Roy Dennis
Roy Dennis MBE is one of the UK’s most prominentย field naturalists. His approach to wildlife and conservation stems from years of experience working in the field, from climbing trees to ring osprey chicks to handling lynx kittens in Norway โ and wanting to smuggle them back to Scotland.ย He has unparalleled expertise as a field naturalist, having worked in conservation, rare species tracking and reintroductions and directed projects for the RSPB and other organisations. He has made documentaries and been a presenter on Autumnwatch and Springwatch. His Wildlife Foundation of 25 yearsโ standing is internationally recognised for its work in conservation and wildlife protection.
He is the author ofย Cottongrass Summer (2020)ย andย Mistletoe Winter (2021).
Cottongrass Summer
by Roy Dennis
Read an extract
A collection of vibrant essays to inform, stimulate and inspire every nature lover.
Through unparalleled expertise as a field naturalist, Roy Dennis is able to write about the natural world in a way that considers both the problems and the progress in ecology and conservation. Beginning with cottongrass, whose snow-white blooms blow gently in the wind across the wetter moors and bogs, this is a year-round trove of insight and knowledge for anyone who cares about the natural world โ from birdsong and biodiversity to sphagnum and species reintroduction.
Written by one of our most prominent advocates for rewilding, the essays have a clear message: โNever give up on trying to conserve and restore wildlife and the wild places you cherish. Itโs essential to try and to succeed. And remember, itโs never โifโ, but โwhenโ โ and with climate chaos closing in, the time is now.โ
REVIEWS OF Cottongrass Summer
โEssential reading for those with an interest in restoring our landscapes to some of their former glory.โ Paul Cheney
โA pleasure to read โฆ concise yet never terse โฆ This book should become a classic.โ John Law, Scottish Birds
โFine and very enjoyable โฆ packed with a wisdom that only comes from lifelong experience.โ Stephen Moss, Round-up of best nature books of 2020
โI canโt think of a more important book thatโs been written about British wildlife in the past 20 years โฆ Roy Dennis [is] the UKโs pre-eminent conservationist of the past half century โฆ he writes with such conviction, clarity, insight, depth and purpose. He understands better than anyone how times have changed โฆ In just a sentence or two, he cuts to the quick โฆ If you read any book about the environment this year, read this.โ James Fair, naturalist, in Countryfileโs Best Nature Books of 2020
โReminds me strongly of Aldo Leopoldโs A Sand County Almanac, which is a classic of the ecological literature, and I can think of no better comparison to give you an idea of its content and of this bookโs quality and worth โฆ It is a book of ideas; ideas about how the future should be, but rooted in the present and with knowledge of the past.โ Mark Avery
โThe wonderful, insightful and eclectic musings from a lifetime watching wildlife, by one of Britainโs greatest conservationists.โ Mike Dilger
"Roy is not just a brilliant conservationist but a superb naturalist too โฆ These beautiful essays are also positive and pragmatic about the future โฆ absolutely joyous." Chris Packham
"This is a cracking book full of beautifully descriptive prose and thought-provoking sentiments by a man who, more than anyone else, has been there, done that and got the โTโ-shirt." Iolo Williams
"In an exhilarating roundelay of profoundly questioning essays, Roy Dennis has revealed a lifetime in nature conservation, while also delivering a sparkling vision for an ecologically sustainable Highlands, the country and the planet. This little book is a testament to a rare and redeeming curiosity; we must all learn from the deep wisdom of experience." Sir John Lister-Kaye OBE
