Written in Chris Packham's own inimitable style, this is a hugely entertaining and thought provoking look at wildlife in the garden. Much more
wildlife than
gardening, it nevertheless contains many practical ideas and useful information.
Packham, C. 2001. Chris Packham's Back Garden Nature Reserve. London, New Holland. ISBN 1 85974 520 2.
Hardback. 22x29cm. 144 pages.
The book is organised principally as a collection of features, none of which span more than two sides (always arranged side-by-side to avoid a page turn). Most of these features would stand in their own right as entertaining and informative essays on the subject of wildlife in the garden. This makes it an ideal book to dip into whenever you have five minutes spare - you can keep it by the bed or on the coffee table and read it over an extended period. What's more,
other people will enjoy browsing it too - don't hide this book away on the bookshelf
other people will enjoy browsing it too - don't hide this book away on the bookshelf.
One of the things I really like about this book is that as you read it, you can almost hear Chris Packham saying the words to you: certainly no ghost-writing here! Never shy to voice an opinion, some of his ideas are controversial; but hey, it wouldn't be wildlife gardening otherwise.
It's not really a book for the horticulturalist: its more about fauna than flora. Nevertheless, any gardener looking for inspiration on the quest to make their garden more wildlife friendly will be inundated with ideas from this book. I'm also convinced that this would be an ideal book for any youngster awakening to the wonders of the wildlife to be found on their doorstep - anyone from around 11 upwards really.
Endorsed, by way of a forward, by no-less an environmentalist than David Bellamy, as well as by the Wildlife Trusts, it could hardly come more highly recommended.
