Books

Simon King

Simon King’s Nature Watch under review, plus save in the Bird Watching bookshop

Quadrille, HB, £20, BW Bookshop £15.99 (quote BW122)

Simon King has the knack, on the TV wildlife documentaries that have made his name, of making it look easy to get close to nature, but this book sees him give away his one and only, but very significant, trade secret – the use of sensible, often painstaking fieldcraft. With clear, concise prose, well illustrated by photos, he teaches you how to track and watch some of the most memorable wildlife of the UK and Europe, by recognising droppings, footprints and other signs, and by knowing exactly where and when to look, and what for. You should end up seeing a lot more wildlife, wherever your home patch is, as there’s a welcome emphasis on looking for some of the species that otherwise get passed by.