The Hamlyn guide to the Countryside of Britain and Northern Europe by Pat Morris

The Hamlyn Guide to the

Countryside

of Britain and Northern Europe

An identification guide to over 1250 wild plants and animals

Each species illustrated in colour with an accompanying descriptive caption

Special introductory section describing the major habitats

A walk in the countryside is one of today's most popular leisure pursuits. With this increasing interest in rural areas, more and more people are discovering the tremendous diversity of the animal and plant life. A person wishing to find out about our natural history can now purchase an impressive array of illustrated guides to the various groups but in the field a single volume covering the common species of animals and plants that are likely to be encountered has the advantage of being both convenient and comprehensive.

The Hamlyn Guide to the Countryside of Britain and Northern Europe is just such a book, beautifully illustrating over 1250 plants and animals. Each major group is painted by an expert in that subject ensuring that every species is accurately depicted. Accompanying each illustration is a concise caption providing information on such topics as habitat preferences, distribution, details of coloration and relevant habits, which will enable the reader to make a positive identification. Every plant and animal group has an illustrated introduction to its biology and ecology providing a background to the identification sections.

There is a special introductory section describing the major habitats from coastal estuaries anci sand dunes to coniferous forests and mountains, making the volume an aid not or the identification of species but also to an understanding of how our countryside is creat and maintained by our wonderfully rich and varied wildlife.