DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

The Observant Walker

Wild Food, Nature and Hidden Treasures on the Pathways of Britain

John Wright author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Profile Books Ltd

Published:11th May '23

Currently unavailable, our supplier has not provided us a restock date

This hardback is available in another edition too:

The Observant Walker cover

A personal guide to the food, nature and history to be found all around us when we walk

'Blissfully funny, staggeringly informative, a joyful companion' Caroline Quentin 'Tells the endlessly fascinating tale of Britain's natural history in a way that makes every delicate detail sparkle with life' Charlie Corbett, author of 12 Birds to Save Your Life When we go for a walk, whether in the countryside or city, we pass through landscapes full of natural beauty and curiosities both visible and invisible - but though we might admire the view, or wonder idly about the name of a flower, we rarely have the knowledge to fully engage with what we see. When we do, our sense of place is expanded, our understanding deepened and we can discover richness in even the most everyday stroll. John Wright has been leading forays around Britain for decades. As an expert forager, he shows people how to identify the edible species that abound - but he also reveals the natural history, stories and science behind our surroundings. Here, he takes us with him on eight walks: from verdant forests to wild coastlines, via city pavements, fields and rolling hills, he illuminates what can be found on a walk across any British terrain, and how you might observe and truly understand them, for yourself. Warm, wise and endlessly informative, with helpful illustrations and suggested routes, this book will help you to see the world around you with new eyes: no walk will be the same again.

John's passion for the natural world is infectious. His knowledge and understanding of the flora and fauna that surrounds us all makes this book an essential read for ramblers. When you see things others miss, every walk is fascinating. -- Jo Brown, author * Secrets of a Devon Wood *
Blissfully funny, staggeringly informative, a joyful companion for those of us who are learning to value the natural world. Urban, coastal or rural nature lovers ... It's all here. -- Caroline Quentin
Simply revelatory * Saga *
Witty, informative, and beautifully illustrated * Reader’s Digest *
Praise for The Forager's Calendar: 'He writes so engagingly ... [This book] is a treasure. It is beautifully produced, designed and illustrated. -- John Carey * The Sunday Times *
John Wright writes as though he's talking directly to you, a good friend in the same room. His harvest of fascinating information is worn lightly, with funny, whimsical observations * BBC Countryfile *
A hugely useful, well-illustrated and often funny book * The Times *

ISBN: 9781788166874

Dimensions: 218mm x 138mm x 38mm

Weight: 504g

336 pages

Main