The latest book from Caithness-based Whittles Publishing is all about reconnecting with nature – set against the backdrop of the Scottish capital and its surroundings.
Wild Places, Wild Encounters: Exploring Edinburgh’s Living Landscapes is written by Glen Cousquer, a naturalist, photographer, outdoor educator, wilderness guide, mountain guide and lecturer.
It includes nature-based walks in and around Edinburgh and the Lothians, while also providing ecological and historical details.
In the foreword, author and naturalist Mark Cocker says: “This book is both a guide to how we should live in nature and recognise our deep obligations, and a guide to the riches of a city’s wildlife. In that respect it is groundbreaking.”
As a lecturer in conservation medicine and One Health at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Cousquer “supports professionals to learn how to work together across disciplines to achieve optimal health for people, other animals and the environment.”
Whittles Publishing, based in Dunbeath, says: “This book is about reconnecting with nature, wherever we live, and the personal benefits that can come from doing so.
“It explores how we can value the nature on our doorstep in line with the latest research from a range of disciplines including ecology, outdoor and environmental education, learning for sustainability and mindfulness studies.
“This is done through a mix of encounter-based photography, connection with nature and reading the landscape.”
Wild Places, Wild Encounters: Exploring Edinburgh’s Living Landscapes (£18.99, paperback) is illustrated with 14 maps and 250 photographs.