Endangered species and extinction of species

From acclaimed science writer Matt Ridley, a new book that studies the peculiar mating behaviour of birds to better understand the origin of beauty and humanity itself.

From shark attack survivor to the shark’s biggest advocate, Paul de Gelder tells us just why these majestic diverse animals need our help as much as we need them.

‘Wonderful and enriching’ Adam Nicolson

‘The best book on conservation and the countryside I have read in years’ John Lewis-Stempel

‘A modern pastoral written with intelligence, wit and lyricism’ Cal Flyn

Whether you would like to learn how to build a bird box, dig a hedgehog tunnel or implement broader environmental changes in your community, this practical guide to saving our most endangered species will teach you how you can help on an individual, local and national level.

‘Focuses a razor light on the plight of one of our most iconic birds. Inspirational!’ Tim Birkhead

Curlews are Britain’s largest wading bird, known for their evocative calls which embody wild places; they provoke a range of emotions that many have expressed in poetry, art and music.

WINNER OF THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE 2018

WINNER OF THE JEFFERIES AWARD FOR NATURE WRITING 2017

The full story of seabirds from one of the greatest nature writers. The book looks at the pattern of their lives, their habitats, the threats they face and the passions they inspire – beautifully illustrated by Kate Boxer.

Winner of The Royal Society of Literature Jerwood Award for Non-Fiction in 2011 and the Authors' Foundation Roger Deakin Award in 2011

A stunning debut in the tradition of Robert Macfarlane and Helen Macdonald

There are five races of tiger on our planet and all but one live in tropical regions: the Siberian Tiger Panthera tigris altaica is the exception. Mysterious and elusive, and with only 350 remaining in the wild, the Siberian tiger remains a complete enigma. One man has set out to change this.

The word ‘aliens’ can be used in many ways, to invoke fear, dislike and fascination. For biologists it is used to indicate organisms that have been introduced by people to new territories. In the British Isles alien plants are common, conspicuous, pestiferous, beautiful, edible – and can be both useful and harmful.

A fascinating journey into the extraordinary world of the king of fish: the salmon. This beautiful book explores the natural history of this most mysterious of fishes.

Owls have always featured prominently in the mythology and folklore of a variety of cultures. These mysterious nocturnal creatures are thought to be symbols of wisdom, omens of death, and bringers of prophecy. In fact, owls are one of the oldest species of vertebrate animal, with fossils dating back 60 million years.

Earlier naturalists formed the impression that bird numbers remained more or less stable through time. In the years since these words were written, however, changes have occurred in the landscapes of the British Isles and in the seas around our coasts, causing bird populations to fluctuate in an unprecedented way.