Given the underlying topography, the scenery over most of Britain has been created largely by human activities. Over the centuries, landscapes have been continually modified as human needs and desires have changed.

Ian Newton, author of Farming and Birds and Bird Migration returns to the New Naturalist series with a long awaited look at the uplands and its birds.

Offers a complete update and revision to the manual for agriculture, geography, and rural studies The 21st edition of the quintessential reference book on agriculture is filled with updated and new material that provides those in the farming profession with everything they need to know about today’s agricultural industry. Filled with contributions from top experts in the field, it provides not only the scientific explanations behind agriculture, but also a range of further reading . The Agricultural Notebook, 21st Edition features new chapters that address wildlife, the fundamentals of agricultural production, and the modern techniques critical to the industry. It offers new chapters on sheep, goats, ruminant nutrition, monogastric nutrition, and resource management. It also takes a more in-depth approach to plant nutrition, and greater attention to environmental elements. Other topics covered include: soil management & crop nutrition; animal welfare; crop physiology; farm woodland management; farm machinery; and more. • Reflects recent changes in the world of agriculture, farming, and the rural environment • Features a new chapter on Resource Management • Offers separate chapters on goats, sheep, and applied nutrition • Every chapter is revised by experts in their subject area The Agricultural Notebook is an essential purchase for all students of agriculture, countryside, and rural studies. It will also greatly benefit farmers, land agents, agricultural scientists, advisers, and suppliers to the agriculture industry.

The gull is a familiar sight by the seaside, and one of the most recognisable bird species, but most people know surprisingly little about the lives and habits of these seafaring birds. John C. Coulson remedies this with a comprehensive overview of the gull.

The hedgehog is regularly voted Britain’s favourite mammal, and yet we know surprisingly little about the life of this spiny mammal. Pat Morris provides an all-encompassing new study of the hedgehog and its habitat, shedding new light on conservation efforts crucial to the survival of this charming creature of our countryside.

Slugs and snails are part of the great Phylum Mollusca, a group that contains creatures as varied as the fast-moving squid or the sedentary clams, cockles and mussels. The largest group, however, are the gastropods, animals originally with a single foot and a single coiled shell.

This illustrated survey of finch behaviour is a thorough, non-technical account of the habits of these birds throughout the world.