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Rhythms of Nature

Wildlife and Wild Places Between the Moors

Ian Carter author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Pelagic Publishing

Published:28th Jun '22

Should be back in stock very soon

Rhythms of Nature cover

In Rhythms of Nature, Ian Carter shares his journey of reconnecting with the natural world through exploration and rewilding, encouraging readers to appreciate their surroundings.

After a fulfilling career in conservation, Ian Carter relocates to a tranquil farmhouse nestled in the low hills of mid-Devon, situated between Exmoor and Dartmoor. In this serene setting, he embarks on a journey to connect more deeply with the local countryside. His explorations range from following streams to embarking on night-time rambles, as well as engaging in the practice of rewilding his garden. Each experience allows him to immerse himself in the beauty and complexity of nature.

Rhythms of Nature emphasizes the importance of spending time outdoors, highlighting how such experiences can uplift the spirit and ignite creativity. Research supports the idea that regular interaction with nature significantly enhances both physical and mental well-being. Through his thoughtful reflections, Carter encourages readers to embrace these natural rhythms and consider how they can rediscover their connection to the environment.

In this engaging and insightful book, Carter builds on the themes from his previous work, Human, Nature. He offers practical suggestions for cultivating a sense of wonder in our everyday surroundings. By celebrating the often-overlooked and untidy places in nature, Rhythms of Nature appeals to anyone eager to forge a deeper bond with wildlife and explore the wilder aspects of our landscapes.

A tramp through the west country and a diary of a cottage garden, thoughts on rewilding and the value of hens. Does that sound disparate… its not. This book is semi-autobiographical if you see the reflection in nature described, it sets out hopes, pitfalls and down to earth experiences.

It's entertaining and, almost by osmosis informative.

Thoroughly well written it is most accessible and flows so well a promised few pages ends up a chapter or two, while you follow the seasons.

Great stuff!

-- The Fatbirder

What makes this book, and Ian’s writing in general, is not that Ian sees things that the rest of us couldn’t see but that he thinks more about what he sees than many do, and then writes softly and engagingly about his thoughts.  I find myself mentally commenting ‘Good point, well made’ as I move through the book but even if I very occasionally differ, slightly, from the author I don’t mind because he puts his thoughts over so well.

-- Mark Avery

It is difficult to do justice to the range of matters that are covered in this book, but I found it a hugely enriching read. It benefits, I think, from being a collection of essays, each one of which melds personal experience, lightly worn expertise and consideration of things we are all, or should be, concerned about, with information and details that encourage curiosity and wonder too. Each chapter is eye-opening and provides pause for thought. It also goes against the grain of a lot of contemporary nature writing by being intentionally funny- ‘ forest bathing’ being described as a ‘ fancy term for a stroll in the woods’!

-- Ian Tattum * Pilgrim House *

Carter has a flair for setting the scene, drawing the tableaux and then moving the reader through the landscape. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it to all.

-- Paul Meadows, British Naturalists Association

This is another good book from Carter and complements his previous book, Human, Nature, really well.

-- Paul Cheney

This is a delightful collection of essays beginning indoors and drawing the reader out into the garden and the surrounding countryside. If you are looking for inspiration and fresh ideas for venturing out into your local area, read this book.

-- Simon Bates, British Ecological Society

...strongly recommended.

-- Gordon Hamlett, Birdwatchers, Best Bird Books of the Year

[The author's] continuing curiosity about how the world works, and firm belief that we are just one part of it and not entirely 'separate' from other life on Earth, give the book a particular relevance and will provoke a sympathetic response from readers who also enjoy and benefit from contact with the natural world.

-- Rob Hume, birdguides

ISBN: 9781784273569

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 314g

216 pages