On the Marsh

A Year Surrounded by Wildness and Wet

Simon Barnes

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Hardback

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English

Simon & Schuster
01 July 2019

Memoirs; Mathematics & Sciences; Conservation of the environment; The countryside, country life

How the rewilding of eight acres of Norfolk marshland inspired a family and brought nature even closer to home.

When writer Simon Barnes heard a Cetti's warbler sing out as he turned up to look at a house for sale, he knew immediately that he had found his new home. The fact that his garden backed onto an area of marshy land only increased the possibilities, but there was always the fear that it might end up in the wrong hands and be lost to development or intensive farming. His wife saw through the delicate negotiations for the purchase. Once they'd bought it, they began to manage it as a conservation area, working with the Wildlife Trust to ensure it became as appealing as possible to all species. For their son Eddie, who has Down's syndrome, it became a place of calm and inspiration.

In On The Marsh, we see how nature can always bring surprises, and share in the triumphs as new animals - Chinese water deer, otters and hedgehogs - arrive, and watch as the number of species of bird tops 100 and keeps on growing. As the seasons go by, there are moments of triumph when not one but two marsh harrier families use the marsh as a hunting ground, but also disappointments as chemical run-off from neighbouring farmland creates a nettles monoculture in newly turned earth.

For anyone who enjoyed books such as Meadowland, or the writing of Stephen Moss, Roger Deakin or Adam Nicolson, this is a vivid and beautifully written account of the wonders that can sometimes be found on our doorsteps, and how nature can transform us all.

By: Simon Barnes
Imprint: Simon & Schuster
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 135mm, Spine: 27mm
ISBN: 9781471168499
ISBN 10: 1471168492
Pages: 352
Publication Date: 01 July 2019
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Simon Barnes was the Chief Sports Writer for The Times until 2014, having worked for the paper for 30 years, during which time he covered seven Olympic Games and six World Cup finals. He is the author of several books, including the bestselling How to be a Bad Birdwatcher. He lives in Norfolk.

Reviews for On the Marsh: A Year Surrounded by Wildness and Wet

'He does write beautifully, especially of his greatest love — our wild birds ... On The Marsh is a delightful read.' -- Christopher Hart * Daily Mail *