John Wright (1) (1951–)

I intended to spin this out with the seasons but got a bit ahead of myself. Obviously this is not 'finished' as it is now a great reference book. I won't be touching any fungi but I hope I will be able to get to the seaside and try some seaweed wracks - especially as a leaflet picked up this summer in Gatehouse-of-Fleet has given me the confidence to identify at least 3 of them.

The introduction was useful but will have to be re-written if the wretched Tory government criminalises tresspass as they are intending.

The section on poisonous plants was excellent and eye-opening.

The author obviously spends much of spring and summer putting stuff into gin and vodka (not a criticism) so well prepared for winter!… (more)

An excellent read, even if just for the constantly entertaining brewing tales that Wright writes about so wittily. The detail is just right - you learn about the concepts of wine, cider, beer and infusions, handy lists of what gadgets and ingredients you will need, a seasonal calendar for when to make what, and short, easy to follow recipes. I've only tried one recipe so far, but this book gives you the confidence and the tools to get started. What could go wrong?!! (lots of course, but that's part of the joy!)… (more)

One of the things that you notice when coming in to land at an airport in the UK is our patchwork pattern of fields and hedges that makes this green and pleasant land. It is a unique part of our heritage, and in some cases hedge lines can be traced back hundreds and occasionally thousands of years. Not only do they add some much to our countryside, but they are literally a lifeline to our birds and mammals as well as being home to all sorts of other plants and fungi.

In this book the well known naturalist Wright takes us on a voyage of discovery with the humble hedge. He weaves together natural with cultural history along with a comprehensive list of the flora, fauna and fungi found in a most hedges. The scope is widened with the inclusion of other ways of separating crops from hungry livestock, including dry-stone wall, Cornish hedges (also walls) and the ornate fences. It is a book full of fascinating historical references and entertaining facts with plenty of high quality photos. It makes for a fascinating reference book, and when it is out in paperback will definitely be added to my library.… (more)