Damnit Mr Backshall! You infuriatingly do pretty much every outdoor hobby I like doing plus everything I am wanting to do or pursue.
I borrowed this book from work intending to just write a review for our recommends bay having skim-read it in the staffroom but I've progressively become more hooked each chapter[& have since bought it]. It's not often I want to read a outdoor pursuits or wildlife guide cover to cover but it is written in a wonderfully personable & humorous style that sucks you right in. Each chapter [Forests, Coasts, Mountains & Freshwater] has a wonderful combination that manages to mix practical survival information with beginners wildlife identification, while encouraging you to get a little out of your comfort zone by trying something adventurous [tailored each of the environments].
Not all sections will appeal or be relevant, so you can just dip in an out. Also the information is mostly aimed for beginners but it is a lot more engaging & clearly explained than many other guides I've tried. It would be great to have an `Intermediate' & `Advanced' follow up guides to this first instalment! It uses a mixture of photos & illustrations throughout which makes me think it would be great for parents to use with children as well as just anyone interested in getting `outdoorsy'. It could have done with a few more diagrams in places e.g. making an Earwig Home [though not among my favourite insects, I'll admit.]
By the way, don't be put off that in the first few pages he encourages you to move beyond the squeamishness of animal droppings - calling it `scat' - you'll never get me to try sniffing poo! But I don't think this is a required element! :)