RSPB farm wildlife handbooks

[Steve Pollard]

Farming & Wildlife - A practical handbook for the management, restoration and creation of wildlife habitats on farmland

Exactly as the title suggests, this large book covers all aspects of wildlife conservation on farms - from the habitat requirements of fritillary butterflies in woodland, to pond creation and bumblebees in arable margins, as well as a 40 page chapter on pastures and meadows. While it may not be as glossy as newer books, its advice is dependable and practical, and there are ideas for all landowners who want to do something for wildlife - especially within the case studies which show what is possible, where there is enthusiasm or incentives.

358 pages, 1994, Out of print, but usually still available on Ebay.

[Steve Pollard]

The Farm Wildlife Handbook edited by Richard Winspear

A newer version of the previous RSPB handbook. While this A4 sized book is considerably thinner than its predecessor, it's a lot glossier, with colour photos distributed throughout. The format, rather than being organised by habitat, is instead organised by wildlife type, such as seed-eating birds, grasshoppers and bush-crickets, and small mammals. There is also a dedicated 8-page chapter on Plants of native or semi-natural grassland, which has some good advice on management for meadow owners. A very good book.