journeys above ground-just the start of the perils that lie ahead. Sadly, we humans add to their woes, holding moles' representatives in literature in far more affection than we do the real animal.The book is beautifully illustrated throughout by Belinda Atkinson.

The briefest glimpse of this beautiful bird swooping across a field reassures us that all is well in our beloved countryside-but is that really the case?With its universal appeal, it is no surprise that the barn owl is one of the most studied birds in the world. In this book Jeff Martin has compiled both his own research findings and those of the world's leading experts to give a detailed insight into the barn owl's fascinating lifestyle and behaviours.The barn owl Tyto alba belongs to the worldwide genus of Tyto, which presently comprises some 12 species of barn owl and 13 other closely related species. How this family of birds has managed to spread itself around the world has been a puzzle to ornithologists for many years, and Jeff is the first one to address this question formally by presenting some thought-provoking theories. He also discusses the origins of the name and the history that has brought the barn owl to the forefront of wildlife conservation.The more we learn about barn owls the more we need to look at their environment. How fragile is their future? How dependent is their existence on our conservation efforts? Jeff explores the issues and discusses possible longer-term strategies to ensure that barn owls will continue to thrive in Britain. If we get things right for the barn owl, our countryside will benefit too.

This is an entirely new revision, expanded and updated by Dr Morris to take account of recent research and controversial issues (including evidence that probably the greatest threat to hedgehogs comes from the rapidly expanding badger numbers - supported by research results published as recently as April).The book is illustrated throughout with cartoon and fine line drawings by renowned wildlife artist Guy Troughton. This special edition also features a gallery of the author's photographs. Pat Morris is this country's leading hedgehog expert. Having studied them for over forty years, he has probably published more scientific papers on the European hedgehog than anyone. He is President of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, which recently celebrated its 30th year, and is an establishedwriter and broadcaster, often appearing on television and radio wildlife programmes.

The book gives all the facts and advice anyone could possibly need if they own a donkey or are thinking of getting one (and they will certainly want to after reading this book).It begins with how to choose a donkey - temperament being the most important factor - up to the points that a show judge would look for. It explains how to make the donkey comfortable, describing the accommodation, shelter and the space they donkey will need, and how to feed, groom and take care of him. Then it covers how to train the donkey to be ridden or driven, how to show him in the increasingly popular donkey shows, and how to keep him fit and healthy. Breeding is covered too, starting with making the decision in the first place. Everything owners need to know about - brood mares, stallions, studs, careof the mare and her foal, and the weaning process - is all here.

The text is complimented by new fine digital drawings and cartoons by Guy Troughton. This edition also features a gallery of extraordinary images by renowned wildlife photographer Frank Greenaway.

With the benefit of illustrations, the book reveals the foxy meaning behind what you observe. Why do cubs nose the corners of the adults' mouths? What does it mean when the ears are out like wingnuts at the side of the head? Why are the foxes clicking at each other?For this new edition the author has updated his information on how to find, attract and watch foxes, as well as how to photograph them and how, using wildlife cameras, you can gain an insight into what is happening with the foxes when you are not able to observe them. The author also explains how to analyse droppings in order to record the annual diet of your foxes, how to age a fox casualty and how to make casts of their footprints.

In this groundbreaking book, Dr Owen Johnson of the Tree Register of the British Isles (TROBI) reveals how generations of adventurous gardeners have transformed Britain and Ireland into one gigantic arboretum: a collection of specimen trees gathered from all around the world.The book reveals the use of native trees and their colourful sports in garden design, the story of gardening with exotic trees as it has unfolded over the last five centuries, and the ongoing role of botanic gardens in the conservation of tree species endangered in the wild.Arboretum is both a celebration of Britain and Ireland's extraordinary tree heritage and a passionate plea for this unique legacy to be appreciated and safeguarded in the way it deserves.This very attractive book, packed full of photographs, makes the perfect gift for all lovers of our countryside.

The polecat's recovery in Britain is one of the least celebrated wildlife success stories of recent times, probably because it has done it discreetly and all by itself with no active human involvement. Our spirits have been lifted by the carefully managed reintroduction of red kites, the nocturnal polecat has slipped back under the radar.