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Bee Quest

A journey to discover the world's rarest bees

Dave Goulson author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Vintage Publishing

Published:5th Apr '18

Should be back in stock very soon

Bee Quest cover

Dave Goulson's Bee Quest takes readers on a captivating journey to discover rare bees, blending humor and deep love for nature.

In Bee Quest, author Dave Goulson embarks on an adventurous journey to uncover the world's rarest bees, taking readers from Poland to Patagonia and beyond. His quest leads him to unexpected places, including hidden gems right in our own backyards, such as abandoned industrial sites where great crested newts thrive. Goulson's exploration reveals the intricate connections between these elusive creatures and their habitats, shedding light on the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts.

As he navigates through diverse landscapes, Goulson shares his experiences with humor and warmth, making the narrative both educational and entertaining. From tracking great yellow bumblebees in the Hebrides to searching for orchid bees in the lush Ecuadorian jungle, his passion for nature shines through every page. The author’s engaging storytelling invites readers to join him on this enlightening adventure, where they will discover the beauty and fragility of the ecosystems that support these rare species.

Bee Quest is not just about the bees; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the natural world and a call to action for preservation. Goulson's reflections on the interconnectedness of life and the impact of human activity on these delicate environments resonate deeply, making this book a compelling read for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation. Through his journey, readers will gain a greater appreciation for the wonders of nature and the vital role that bees play in our ecosystem.

You’ll learn all sorts of interesting things without effort because he’s a natural storyteller with a particular gift of understatement that is often laugh-out-loud funny – which you don’t expect from a bee book… It’s warmly personal, and stuffed full of the inescapable poetry and beauty of the natural world… Going on Bee Quest with him puts the natural world within our reach – to enjoy but also to protect… This is a truly positive and empowering read – you closed it better informed, filled with poetry, pies and ready to get out there and make a difference. -- Laline Paull * Observer *
This is a quest that takes us from Patagonia to Poland, from Ecuador to Essex, fueled by Dave Goulson’s extraordinary passion for the bumblebee… Goulson’s search for some of the world’s rarest bees has led him on a geographical and intellectual exploration that combines bizarre facts about bumblebees…with passionate ideas about conservation. -- Martha Kearney * The Times *
Dave Goulson… has perfected the art of turning the entomologist’s technical expertise into easy-reading everyman’s prose. He also laces his stories with rich helpings of wit and humour. -- Mark Cocker * Spectator *
In this delightful book [Goulson] tells us of the discoveries he has made during his ‘bee travels’… a humorous, beautifully written tribute to these insects, and hope-filled examples of nature’s resilience. * Outdoor Photography *
Entomologist Dave Goulson journeyed as far as Patagonia to track down populations of the world’s rarest bumblebees. The result is this fun serial travelogue and ode to diverse countryside… In a world skewed towards saving photogenic mammals, Goulson extols the intrinsic importance of insects, rather than their economic value. -- Barbara Kiser * Nature *

ISBN: 9781784704803

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 17mm

Weight: 193g

272 pages