BOOK OF THE YEAR FINGERS IN THE SPARKLE JAR

Nominated by BBC Countryfile Magazine editor Fergus Collins THE OUTRUN

Amy Liptrot finds salvation from alcoholism in her Orkney homeland. “Liptrot writes beautifully about her appreciation of and affinity with the wild islands of her origins.”

BEING A BEAST

Charles Foster recounts his experiences of living like a badger, otter and urban fox. “Fascinating, complex, highly entertaining reading.”

THE RUNNING HARE: THE SECRET LIFE OF FARMLAND

John Lewis-Stempel contemplates a wheat field. “A pleasurable read.” Chris Packham’s memoir of his boyhood. “Extraordinarily vivid and utterly unique.”

ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST COUNTRY

Comedian Tony Hawks moves to Devon. “A warm, amusing and bonkers read.”