POCKET COMPANION TO THE COUNTRYSIDE By Mark Turley

There are plenty of books on the UK’s diverse flora and fauna, but they usually only concentrate on just one aspect, such as wild flowers, fungi, birds or trees. This new guide, perfectly sized to fit the pocket, covers all of these subjects and more, so it is always on hand to help identity and explain the countryside around you.

However, the Pocket Companion does not stop with natural flora and fauna, it goes on to give an informative insight into the working countryside by explaining various aspects of farming, as well as helping identify popular breeds of livestock and different crops.

To keep it truly pocket-sized, the Companion has been compiled to cover the species you are most likely to come across, rather than over-complicating things and listing every single plant, mushroom or bug. This also makes it easier to use because you are not faced with wading through pages of excess information to find what you want.

The often tricky business of identifying plants is helped by the innovative ‘leaf-finder’ table on the inside back cover, which lists plants by the shape of their leaves, giving a useful short-cut to the relevant pages. Identification is further helped by grouping similar looking plants for easy comparison, and their main distinguishing features are highlighted on the vivid, colour photographs.

Soft bound with a protective plasticised cover, the Companion readily fits the pocket, whether you are a seasoned rambler or Sunday stroller, adding to the enjoyment and understanding of our fascinating and varied countryside.

Notes 

Proceeds from the sale of the Pocket Companion, priced £13.95 inc p&p, are going to Compassion in World Farming, which campaigns for improved farm animal welfare in the UK and worldwide. To purchase, go to www.ciwf.org/pocketcompanion

260 pages and 800 photos, covering wild flowers, common grasses, trees and shrubs, fungi, insects, birds, mammals and reptiles, plus an informative section on arable, market-garden and livestock farming. Size: 175ml x 105ml (7in x 4in)