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Human, Nature

A Naturalist’s Thoughts on Wildlife and Wild Places

Ian Carter author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Pelagic Publishing

Published:8th Jun '21

Should be back in stock very soon

Human, Nature cover

Exploring our connection to wildlife, Human, Nature examines how our interactions shape lives and emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the natural world.

What does it truly mean to be a part of nature instead of apart from it? Human, Nature delves into our interactions with wildlife, highlighting how these connections can enrich our lives and contribute to a deeper sense of fulfillment. The book also addresses the inevitable conflicts and contradictions that arise in a world increasingly dominated by human activity, prompting readers to reflect on their place within the natural order.

Interest in wildlife and its profound impact on human well-being has surged, especially in light of the biodiversity crisis and the reassessment of our priorities following a global pandemic. Ian Carter, a lifelong naturalist and former bird specialist at Natural England, explores the intricacies of the human-nature relationship. Through a direct and accessible style, he tackles essential practical, ethical, and philosophical dilemmas we face as we strive to reconnect with the natural world.

The narrative of Human, Nature is both wide-ranging and deeply personal, confronting controversial topics such as invasive species, reintroductions, culling, and pet ownership. Carter emphasizes that addressing our connection to nature is not merely a luxury but a pressing necessity. With short, engaging chapters, the book is perfect for casual reading, yet it builds into a cohesive exploration of wildlife, the conflicts we encounter, and the joy found in the wildest corners of our landscapes, revealing the endless discoveries waiting to be made.

A delightful read... Not only are the interactions with nature well told and engaging, the deeper thoughts they trigger have been honed by a lifetime’s experience.

-- Dr. Mark Avery

lan is probably better known for his books on Red Kites, but here he tells the tale of his
25 years working for the government agencies for nature [and] living in a house next to a dyke on the fens... The book really comes alive at the end, with lan's move to Devon and his trips to Western Scotland, and I eagerly await his new book on Hen Harriers with Dan Powell.

* Bird Watching's August Book of the Month *

Touches upon some of the most important issues facing us all that need resolving before we assign nature to history and ourselves to oblivion! I bet once you pick this book up you will be tempted to put things on hold while you read the lot in one sitting!

-- Bo Beolens * Fatbirder *

If you want a slightly different perspective on our complex and complicated relationship with the natural world then this is as good a place to start as any.

-- Paul Cheney * Halfman, Halfbook *

… an eminently readable, thoughtful, honest and fascinating contribution to modern birding literature, which I can thoroughly and unreservedly recommend.

-- Mike Everett * British Birds *

A thoughtful and timely look at contemporary relationships between people and nature.

-- James Robertson * British Wildlife *

It’s the perfect book for dipping into and also for sitting engrossed for a couple of hours.

-- Alan Williams * https://tontowilliams.com/ *

A thought-provoking book…full of short discussions emanating from Ian’s vast knowledge of birds gained through his many years as an ornithologist.

-- Alan Stewart * Wildlife Detective blog *

This is an interesting and balanced take on the current state of play in the UK, wildlife-wise, from an author who knows it as well as anyone else...a particularly engaging and fascinating read.

-- Josh Jones * Bird Guid

ISBN: 9781784272579

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 340g

224 pages