As one of Britain’s most distinguished nature writers, Richard Mabey is recognised for a lifetime of close observation of our wildlife and plants and a celebration of the natural world’s positive force. For five decades, the author and broadcaster has been a revolutionary, poetic voice in modern nature writing. From his celebration of foraging in his first book, 1972’s Food for Free, through his expeditions in nature reclaiming the liminal spaces between urban and country (The Unofficial Countryside), to his search for ancient woodlands and studies of birds, he has explored new ways of thinking about nature and our relationship to it in the rapidly changing modern world.
Born and bred in Berkhamsted, with an enduring love of the nearby beech woods and hills of the Chilterns, Richard has written nearly 40 books, including the prize-winning Nature Cure, Gilbert White, and Flora Britannica. Despite his prolific output he confesses he is anxious about the release of his latest book, a collection of his writings that charts the evolution of his ideas, called Turning the Boat for Home.
‘I’m nervous releasing this book, compared to anything else I have written before. It is always exciting and slightly nerve-wracking, as you never know what is going to happen. However, I am old enough now that I shouldn’t be nervous!
‘This book doesn’t have an obvious subject. It is not about climate change or biodiversity, but instead, it focuses on many different ways of how I have looked at the world. The book is very interesting for me; however, it might be less interesting for someone else,’ he adds, laughing.
When it came to compiling the book, Richard says it helped that there were many pieces to choose from that are autobiographical.
Denne historien er fra November 2019-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
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Denne historien er fra November 2019-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week