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New book on 'weird and wonderful' wildlife

Andrea Ormsby
BBC News, Devon
BBC A close-up picture of a large privet hawk-moth with pink and black striped body, sitting on the hand of the author of a new book called the RSPB Everyday Guide to British Wildlife.BBC
Author Charlie Elder said the book was for beginners in particular

A nature enthusiast from Devon has written a book featuring "a wealth of weird and wonderful" British wildlife.

Charlie Elder, who lives on Dartmoor, has previously written books on rare and threatened species in the UK.

However, his latest publication - The RSPB Everyday Guide to British Wildlife - is a guide to common and widespread animals.

Mr Elder said the book was for anyone - but beginners in particular - and he said he hoped it would make learning "fun".

Charlie Elder is pictured though his face is not really visible as he is holding black binoculars to his eyes. He is wearing a blue shirt over a blue T-shirt and he has curly grey hair.
Author Charlie Elder said he hoped the book would be a fun read for everyone

He said the outdoors "shouldn't feel like you're stepping into an exam room".

The illustrated guide, which has been published by Bloomsbury, spans everything from mammals, reptiles and amphibians to insects, fish and coastal life.

Mr Elder said he wanted to help people identify species in their gardens as well as while out and about and not to "feel intimidated".

He said the guide did not seek to be comprehensive.

"Given there are more than 7,000 species of fly in Britain, that will come as a relief to many," he said.

Bloomsbury described the book as a "friendly guide" which was "packed with beautiful colour photographs and fascinating facts".

It said the guide provided practical advice and information on topics including wildlife ponds, rock-pooling and gardening for pollinators.

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