Wildlife in Your Garden

Written by naturalist and presenter Mike Dilger, this is a wonderful guide to the range of wildlife to be found in gardens or indeed school grounds, parks and woodland. Featuring mammals, amphibians, insects and birds the book explores various habitats – lawns, vegetable patches, trees, hedgerows, and even compost heaps and the fascinating spectrum of wild life to be found within.

Although packed with interesting information, this is a very accessible book with a clear and attractive layout, written in a lively style. Beautifully illustrated, the close up photography is truly stunning and illustrator Sarah Horne’s art work is very appealing. There is a helpful introduction to each section and ‘handwritten’ annotations and comments.  Fact files with key features help young wildlife spotters distinguish a rabbit from a hare or between the different members of the thrush family. Interesting historical detail is included, for example how a jackdaw gets its name or when rabbits were first brought to Britain. You can find out how a thrush cracks a snail shell open or what the nation’s favourite animal is (a hedgehog in case you are wondering!).  There are life cycles of butterflies and frogs and what to look for at different times of the year. Practical tips on ways to encourage wildlife into your garden are an additional feature, for example by leaving some of a lawn wild. Key vocabulary such as ‘predator’ and ‘camouflage’ is highlighted and defined in a wildlife words glossary at the back of the book.

Perhaps a future edition might also include parakeets, increasingly prevalent in suburban areas.

Likely to inspire budding wild life experts and conservationists, this would be a great addition to any home or school library.