GARDEN NATURAL HISTORY. By Stefan Buczacki. Collins New Naturalist Library No. 102. Standard Hardback Edition.

2007 1st edition. 8vo (153 x 223mm). Pp528. Colour photographs and illustrations, bibliography, decorative end-papers. Green cloth, spine titled in gilt.

This is a readable and interesting account of not merely the wildlife to be found in British gardens, but more particularly, the relationship of the garden-living species with the range of plants grown and how the two have developed together through history. Fascinating and useful. Chapters include: British gardens - the background; The modern British garden; The operations of gardening and their impact upon the environment; Gardens in the context of the British ecological landscape; The garden as a habitat to which vertebrates have adapted; The garden as the route by which alien species have been introduced; The slightly more hidden garden; The role of the gardener as conservator; The garden as an inspiration for the naturalist; The garden as a natural history educator; The future of the garden and its likely role in our natural history.