'The first thing I noticed when looking at this excellent book (after I got over the excitement of reviewing it), I noticed the amount of detail provided. Both through the paragraphs as well as the pictures.
The book is set out in an ideal calander form which is perfect. All you need to do is choose your month and all the info you need is right there.
The best part of this book for me is that each wildlife park, sea front and any other wildlife domain covered comes with detailed directions on how to find it. As well as opening hours, parking information, disabled access (ideal when taking my Grandmother with me). It also provides details of entry fees (if any).
On a whole this is the perfect book to arrange weekends away to admire our beautiful country and wildlife. The only thing that would give this book 5*''s for me would be if it was pocket size so I can take it with me when taking long walks through the countryside.'
Customer Review:
Review by: Mark Barber, 20 April 2009
'This book is simply stunning. The size and quality of it makes it look like a book you would display on your coffe table but hardly ever read, however once you start it, you simply wont put it down again. Well not untill it is bookmarked with the places you want to go, the wildlife you hope to see and the best time of year to go.
The book caters for everyone, with disabled accesability information, driving and public transport routes, parking locations, phone numbers, web & email addresses to contact them and how much you are likley to need to pay (most sites are free). The photograpy is superb and the writing clear and informative.
The book is set out in month to month format, giving you ideas on where to go when, but also lists year round attractions for the main sites. Then at the back of the book it is indexed to make searching certain locations even easier. Don''t wait for Christmas, put this book on your wish list now or buy as a present for any adventurers or photographers, no one will be disapointed with it.'
Customer Review:
Review by: Gordon Veniard, 20 April 2009
'Like most folk, I suspect, after a swift glance through this terrific book - I then checked the detailed index to find entries about the area where I live. Within a few minutes, I''d discovered things I didn''t know about my local beaches and wildlife haunts.
In more general terms, this publication contains a huge, stunning selection of powerful photography which would make it a worthwhile read for that aspect alone.
Add to this, the month-by-month format which allows you to put the nature story of this country into a year-long context.
The layout is cheerful and interesting - and should be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
This book then adds a wealth of useful "actioning" information; making it easy to actually visit and enjoy the locations covered.
Whilst too large to be used strictly as a guidebook, I can imagine it being thrown to the kids in the back of the car at the start of a long journey. It should hold their interest for a considerable time. It''s also a great read in the bath; and helps develop your biceps at the same time!
Add it''s association with the RSPB, and I can heartily recommend "Where To Go Wild In Britain".'
Customer Review:
Review by: Andrew Dawes, 16 April 2009
'There is a bewildering array of books on the market offering best places to visit in the UK; but I do have to say this one does seem to have pitched itself at the right level and found a niche. A book like this can only ever offer a selection of sites to visit, but having looked through some areas of the UK I know well, it does cover what I''d expect to see very well. This isn''t however, an identification guide. What I think this does well, is simply puts across where to go and what you''ll see when you''re there, in an easy to read guide for the family or the enthusiastic amateur naturalist alike.
Clearly set out on a month by month basis, the beginning of each month gives a 2 page spread of where to go during that month. This is then followed by more in depth information about these places or individual species on the following pages. This is a boon for the beginner. We often over look that many wildlife spectacles only happen for a short few weeks, or even days, such as Mayfly emergence. Knowing when to go, how to get there and just as importantly where it is safe to go and see this is well set out in this book.
The left hand column of the in depth pages gives a map of where this place is and clear information such as contact details, getting there, access, opening times and of course if there''s a charge for visitors. The right hand column suggests other locations with similar wildlife around the UK. The bulk of the text gives just the right amount of information on the subject, though it would have been nice to have a further reading section on these pages for those wanting to know a bit more. But this is a very minor point.
There are also handy regional maps and a directory in the back of the book to source that piece of wildlife near you.
As with all DK books the photographs are stunning and actually I just enjoyed reading through the book and looking at the images. Aimed at families and beginners to wildlife watching, I was surprised how many places I found I''d like to go to myself so would recommend it to everyone with a quest to discover something new out there.
My only reservation is its size, so really this is a stay at home coffee table book, and at £25 a grande cappuccino read. But I thoroughly enjoyed sitting with a glass of wine and planning a few days out with this book.
'
Customer Review:
Review by: lynne collins, 10 April 2009
'What a lovely book. A must for anyone who enjoys watching wildlife and nature. Lovely pictures and good format telling you where to go to see the best sightings for each month of the year. Inspiring book;we shall be out and about a lot more. Thank you.'
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