Grasslands by John Wright

John Wright, one of the UK’s most celebrated naturalists and internationally respected authors, has come up with the goods again with his - sometimes portentous - celebration of one of Britain’s most underrated and often undervalued habitats, the grassland.

From meadows to wetlands to chalk downlands, John takes the reader through a kaleidoscopic journey of biodiversity of life, whether flora, fauna and of course fungal. Although he doesn’t shy away from the damage to these vital habitats from such factors as farming, pollution and neglect, he also has huge hope for the grasslands that still exist and the crucial work that is being done not only to protect them and help them thrive, but also in the creation of new sites for future generations.

Much of the book centres around the beautiful chalk coombe, part of Hog Cliff nature reserve, in my home village and so it particularly resonated with me as I too spend much of my time bathing in its glory, now much more aware of its incredible and amazing species-richness.

A book for all John Wright fans and anyone who cares about our beloved natural landscape.

David