John Wright.
A Natural History of the Hedgerow: and ditches, dykes and dry stone walls.
Profile Books. 2016
It is difficult to think of a more quintessential symbol
of the British countryside than the hedgerow,
bursting with blackberries, hazelnuts and sloes,
home to oak and ash, field mice and butterflies.
But as much as we dream about foraging for mushrooms
or collecting wayside nettles for soup,
most of us are unaware of quite how profoundly
hedgerows have shaped the history of our landscape and our fellow species.
One of Britain’s best known naturalists, John Wright introduces us to the natural and cultural history of hedges (as well as ditches, dykes and dry stone walls), from the arrival of the first settlers in the British Isles to the modern day, when we have finally begun to recognise the importance of these unique ecosystems. His intimate knowledge of the countryside and its inhabitants brings this guide to life, whether discussing the skills and craft of hedge maintenance or the rich variety of animals, plants, algae and fungi that call them home.
Richly illustrated in colour throughout, A Natural History of the Hedgerow is a book to savour in every season.