Tower and Town, July 2020

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A Good Read

One of the perks/chores/privileges (it feels like all three at different times) of my job is being on the judging panel for the Richard Jefferies/White Horse Bookshop Nature Writing Prize. This year it's been a definite perk, as reading the short list over the last couple of months in lockdown has been one way in which I could still feel vaguely useful. All the shortlisted books were very strong contenders and choosing was a bit of a challenge – but after some to-ing and fro-ing we have a winner, ladies and gentlemen. The prize goes to Benedict MacDonald's Rebirding (Pelagic Press).

Obviously this book will invite comparison with last year's winner, Wilding by Isabella Tree. That examined 'rewilding' in the context of a specific, small location. Benedict MacDonald now makes a convincing case for a wider and more general revision of policy around wildlife habitats, with a particular emphasis on bird life. He calls for bold, but achievable changes in land management practices which would create a variety of landscapes to allow a multitude of species to thrive, and argues for strategies which would improve the UK's current low position in world ranking for intact biodiversity. The book is full of statistics and scientific studies, but it's also engaging and thoroughly readable, with the author's enthusiasm coming through strongly. Rebirding is his first book, and it's now been longlisted for the Wainwright Prize as well – we know how to pick 'em!

I did say the choice of winner was tricky this year, and I'd also strongly recommend the book that just narrowly came in second place, Working with Nature by Jeremy Purseglove (Profile). As an environmentalist in the water industry the author has travelled all over the world, pursuing what he calls 'gardening on a global scale' – working out ways of harvesting the earth's resources responsibly and sustainably. It's unexpectedly engrossing, and very readable.

All being well, by the time you read this the bookshop should be open again, and I'll be able to get back to reading and recommending new releases. There are lots of books I'm looking forward to, but as an absolute treat I spent two days last week reading an advance copy of Lissa Evans' new novel, V for Victory. I'll review it fully next time.

Debby Guest