Wild Camping


Book Description

From getting back to nature with a tent, some matches and a few litres of bottled water, to enjoying a pub dinner and camping out in the garden afterwards, this book shows how to get stuck into wild camping in all its forms. Beautiful wildernesses; tiny budgets; environmentally-friendly... What's not to like? There's an idea that wild camping is illegal in Britain, but it isn't – you just need to know the rules and where to go. This guide will open up this amazing experience for all, covering: - what is wild camping and why bother? - different types (bivvying, tenting, hammocking, on the water) - what the law says (Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Ireland, EU, waterways) - how many of the largest landowners in the UK are actively encouraging wild camping - getting started (vital equipment, where to go, when to go, safety) - drinking water and foraging for food The majority of the book features the best places to go in England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, along with stories, tips, helpful maps and inspiring photos. The new edition includes a Foreword by Ed Stafford, as well as a completely new chapter introducing the exciting new English Coastal Path, opening 2020 after years of campaigning. This fully updated guide will give readers the knowledge and the inspiration to escape the noise, clutter and stress of day to day life and go wild.




Birds of Oxfordshire


Book Description




An Environmental History of Wildlife in England 1650 - 1950


Book Description

Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2014 While few detailed surveys of fauna or flora exist in England from the period before the nineteenth century, it is possible to combine the evidence of historical sources (ranging from game books, diaries, churchwardens' accounts and even folk songs) and our wider knowledge of past land use and landscape, with contemporary analyses made by modern natural scientists, in order to model the situation at various times and places in the more remote past. This timely volume encompasses both rural and urban environments from 1650 to the mid-twentieth century, drawing on a wide variety of social, historical and ecological sources. It examines the impact of social and economic organisation on the English landscape, biodiversity, the agricultural revolution, landed estates, the coming of large-scale industry and the growth of towns and suburbs. It also develops an original perspective on the complexity and ambiguity of man/animal relationships in this post-medieval period.




Wildlife Review


Book Description




101 Wonders of the Waterways


Book Description

A charming and characterful guidebook to the best of Britain's diverse and fascinating canal network for all waterway enthusiasts. Beautifully illustrated, this compendium uncovers the many extraordinary, notable and surprising places to be found on Britain's waterways. Our canals and rivers link into a diverse 3,000-mile-long network, and 101 Wonders of the Waterways shows you that wherever you find yourself in the country, there will be something nearby to give you a taste of this beautiful and nostalgia-infused world. Canal cruising experts Steve Haywood and Moira Haynes bring our waterways to life with their witty and lyrical prose, including many lesser-known and often ignored places – the best-kept secrets of Britain's canals and rivers. Some examples of wonders include: · Historic Hungerford in Berkshire, where William of Orange was staying when he was offered the crown after the Glorious Revolution · The world famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, soaring spectacularly on slender tapered columns 126 feet over the River Dee below · Hest Bank, with its stunning views and the only place where a canal runs so close to the seashore that you can smell the seaweed from the back of your boat As well as lively personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary on Britain's heritage and history, this guide includes handy recommendations to help you make the most of your visit to each wonder. This is the book you will want to have in the back of your car, or stuffed into your backpack, so you can find an idyllic place for a picnic, or the perfect day trip for a long weekend.




Birds


Book Description




The Canals of Britain


Book Description

Canals of Britain is a comprehensive and absorbing survey of the entire canal network of the British Isles - the first of its kind. It provides a fascinating insight into the linked up waterways as well as the isolated cuts and quiet waters which may not be fully navigable by larger craft. Infinitely varied, it passes picturesque open countryside, wild moorland, coastal harbours, historic industrial buildings, modern city centres, canalside public houses and abundant wildlife. Stuart Fisher looks at every aspect of the canals - their construction, rich history, stunning scenery, heritage, incredible engineering, impressive architecture and even their associated folklore, wildlife and art. Enticing photographs give a flavour of each place and places of interest close to the canals are included. For those who are keen to explore that little bit further, taking smaller boats to points beyond which others usually turn back, there is information on little-known parts of the system, offering a new insight into this country's unique, surprising and beautiful canal network. Attractive, inspiring and foremost a practical guide, this has proved very popular with canal enthusiasts and boaters wanting to get the most out of Britain's canals. This third edition has been revised to reflect the ever-changing landscape of Britain's canals, and includes many new colour photographs to help bring it to life.




BBC Wildlife


Book Description




Paddling Britain


Book Description

This new, thoroughly updated second edition of Bradt’s Paddling Britain remains the definitive guide to stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing – increasingly popular waterborne activities that explore British coastlines and inland waterways. Written by Lizzie Carr (aka Lizzie Outside, Britain’s best known paddleboarder), it showcases Britain’s 50 best places to enjoy recreational paddling from Cornwall to Norfolk, Cumbria and the Cairngorms. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), in particular, is sweeping across Britain, giving people the opportunity to explore waterways ranging from city rivers to remote and untouched areas that would otherwise be left inaccessible. Whether you’re looking for a nice day out, a weekend adventure or a more daring paddleboarding challenge, Bradt’s Paddling Britain will inspire and inform. The waters of England, Wales and Scotland are all featured, from rivers and canals to coastal strips and island circuits. Described in loving detail and with gentle humour, each location contains practical information about how to find these distinctive spots and what to expect on your journey. With Bradt’s Paddling Britain, you can paddle between two of the Scilly Isles in under 10 minutes, or kayak across the UK’s highest and longest aqueduct. Alternatively, you can paddle along Pembrokeshire’s idyllic coast, visit the Lake District’s sole inhabited island, which opens just five days a year, or paddle in self-indulgent tranquillity through the hustle and bustle of London. Alongside detailed routes for each location, plus tips on wildlife and secret spots, Paddling Britain advises on where to stay and eat, getting there, and when to go. It also provides the low-down on everything you need to know for successful and enjoyable stand-up paddleboarding, from safety tips to kit, weather watching to paddling responsibly. The author, Lizzie Carr, says: ‘this book responds to the countless questions I receive from paddleboarders looking to explore new places and get new experiences from their SUP. Whether people want to take their families for a weekend adventure or enjoy a camping getaway with friends, Paddling Britain aims to answer these questions and inspire people to get outside and explore the UK water scene both coastal and inland.’