BOOK OF THE WEEK

Mistletoe Winter by Roy Dennis, Saraband, £9.99

“

Nature guided m e through the pandemic year; it has always given me a star by which to steer.”

Like his companion volume, Cottongrass Summer, longlisted for the Highland Book Prize, this book of conservationist essays by Roy Dennis, one of the UK’S most experienced UK field naturalists, is both factual and fascinating. In the title essay Dennis connects memories of mistletoe bushes with fragile habitats for his beloved “stormcock” thrush, before leading us into the mountains where he follows footprints in the snow and alerts us to a whole vole world underneath, to heighten our understanding of climate change and mountain beauty. Stunning details take us on journeys in simple, lyrical prose. Each chapter brings lessons on wildlife and reflections on how to sustain it, beginning with the importance of snowdrifts to breeding birds and mountain hares. The threat of higher temperatures, the changing nature of Cairngorm habitats and the impact on rare creatures like wildcats and ptarmigans is an emotional read; a detailed description of the water cycle from mountain spring to icicles, and all the life within, creates similar visceral responses.

Dennis leads us into spring by tracking sea eagles but the reintroduction of one species is often offset by the decrease in others and the decline of the lapwing, caused principally by intensive farming methods introduced in the 1970s, is a sad reminder of the impact of humankind on wildlife. This theme recurs throughout Dennis’ essays, reminding me of the “vanishing landscape” of Patrick Laurie’s Native, and Jim Crumley’s excellent seasonal series.

There are success stories too; of recovering sea eagles in the UK, and Californian condors in the

US and Mexico. Dennis’ restoration of eyries to the Highlands where wild eagles now breed, marks the start of the summer essays and captivating links between humans, birds, trees and plants. Developments in Iceland prove in the 21st Century that land and forest rewgeneration is possible, while Dennis’ osprey recovery projects in Poole highlight these raptors’ longevity despite seasonal dangers.

In autumn Dennis lists the miracles of nature’s altruism, with carved hazel walking-sticks a fine past example of “mammal and mankind working together”.

Written during the 2020 lockdown, when airports were still and roads were silent, these essays reflect Dennis’ hope the Covid crisis will have taught humankind how fragile Earth is, it is imperative we act to save it.