A delightful read. Not only are the interactions with nature well told and engaging, the deeper thoughts they trigger have been honed by a lifetime's experience. -- Dr. Mark Avery lan is probably better known for his books on Red Kites, but here he tells the tale of his 25 years working for the government agencies for nature [and] living in a house next to a dyke on the fens. The book really comes alive at the end, with lan's move to Devon and his trips to Western Scotland, and I eagerly await his new book on Hen Harriers with Dan Powell. * Bird Watching's August Book of the Month * Touches upon some of the most important issues facing us all that need resolving before we assign nature to history and ourselves to oblivion! I bet once you pick this book up you will be tempted to put things on hold while you read the lot in one sitting! -- Bo Beolens * Fatbirder * If you want a slightly different perspective on our complex and complicated relationship with the natural world then this is as good a place to start as any. -- Paul Cheney * Halfman, Halfbook * . an eminently readable, thoughtful, honest and fascinating contribution to modern birding literature, which I can thoroughly and unreservedly recommend.

-- Mike Everett * British Birds * A thoughtful and timely look at contemporary relationships between people and nature. -- James Robertson * British Wildlife * It's the perfect book for dipping into and also for sitting engrossed for a couple of hours. -- Alan Williams * https://tontowilliams.com/ * A thought-provoking book.full of short discussions emanating from Ian's vast knowledge of birds gained through his many years as an ornithologist. -- Alan Stewart * Wildlife Detective blog * This is an interesting and balanced take on the current state of play in the UK, wildlife-wise, from an author who knows it as well as anyone else.a particularly engaging and fascinating read. -- Josh Jones * Bird Guides *.