My Top 5 Nature Books

1. Nature's Child - John Lister-Kaye

This is my favourite nature book to date, and John Lister-Kaye is my favourite nature author. The best part about this book is that it shows John’s understanding and respect for the importance of a child’s connection with nature, and it essentially follows him and his daughter’s experiences with nature. Personally, I wish I was as lucky as his daughter – she has some wonderful wildlife right on her doorstep, and her father is always with her to nourish her love for nature. 

Available here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Natures-Child-Sir-John-Lister-Kaye/dp/0349117608 

2. The Peregrine - J.A Baker 

The Peregrine is one of my favourite books of all time. This book follows J.A Baker’s winter walks searching for the peregrines on the flat marshes of the Essex coast.  The writing is beautiful and lyrical, and would be especially appreciated by anybody interested in poetic writing, as well as nature. J.A. Baker is both refreshing and astonishing because he is so utterly absorbed and enthralled in the peregrines, you do not see any more of his personality in his words other than his love for nature. On the back of the cover, the book is described as a “fusion of man and bird” –  that pretty much sums this beautiful work up in five words.  Don’t be mistaken, this book isn’t just beautiful – you learn a lot about peregrines, too! 

Available here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Peregrine-York-Review-Books-Classics/dp/1590171330/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428744348&sr=1-1&keywords=the+peregrine+ja+baker

3. Birds in a Cage - Derek Niemann

By one of the RSPB’s favourite sons, Derek Niemann, this is another one of my favourites.  Before reading this book, I had no idea that bird watching played such an important part in the lives of those in P.O.W  camps in Warburg, 1941. It is incredible how the men all find a common ground in bird watching, and it allows them to escape their confinement in the wings of the birds that they become so obsessed with. This book perfectly combines military history, bird watching, and the strength of human spirit. 

Available here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Birds-Cage-Birdwatchers-Beginning-Conservation/dp/1780721366/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428744906&sr=1-1&keywords=birds+in+a+cage

4. H is for Hawk - Helen Macdonald

This book is not just for falconers. Anyone with an interest in birds of prey will love this book. What makes it so unusual  is that Macdonald’s book is drawn from her raw grief for her father, who died suddenly on a London street. It soon becomes clear she decides to train the Gos – the most untameable and wild bird of prey – because its fierce temperament almost seems to mirror her own. In this way, she can affiliate with the hawk. If you enjoy autobiographies as well as nature books full of interesting facts, read this book! 

Available here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/H-Hawk-Helen-Macdonald/dp/0099575450/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428744847&sr=1-1&keywords=H+is+for+hawk

5. Sightlines - Kathleen Jamie

Jamie is a poet as well as a nature writer, so, as expected, this is a lyrically written book. It is essentially made up of "essays" of her various expeditions and adventures to explore the beautiful wild landscapes in Scotland. It really does encompass all aspects of the natural world, from night-sky constellations to orcas, to a wonderful visit to St Kilda. This book is one to inspire. If you are looking for a book jam-packed with hard facts, this might not be for you. However, it is an excellent read for anyone interested in the beauty and wonder of nature.

Available here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sightlines-Kathleen-Jamie/dp/095630866X 

What are your favourite nature books? Tell us in the comments here or at the RSPB Phoenix Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/205484546214566/?fref=ts

Amy S