A practical illustrated guide to exploring, observing, and understanding nature

Chris Packham will pass on his passion for nature and make you an enthusiastic and knowledgeable amateur naturalist

Chris Packham's Nature Handbook reveals how easy it is to enjoy and learn about plants, animals, habitats, and ecological processes. It features visual studies of habitats - full of photos of the animals and plants that live there and illustrations of how they interact. All the habitats in your region (Europe in the UK edition, or North America in the US edition) are included, from accessible urban and farming landscapes to wilderness areas. This book reveals the sights, sounds, and smells you can encounter and shows you how to connect with nature without intruding. It provides illustrated guides to activities for every season. Many of these, like pond dipping and raising butterflies from caterpillars, can be done close to home and without expensive equipment. The book promotes conservation and demonstrates simple ways to contribute to the health of the natural world.

First published in 2010, this edition has been extensively revised to present more local information relevant to the habitats where you live, and to include the latest equipment and conservation issues. A blend of inspirational guide, essential reference, and "how-to", this book will make you wild about the natural world.