
A bestselling British birder, naturalist, writer and broadcaster leads us on a springtime journey of discovery through daily walks in the area surrounding his home, highlighting the joys of connecting with wildlife and our environment.
As spring arrives, Stephen Moss's Somerset garden is awash with birdsong: chiffchaffs, wrens, robins and more. Overhead, buzzards soar, ravens tumble and the season gathers pace. But this equinox is unlike any other. As the nation goes into lockdown, Stephen records the wildlife around his home, with his fox-red Labrador, Rosie, by his side. When old routines fall away, and blue skies are no longer crisscrossed by contrails, they discover the bumblebees, butterflies and birdsong on their local patch.
This evocative account underlines how a global crisis changed the way we relate to the natural world, giving us hope for the future. And it puts down a marker for a new normal: when, during that brief but unforgettable spring, nature gave us comfort, hope and joy.
"A beautiful memoir of life and wildlife from one of the UK's finest nature writers." Chris Packham, BBC presenter and naturalist
"Excellent ... Exalting skylark song and orange-tip butterflies at a time of so much human suffering is a delicate balancing act ... It is a delight to share the company of such an upbeat wildlife guide." BBC Countryfile
"Touching and reminiscent ... delightful ... a must-read for all." BBC Wildlife
"The uncoiling of a marvellous spring ... a well-written and enjoyable book." Mark Avery
"A great read." Birdwatching magazine