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Wild Treasures: A Year of Extraordinary Encounters with Cornwall's Wildlife
'An anarchically charming calendar of Cornwall's wildlife. This is Stitfall in spadefuls; she celebrates the ragged corner of the UK and all its natural treasures. So refreshing!' - Chris Packham
Get up close to Cornwall's wildlife with this magical guide to the year
Hannah Stitfall is a TV presenter and zoologist, who regularly gets up in the early hours of the morning to try and catch sight of some of Cornwall's best hidden wildlife. She will spend hours on end waiting for a creature to appear among a hedgerow, scurrying across Cornwall's open fields or taking flight across its towering cliffs and sandy beaches. In these brief, magical moments, Hannah is able to see and capture animal behaviour that the general public rarely get to witness.
In this book, Hannah shares her incredible stories, beautiful photographs and often funny meetings with Cornwall's wildlife through the course of a year. From brown hares boxing in the grass in the spring, watching an otter cub hunt in the wetlands in winter, to witnessing the unique bioluminescence of a glow-worm in the summer, Wild Treasures is a remarkable diary, informative guide and joyous celebration of our nation's wonderful creatures.
Get up close to Cornwall's wildlife with this magical guide to the year
Hannah Stitfall is a TV presenter and zoologist, who regularly gets up in the early hours of the morning to try and catch sight of some of Cornwall's best hidden wildlife. She will spend hours on end waiting for a creature to appear among a hedgerow, scurrying across Cornwall's open fields or taking flight across its towering cliffs and sandy beaches. In these brief, magical moments, Hannah is able to see and capture animal behaviour that the general public rarely get to witness.
In this book, Hannah shares her incredible stories, beautiful photographs and often funny meetings with Cornwall's wildlife through the course of a year. From brown hares boxing in the grass in the spring, watching an otter cub hunt in the wetlands in winter, to witnessing the unique bioluminescence of a glow-worm in the summer, Wild Treasures is a remarkable diary, informative guide and joyous celebration of our nation's wonderful creatures.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 23, 2024
I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Random Things Tours.
Wild Treasures is a beautiful and calming non-fiction book about the authors' encounters with wildlife in Cornwall in the UK. Cornwall is a place I've not been to yet but have longed to visit since childhood.
I loved the dedication Hannah put into this book and appreciated the amount of time she must have taken to capture so much beauty within its pages.
The book gives a monthly account of what the author saw that month giving you a monthly view across the seasons as to what wildlife and nature unfolds in this beautiful place. I can see the book being quite nostalgic for those who have visited Cornwall, and the book has made me want to visit even more, so now! When I do manage to go this book will definitely be coming with me!
Wild Treasures is a beautiful and calming non-fiction book about the authors' encounters with wildlife in Cornwall in the UK. Cornwall is a place I've not been to yet but have longed to visit since childhood.
I loved the dedication Hannah put into this book and appreciated the amount of time she must have taken to capture so much beauty within its pages.
The book gives a monthly account of what the author saw that month giving you a monthly view across the seasons as to what wildlife and nature unfolds in this beautiful place. I can see the book being quite nostalgic for those who have visited Cornwall, and the book has made me want to visit even more, so now! When I do manage to go this book will definitely be coming with me!
May 3, 2024
I don’t usually read non fiction but I absolutely loved this! I thought it was written so beautifully and each chapter was so clever how the species the author was talking about wasn’t revealed until after a couple of pages so she had me trying to guess what creature it was! I felt I learnt so much about our native animals, but not in a way that made it feel like hard work, but in a way that made it hard to put down. I was walking the dogs this morning and spotted 3 kingfishers which was an incredible experience, and when I picked this book up to read with my morning coffee when I got home, there was a chapter in this beautiful little bird so I not only saw it but found out all about it too! It’s also really made me want to get out and pay more attention to the wildlife as well! Brilliant book.
May 1, 2024
When I was young, our family often went down to Cornwall to holiday - and having come from a busy, bustley central Manchester - these holidays were like a slice of heaven!
So, Cornwall has always had a special place in my heart and I love reading books both about and set in this beautiful area of the UK.
I also have a huge love of nature and the animal kingdom, so I jumped at the chance to take a look inside the pages of this book!
Sadly, my print copy didn't arrive and I read this one on kindle - which you'll see by my review that I loved reading ....but I was so looking forward to the stunning nature photographs too - which the kindle version didn't have at all.
So, this book was written month by month which was interesting as it helped to see the setting over the year as the seasons changed and so the wildlife sights changed with it.
The writing was beautiful and it really transported me to the area again and I still had a clear and vivid image to go along with each story.
Some of the stories had me chuckling, but all had me feeling quite emotional as we explored the diverse and amazing world of the Cornish wildlife.
Obviously only having visited in the summer, I was fascinated by what delights could be found throughout the rest of the year.
A lovely read and something a little different from my recent books.
I really enjoyed this one and think it would be stunning with the inclusion of the photos too.
So, Cornwall has always had a special place in my heart and I love reading books both about and set in this beautiful area of the UK.
I also have a huge love of nature and the animal kingdom, so I jumped at the chance to take a look inside the pages of this book!
Sadly, my print copy didn't arrive and I read this one on kindle - which you'll see by my review that I loved reading ....but I was so looking forward to the stunning nature photographs too - which the kindle version didn't have at all.
So, this book was written month by month which was interesting as it helped to see the setting over the year as the seasons changed and so the wildlife sights changed with it.
The writing was beautiful and it really transported me to the area again and I still had a clear and vivid image to go along with each story.
Some of the stories had me chuckling, but all had me feeling quite emotional as we explored the diverse and amazing world of the Cornish wildlife.
Obviously only having visited in the summer, I was fascinated by what delights could be found throughout the rest of the year.
A lovely read and something a little different from my recent books.
I really enjoyed this one and think it would be stunning with the inclusion of the photos too.
April 30, 2024
First of all, how absolutely BEAUTIFUL is this cover 😍. It just absolutely calms me it's so pretty. As well as the illustrations and photographs inside the book too 🥰.
Wow this book is lovely, the journey this lovely lady has had with nature is fantastic.
In the book Hannah talks about each month and what happened and what she has seen as a photographer. The early mornings, the late nights, the getting up at dawn, the cold mornings, the warm mornings, the surprise guest animals she hasn't managed to capture on film but they managed to capture her heart as a wonderful memory.
It's brilliantly written and I hope she comes out with more books in the future. Something about reading this book helped melt away my daily anxieties whilst I was reading.
I highly suggest you check this out and give it a read.
Wow this book is lovely, the journey this lovely lady has had with nature is fantastic.
In the book Hannah talks about each month and what happened and what she has seen as a photographer. The early mornings, the late nights, the getting up at dawn, the cold mornings, the warm mornings, the surprise guest animals she hasn't managed to capture on film but they managed to capture her heart as a wonderful memory.
It's brilliantly written and I hope she comes out with more books in the future. Something about reading this book helped melt away my daily anxieties whilst I was reading.
I highly suggest you check this out and give it a read.
July 7, 2024
A wonderful read. Twelve mouths of wonderful stories of nature in Cornwall.
April 20, 2024
4.5-5 stars
Gifted in return for an honest review
I did what everyone does with a non-fiction book and skip straight to the photos, which are gorgeous, showing some of the native wildlife - even Hannah's own dog! I love images in a book, it helps bring the writing alive. There's also a few illustrations which I like. More illustrations in adult books please!
According to the inside cover, the illustrations are done by Elin Manon. She also designed the cover and I must say, it's gorgeous, and would really catch the eye in a bookstore. At first glance, it looks like a wonderfully captured photograph, but if you look deeper you can see the hand drawn touches Erin has added. The different animals, the grass and flowers, the sea against the rocks. It's just glorious.
Anyone who has been to Cornwall knows how beautiful it is there. But apart from the day-to-day wildlife you encounter, it's not something you really consider, or at least I haven't, so this was a lovely introduction to the wider world of Cornish life.
You can tell Hannah has a passion for the countryside and wildlife and, obviously, Cornwall. It's right there in every word she uses. To things that might be everyday to her life there (the landscape for starters), she has induced magic into. She's not only depicted the glory of wildlife in its natural habitat or the setting of Cornwall, she's managed to write about the smells and the noises in nature that can often be impossible to fully explain.
Each section corresponds to a month of the year, and they're quite short sections. You don't feel short-changed or anything, it's actually quite nice. Each section is about 15-20 pages, some more, some less. It gives you enough to enjoy but doesn't waffle.
You can read it, as I did, from cover to cover as if a novel, or you can dip in and out, read certain bits as and when, read about the month you're currently in. Each way has its own merits.
I am not a summer person. I am a winter and autumn person. And as long as it's playing by the rules, then sometimes a spring person. I like rainy days, snowy footsteps, and layers of blankets. I can't stand heat and sweat, and those days where you feel too hot even in your birthday suit. And whilst I cant' say Hannah has converted me (that would be a miracle) she has provided a good argument as to how the warmer months can positively impact upon our environment and wildlife. I will admit though, watching a family of deer or listening to birdsong in the dry and warm is more pleasant than in the lashing rain and freezing cold. But she's given enough time to all seasons of the year, each given their own personal value.
I think this is a good book for almost everyone. Whether you're a nature lover or a photographer, a newbie or old-hand, a reader, a reading newcomer, an artist, the old, young, and in between. It has something for all. It's not too technical or too showy. It doesn't try to be smarter than it is. This means it is easy to read and enjoyable. You learn a lot but it doesn't feel like work. It's interesting and fun and gorgeous and I can see this being on a lot of people's wishlist this year.
Gifted in return for an honest review
I did what everyone does with a non-fiction book and skip straight to the photos, which are gorgeous, showing some of the native wildlife - even Hannah's own dog! I love images in a book, it helps bring the writing alive. There's also a few illustrations which I like. More illustrations in adult books please!
According to the inside cover, the illustrations are done by Elin Manon. She also designed the cover and I must say, it's gorgeous, and would really catch the eye in a bookstore. At first glance, it looks like a wonderfully captured photograph, but if you look deeper you can see the hand drawn touches Erin has added. The different animals, the grass and flowers, the sea against the rocks. It's just glorious.
Anyone who has been to Cornwall knows how beautiful it is there. But apart from the day-to-day wildlife you encounter, it's not something you really consider, or at least I haven't, so this was a lovely introduction to the wider world of Cornish life.
You can tell Hannah has a passion for the countryside and wildlife and, obviously, Cornwall. It's right there in every word she uses. To things that might be everyday to her life there (the landscape for starters), she has induced magic into. She's not only depicted the glory of wildlife in its natural habitat or the setting of Cornwall, she's managed to write about the smells and the noises in nature that can often be impossible to fully explain.
Each section corresponds to a month of the year, and they're quite short sections. You don't feel short-changed or anything, it's actually quite nice. Each section is about 15-20 pages, some more, some less. It gives you enough to enjoy but doesn't waffle.
You can read it, as I did, from cover to cover as if a novel, or you can dip in and out, read certain bits as and when, read about the month you're currently in. Each way has its own merits.
I am not a summer person. I am a winter and autumn person. And as long as it's playing by the rules, then sometimes a spring person. I like rainy days, snowy footsteps, and layers of blankets. I can't stand heat and sweat, and those days where you feel too hot even in your birthday suit. And whilst I cant' say Hannah has converted me (that would be a miracle) she has provided a good argument as to how the warmer months can positively impact upon our environment and wildlife. I will admit though, watching a family of deer or listening to birdsong in the dry and warm is more pleasant than in the lashing rain and freezing cold. But she's given enough time to all seasons of the year, each given their own personal value.
I think this is a good book for almost everyone. Whether you're a nature lover or a photographer, a newbie or old-hand, a reader, a reading newcomer, an artist, the old, young, and in between. It has something for all. It's not too technical or too showy. It doesn't try to be smarter than it is. This means it is easy to read and enjoyable. You learn a lot but it doesn't feel like work. It's interesting and fun and gorgeous and I can see this being on a lot of people's wishlist this year.
July 22, 2024
Hannah Stitfall takes us on a journey of the wildlife in Cornwall that she has encountered throughout the years.
Hannah did a fantastic job writing such a beautiful book, and it clearly shows her appreciation of nature, its conservation, and everything that comes with it. I thought the monthly format and each animal within that month having a chapter dedicated to them were nice touches. I also found it a nice touch that she didn't only talk about the animal she was hoping to encounter but many others she encountered along the way, no matter how small they were.
I loved that she didn't immediately give what animal she had gone to see but slowly built up to it, leaving you guessing and wondering what creature she could be describing. I was amazed that she didn't just write about the animals that she encountered but also talked about the flora. That shows she immensely appreciates the natural world and how they all rely on each other for success.
Hannah takes some beautiful photos. Her photography skills, which must come with the job, are exceptional. Maybe it would have been nicer to have seen the photograph with the chapter of the animal she had described, but that's just me nitpicking.
Overall, Hannah did a fantastic job with this book, and her dedication and love for what she does shows. It would be amazing to join her on one of her adventures to witness wildlife in the wild, but I'm not sure many have the dedication to wake up before dawn or venture out in all weather to do so.
Hannah did a fantastic job writing such a beautiful book, and it clearly shows her appreciation of nature, its conservation, and everything that comes with it. I thought the monthly format and each animal within that month having a chapter dedicated to them were nice touches. I also found it a nice touch that she didn't only talk about the animal she was hoping to encounter but many others she encountered along the way, no matter how small they were.
I loved that she didn't immediately give what animal she had gone to see but slowly built up to it, leaving you guessing and wondering what creature she could be describing. I was amazed that she didn't just write about the animals that she encountered but also talked about the flora. That shows she immensely appreciates the natural world and how they all rely on each other for success.
Hannah takes some beautiful photos. Her photography skills, which must come with the job, are exceptional. Maybe it would have been nicer to have seen the photograph with the chapter of the animal she had described, but that's just me nitpicking.
Overall, Hannah did a fantastic job with this book, and her dedication and love for what she does shows. It would be amazing to join her on one of her adventures to witness wildlife in the wild, but I'm not sure many have the dedication to wake up before dawn or venture out in all weather to do so.
May 17, 2024
For me this isn’t a book to read all in one go. As it says on the front cover this is a year with Cornwall’s wildlife and consequently it is written month by month.
I always have this “thing” with any book written in a yearly diary format in that I read the chapters that are relevant to the current time of year. It was the same with “Wild Treasures”. As the book arrived in April I have read the all the chapters up to May , taking delight in the different encounters Hannah has come across in the first four months of the year. It made me look in more detail as to what was going on around me in the natural environment that I live in , the anticipation of looking out for the first swallow returning, yearning for the first cuckoo call and nearly falling over my feet when I heard the first Bittern boom of the year in a local nature reserve.
What this book does is highlight the importance of nature and the wildlife that inhabit it , whether it is all year or transiently depending on the month and the migration timetables.
Whatever your choice as to how you read this treasure trove of wildlife, take it slowly and appreciate the changes as the year progresses.
If Hannah decides to write a follow up to Wild Treasures I would like it to incorporate more photographs, possibly for each month of the year.
I always have this “thing” with any book written in a yearly diary format in that I read the chapters that are relevant to the current time of year. It was the same with “Wild Treasures”. As the book arrived in April I have read the all the chapters up to May , taking delight in the different encounters Hannah has come across in the first four months of the year. It made me look in more detail as to what was going on around me in the natural environment that I live in , the anticipation of looking out for the first swallow returning, yearning for the first cuckoo call and nearly falling over my feet when I heard the first Bittern boom of the year in a local nature reserve.
What this book does is highlight the importance of nature and the wildlife that inhabit it , whether it is all year or transiently depending on the month and the migration timetables.
Whatever your choice as to how you read this treasure trove of wildlife, take it slowly and appreciate the changes as the year progresses.
If Hannah decides to write a follow up to Wild Treasures I would like it to incorporate more photographs, possibly for each month of the year.
April 29, 2024
This is a stunning book with a beautiful cover and gorgeous wildlife photos.
Hannah Stitfall talks you through her Cornish wildlife finds for every month of the year and I found it fascinating. I learnt so much about the wildlife in the UK.
A lovely non-fiction read which tells you all about our wildlife - we may not have tigers and elephants but we have our own fair share of curious creatures.
Hannah Stitfall talks you through her Cornish wildlife finds for every month of the year and I found it fascinating. I learnt so much about the wildlife in the UK.
A lovely non-fiction read which tells you all about our wildlife - we may not have tigers and elephants but we have our own fair share of curious creatures.
May 1, 2024
What a lovely adventure this was!
Written beautifully Hannah Stitfall takes us on an unforgettable journey through each month and what she experienced and seen as a wildlife photographer. I decided to listen the audiobook since the author narrated it and it was truly an incredible story.
If you love nature and animals I can guarantee you’ll absolutely love this book!
Written beautifully Hannah Stitfall takes us on an unforgettable journey through each month and what she experienced and seen as a wildlife photographer. I decided to listen the audiobook since the author narrated it and it was truly an incredible story.
If you love nature and animals I can guarantee you’ll absolutely love this book!
July 21, 2024
I give Wild Treasures an excellent top marks of 5⭐ an enthusiastic look at the life of a wildlife photographer from someone who lives and breathes what she does. This book will definitely inspire you to get out and appreciate what is around you. A definite recommendation from me.
July 18, 2024
Beautifully written. I was very lucky to be able to read this whilst in Cornwall.
May 27, 2024
Full review on my blog: https://www.pagetostagereviews.com/20...
Hannah Stitfall's writing is really absorbing. As soon as I opened the pages of this wonderful tome of nature writing, I was transported to the Cornish countryside, journeying alongside her and Isabelle in search of magical wildlife moments. I had no idea that there was such a huge variety of animal and plant life in such a small part of the world – and I found the book extremely educational and enlightening. I was particularly impressed that Hannah managed to talk about so many different species across the year, and the book wasn't just centred on those months where animals are more out and about rather than in hibernation. She really shows that there's always a "wild treasure" to be found – as long as you keep your eyes open and pay attention to your surroundings.
I also loved the inclusion of colour photography in the book, although I wish they were inserted at those points where Hannah talked about that particular species. There were encounters she described so wonderfully for which the photos weren't included and then there were images of animals I didn't remember reading about in the book (although they may have been there, just much earlier on).
Hanna's writing is very descriptive and I loved how detailed and clearly passionate she was about the various animals covered in her book – I do love a nature fun fact! However, I did feel slightly confused at times as every section started with a vague description so the reader has to guess what animal that chapter would be about, before the inevitable reveal. This would've been fun to add anticipation occasionally, especially for the rarer encounters, but it made for a slightly confusing reading experience when there were several pages of descriptions and facts first before knowing which animal is actually being talked about.
This particular stylistic choice aside I was really impressed with the amount of delightful wildlife encounters packed in this beautifully little hardback. While I don't have the knowledge, equipment, or tenacity of Hannah to witness many of these animals so up close in the wild myself, I do feel that through the pages of Wild Treasures I've also experienced some of that wildlife magic. Next time I go to Cornwall I will keep my eyes firmly open for kingfishers, beavers, and "sea bunnies" – and, who knows, I might get lucky!
Hannah Stitfall's writing is really absorbing. As soon as I opened the pages of this wonderful tome of nature writing, I was transported to the Cornish countryside, journeying alongside her and Isabelle in search of magical wildlife moments. I had no idea that there was such a huge variety of animal and plant life in such a small part of the world – and I found the book extremely educational and enlightening. I was particularly impressed that Hannah managed to talk about so many different species across the year, and the book wasn't just centred on those months where animals are more out and about rather than in hibernation. She really shows that there's always a "wild treasure" to be found – as long as you keep your eyes open and pay attention to your surroundings.
I also loved the inclusion of colour photography in the book, although I wish they were inserted at those points where Hannah talked about that particular species. There were encounters she described so wonderfully for which the photos weren't included and then there were images of animals I didn't remember reading about in the book (although they may have been there, just much earlier on).
Hanna's writing is very descriptive and I loved how detailed and clearly passionate she was about the various animals covered in her book – I do love a nature fun fact! However, I did feel slightly confused at times as every section started with a vague description so the reader has to guess what animal that chapter would be about, before the inevitable reveal. This would've been fun to add anticipation occasionally, especially for the rarer encounters, but it made for a slightly confusing reading experience when there were several pages of descriptions and facts first before knowing which animal is actually being talked about.
This particular stylistic choice aside I was really impressed with the amount of delightful wildlife encounters packed in this beautifully little hardback. While I don't have the knowledge, equipment, or tenacity of Hannah to witness many of these animals so up close in the wild myself, I do feel that through the pages of Wild Treasures I've also experienced some of that wildlife magic. Next time I go to Cornwall I will keep my eyes firmly open for kingfishers, beavers, and "sea bunnies" – and, who knows, I might get lucky!
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