Patrick Barkham

Barkham delves into the fascinating natural and rich cultural history of the badger - from their prehistoric arrival in Britain, to their savage persecution over the centuries, to their change of fortunes in the 20th century, when Kenneth Grahame's Badger spurred a growing fondness for them.

The British Isles are an archipelago made up of two large islands and 6,289 smaller ones. In this evocative and vividly observed book, Patrick Barkham explores some of the most beautiful landscapes in the British Isles as he travels to ever-smaller islands in search of their special magic.

From climbing trees to making dens, many of the activities we associate with a happy childhood take place outdoors. And yet, the reality for many contemporary children is very different. Studies tell us that we are raising a generation who are so alienated from nature that they can't identify the commonest birds or plants, they don't know where their food comes from, they are shuttled between home and school and spend very little time in green spaces. In this book, writer Patrick Barkham draws on his own experience as a parent and a forest school volunteer to explore the relationship between children and nature.

The butterfly species of the British Isles can be surprisingly elusive. Some bask unseen at the top of trees in London parks; others lurk at the bottom of damp bogs in Scotland and several are virtually extinct. This book charts the author's quest to find all 59 species, from the Adonis Blue to the Dingy Skipper.