Roderick Leslie

This is a surprising and different book, far from your normal 'nature' book. At the heart is an inspiring story of courage and imagination - for most readers the hardships of country living on an ordinary wage will come as surprise and is all too true - this is real country, not flown in urban for a 'country experience'. Its revolutionary, too Nicola brought up her family with wildlife long before it was the current thing and thanks to the inspiration of Rob Hume, editor of RSPB Birds magazine, became the one of the first advocates of re-connection with nature at a family level. And then there are the muddy protests.. and finding unexpected migrant waders on the Downs in the dark. Altogether full of surprises, inspiration and deep personal experience. A must read.