Rothschild's Reserves

The somewhat enigmatic title of this book, by one of Britain's most distinguished scientists in collaboration with a highly respected natural history writer, belies the arresting nature of its content. Eighty years ago, Miriam Rothschild's father, Charles Rothschild - said by some to have been the inventor of nature conservation in Britain - first proposed the establishment of a network of 280 national nature reserves throughout the country to preserve the cream of its wildlife habitats - a monumental task. In this book she and her co-author discuss the efforts that went into the selection of these reserves and compare the state then and now of 182 of the English sites and their wildlife - depressing reading in many cases. The authors hope to spur everyone interested in the survival of the British countryside to take remedial action to safeguard it before it is too late. Published by Balaban in association with Harley Books, now Apollo Books, who are sole UK and European distributors.