Traveller’s Nature Guides is a new series from Oxford University Press “intended to act as a guide and stimulus to holidaymakers, be they specialist naturalist or interested amateur” (Foreword, p. v). The series is launched with books for three countries, Britain (the volume here under review), France and Greece. A fourth volume on Spain was due May 2003 with Portugal listed as forthcoming. Martin Walters, freelance writer and naturalist with a string of books and articles for numerous publishers, is series editor. Volumes are A5 sized paperback, follow a consistent format and sell for £14.99 each.
The Britain volume begins with a 22‐page overview section. This is mainly devoted to describing the major habitat types found in the UK, but also includes other useful information such as access and route finding and the nature conservation movement. Then follows the main text describing 160 sites of “particular natural history importance” (p. v) arranged in seven sections, Scotland, Northern England, Wales, South‐west England, Central England, Eastern England and Southern England (Northern Ireland is not covered). In the main, descriptions are for geographical areas (e.g. North York Moors National Park, Isle of Purbeck, Norfolk Broads, Chilterns, Ashdown Forest) rather than specific sites, but individual treatment of major nature reserves (e.g. Leighton Moss, Wicken Fen, Kingley Vale) is provided. Each area or site is described in a simple but well‐written narrative that notes habitat types and significant wildlife. Although the selection is very much a personal one of the authors, most major British wildlife areas and nature reserves are included. From my home county of Surrey, for example, there are brief descriptions of Box Hill, Ranmore Common, Leith Hill and Hackhurst and White Downs, among others.
Supporting the text and a distinctive feature of the book are a wealth of colour illustrations. Most of these are photographs, mainly by Gibbons, but there are also some very well done drawings of plants and animals. Simple maps are provided, both to locate sites and areas within the seven main sections and, in some cases, pinpoint sites within regions or show features of particular reserves. These are useful, but it is a pity one or two have gone slightly awry. Why, for example, are the maps for the areas Isle of Purbeck and Poole and Christchurch Harbours identical down to pinpointing the same seven sites, but the latter not extending to Christchurch Harbour? Following the text is a brief listing of organizations concerned with conservation and the environment, a glossary, 18 items of further reading, a good geographical index and a map symbol key. The contents page also states that an index to scientific and English names used in the series can be found at: www.oup.com.uk/travellersnatureguides
Although clearly intended as a travel guide, there can be no doubt that this book and the entire series will have considerable potential in a reference setting. Providing information on most of the major nature conservation sites of the UK in an accessible and attractive format, this volume will be a useful addition to a variety of libraries, especially those serving the general public. The very modest price means copies can be acquired for the loan as well as the reference section and for branches. Academic and special collections with an interest in the natural world or the geography and ecology of the UK may also want to purchase.
