Books by James Lowen

Much loved . . . but about to be lost? The hedgehog was voted Britain''s favorite animal in 2013, yet numbers in the British countryside have halved this century. Generations of children have been captivated by Beatrix Potter''s The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-winkle and Romans feted hedgehogs as weather prophets, yet many cultures routinely consume hedgehog meat for medicinal uses as varied as alleviating arthritis and arresting impotence. Unmistakably--and uniquely, in European terms--garbed in spines, this mammal is a "gardener''s best friend". . . yet one upon which we are rarely lucky enough to clasp eyes. Hedgehogs have been legally persecuted for munching the eggs of rare birds, yet the recent appointment of Britain''s first ever "hedgehog officer" was lauded by the national press. Familiar in appearance yet little known of lifestyle, the hedgehog is an ideal and iconic subject for Bloomsbury''s RSPB Spotlight series. Hedgehogs will be a lively, readable, and decadently illustrated account of one of Britain''s most loved but most vulnerable animals. Separate chapters bring into sharp focus the hedgehog''s biology and lifestyle, from foraging and sociability to defending a territory and building a nest. The book reveals what a hedgehog is and how it lives, and how it fits into both the natural (and human) environment and the wider animal kingdom. Chapters explain how best to find, watch, and help wild hedgehogs, and how its frankly bizarre body is utterly fit for purpose. Finally, the book investigates the relationship between hedgehogs and people--from film and fun to conservation and chips.

A complete beginner''s guide to British moths.British Moths: A Gateway Guide is a wonderful introduction to 350 species of the most common and eye-catching adult moths that you may encounter in the UK. Rather than being grouped in taxonomic order, species are organised by season, and similar-looking moths are placed alongside one another for ease of identification. Concise species accounts include information on key features, making it easy to distinguish between confusion species, seasonality, and when and where to see them; each account is also placed alongside photos that have been carefully chosen to aid identification with clearly-marked top tips.From hawk-moths to tigers and ermines to emeralds, this guide is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to learn more about these beautiful and remarkable insects.

These 20 circular walks, varying in length from 2 to 7 miles, take in renowned beauty spots, hidden gems and must-sees from across Norfolk. Includes coast and Broads. Walks for spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Covers more than 250 species regularly seen in France.Concise text includes information on identification, songs and calls, behaviour, distribution and habitat.Packed with full-colour photographs, each carefully selected to guide identification.The ideal pocket-sized guide - perfect for nature-loving travellers and birdwatchers.