We review a selection of inspiring and informative books about rewilding, biodiversity, and connecting with nature

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From a celebration of the glorious diversity of beetles to returning beavers to Scotland's waters, these books inspire and inform – while encouraging us to deepen our appreciation for the natural world.

Maxwell Barclay and Patrice Bouchard Beetles of the World

This attractive book transports the reader into the fascinating world of beetles. Beetles (coleoptera) make up around a quarter of all known animal species – and with almost 400,000 known species (and likely many more yet to be discovered), the diversity of the beetle world is staggering. Barclay and Bouchard are two of the world's foremost beetle experts, and they explore all the major families and subfamilies of coleoptera – from familiar species such as ladybirds, to tropical insects like the huge Hercules beetle, one of the world's largest, which can reach 19cm in length (if you include its impressive horns). The lively, well-written descriptions and beautiful illustrations provide insight into beetle anatomy, life cycles, and feeding habits – and includes valuable information about how humans can help protect these wonderful invertebrates.

Marc Hamer Spring Rain

An inspiring and thought-provoking story about the healing power of nature. As a child, the author spent every spare minute in his back garden, seeking refuge from a difficult family. Here he fostered a love for plants and animals – and learnt about them by reading through an ancient and forgotten set of encyclopaedias, found in a dilapidated garden shed. As old age approaches, he finds solace once again in nature, transforming a neglected back garden into a haven for wildlife. Past and present experiences and observations are skilfully woven together, along with information about the natural world. Marc Hamer's evocative descriptions involve all the senses, and invoke a sense of wonder – and on every page his love for nature shines through. A delightful read.

Christopher Hart Hedgelands

A mature hedgerow, blooming with blossoms in spring, and laden with nuts and berries in autumn, is one of the delights of the British countryside. Hedgelands celebrates this remarkable habitat, looking into the history and ecology of hedges, and exploring how a well-cared for hedgerow can boost biodiversity and bio-abundance. Home to insects, birds, and mammals, a mature hedgerow supports thousands of species, provides us humans with wild food, and captures carbon to help tackle the climate crisis. There are around half a million kilometres of hedgerow in the UK – but with many of these neglected and in a bad state, now is the time for action to protect this important part of our natural and cultural heritage. This enjoyable book inspires us to do just that.

Derek Gow Hunt for the Shadow Wolf

Longlisted for the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing in 2024, this book explores the folklore and mythology surrounding the wolf – and asks whether these magnificent creatures could ever return to Britain. Much maligned and feared throughout history, wolves were persecuted for centuries, and eventually hunted to extinction in the UK in the 18th century. But wolves are a keystone species – a vital predator that, through its impact on herbivore behaviour, can help shape the landscape, in turn boosting biodiversity. Although wolves won't be reintroduced to the UK anytime soon, because first we need to learn how to co-exist with them again, the species is spreading west across Europe, and there are now populations in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and France. Drawing on meticulous research, Derek Gow's fascinating information and witty anecdotes may help reset public opinion about wolves – and perhaps one day we can stop seeing the wolf as a fearful fairy-tale villain, and learn to live alongside it with respect.

Eoghan Daltun An Irish Atlantic Rainforest

A hugely inspiring read. In 2009, Eoghan Daltun moved with his family from Dublin to West Cork to live on a 73-acre farm. On his land on Ireland's Beara peninsula, he discovered a flourishing fragment of temperate rainforest. This book describes how he has painstakingly protected and expanded this little patch of wonderful native woodland, allowing natural ecosystems to return and thrive – and eventually take care of themselves. The author's fascinating and passionate account of this remarkable journey is coupled with a powerful message – we must give nature a chance, and the way to do this is to stop controlling and manipulating environments, and stand back to let nature find its own path. Ireland's natural environment is in a very poor state – and in a country that has lost almost all its native forests, Eoghan Daltun's book is a much-needed reminder of what needs to be done to secure a better future for people and nature.

Tom Bowser Waters of Life     

In November 2021, in an historic moment for Scotland's wildlife, a family of beavers that was set to be culled was instead relocated to Tom Bowser's family farm, Argaty, in Perthshire. Tom's fascinating personal account of the challenges and joy of this journey – from overcoming intense bureaucracy to the euphoric moment when the beavers were finally released into their new home – demonstrates his courage and tenacity in a world where doing the right thing is rarely the easiest option. Often described as ecosystem engineers, beavers bring a raft of major benefits to the environment – creating habitats, boosting biodiversity, and helping to mitigate flood risks. Yet these remarkable animals were hunted to extinction by the 16th century in the UK – and reintroducing them has been a long and arduous battle for conservationists, rewilding organisations, and individuals like Tom. Inspiring, beautifully written and full of hope.

Alys Fowler Peatlands

Peatlands are precious wild places that have suffered centuries of misunderstanding, damage and exploitation – being dug up, burnt and polluted. Alice Fowler's beautifully written book brings us a greater understanding and appreciation of these ancient and amazing landscapes, exploring the history, archaeology and ecology of the bog. Beginning with her local bog in the heart of Wales, Fowler takes us on a journey to explore peatlands across the UK and Ireland, revealing a wealth of biodiversity and fascinating folklore. Includes inspiring stories about work to restore and protect these magical places – all told with knowledge and passion.

Amy Liptrot The Outrun

A moving testament to the healing power of nature, Amy Liptrot lays bare her battle with alcohol addiction – and tells how the wild landscapes of Orkney helped her recover. After reaching rock bottom in London, Lipton returns home to the family farm where she grew up. Here she has to find a new way to live – wild swimming in a cold sea, walking in all weathers, surveying endangered birds, and scanning the night sky for the Merry Dancers (Northen Lights). Her superb descriptions of the seascapes, archaeology, folklore and wildlife of the islands form a backdrop to her recovery. Liptrot's story is raw and painful, but also inspiring and full of joy.

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