Into the tangled bank : in which our author ventures outdoors to consider the British in nature

It's often said that the British are a nation of nature lovers; but what does that really mean? For some it's watching racer snakes chase iguanas on TV as David Attenborough narrates, a visit to the zoo to convene with the chimps; for others it's a far-too-ambitious clamber up a mountain, the thrilling spectacle of a rare bird in flight. Lev Parikian sets out to explore the many, and particular, ways that he,and we,experience the natural world. Starting with the pavement outside his house, he gradually moves outwards to garden, local patch, wildlife reserve, craggy coastline and as far afield as the dark hills of Skye. He visits the haunts of famous nature lovers -reaching back to the likes of Charles Darwin, Etta Lemon, Gavin Maxwell, John Clare and Emma Turner -to get up close to their insatiable curiosity and follow in their footsteps. And everywhere he meets not only nature, but nature lovers of all varieties: ramblers, dog-walkers, photographers; loving couples, grumpy singles, families; kite-flyers, den-builders, grass-loungers; young whippersnappers, old farts, middle-aged ne'er-do-wells; beginners, specialists, all-rounders; or just people out for a stroll in the sun. Warm, humorous and full of telling detail, Into the Tangled Bank puts the quirks, habits and foibles of 'how we are in nature' under the microscope. And in doing so, it reveals how our collective relationship with nature has changed over the centuries, what our actions mean to nature and what being a nature lover in Britain might mean today. LONGLISTED FOR THE 2021 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING 'Funny, accessible and full of wonders' Melissa Harrison, author of The Stubborn Light of Things Lev Parikian is on a joyful journey to discover the quirks, habits and wonders of how we experience nature. ___ It's often said that we're a nation of nature lovers, but what does that really mean? Lev Parikian sets out to explore the many ways that he, and we, experience the natural world - from pavement to garden and from wildlife reserve to far-flung island. He visits the haunts of famous nature lovers to examine their insatiable curiosity; meets ramblers, birders and den-builders; and gets up close and personal with the nature he finds everywhere - including the kitchen sink. Open a window, hear the birds calling and join this warm and generous journey into the tangled bank. ___ 'If, like me, you've got more *into nature* in the last few months, but sometimes feel a bit excluded by nature writing, then this book will make you feel included and welcomed.' Tracey Thorn 'A witty, touching and profound book about one man's burgeoning relationship with the natural world - and it's also a joy to read.' Stephen Moss 'Lev's endearing child-like joy at even the smallest of encounters is infectious.'BBC Wildlife Magazine Lev Parikian is on a journey to discover the quirks, habits and foibles of how the British experience nature. Open a window, hear the birds calling and join him.---------It's often said that the British are a nation of nature lovers; but what does that really mean?Lev Parikian sets out to explore the many, and particular, ways that he, and we, experience the natural world - beginning face down on the pavement outside his home, then moving outwards to garden to wildlife reserve and as far afield as the dark hills of Skye. He visits the haunts of famous nature lovers - reaching back to the likes of Charles Darwin, Etta Lemon, Gavin Maxwell, John Clare and Emma Turner - to examine their insatiable curiosity and follow in their footsteps.And everywhere he meets not only nature, but nature lovers of all varieties: ramblers, dog-walkers, photographers; kite-flyers, den-builders, grass-loungers; beginners, specialists, all-rounders; or just people out for a stroll in the sun.Warm, humorous and full of telling detail, Into the Tangled Bank celebrates our collective relationship with the natural world and what it might mean to be a nature lover in Britain today. Lev Parikian is on a journey to discover the quirks, habits and foibles of how the British experience nature. He sets out to explore the many, and particular, ways that he, and we, experience the natural world beginning face down on the pavement outside his home then moving outwards to garden, local patch, wildlife reserve, craggy coastline and as far afield as the dark hills of Skye. He visits the haunts of famous nature lovers reaching back to the likes of Charles Darwin, Etta Lemon, Gavin Maxwell, John Clare and Emma Turner to examine their insatiable curiosity and follow in their footsteps. And everywhere he meets not only nature, but nature lovers of all varieties. The author reveals how our collective relationship with nature has changed over the centuries, what our actions mean for nature and what being a nature lover in Britain might mean today.