Micro lands

Ian Crofton’s latest book explores the variety, scale and magnificence of the pieces of land hugging and separating from England’s edges. Journeying from Lindisfarne to the Isles of Scilly via Canvey, Wallasea, the Isle of Wight and more, Ian’s

evocative prose seems all the more vital in light of a near-death experience in 2015 when, a year into

his island research, he suffered a major brain injury while rock climbing. A long road to recovery gradually saw a return to climbing on Lundy, and the completion of a fascinating study about what it means to exist on the fringes. Fringed with Mud and Pearls: An Island Odyssey by Ian Crofton (£20, hardback, Birlinn).