Words from the Wildwood by Robert Gambles, £12

PLACE names were created by people who first established their homes in the woodlands covering much of the countryside in early medieval times. In his new book, Robert Gambles looks at the origins of these names as taken from nature. The human relationship between wildlife is explored from very early human existence to more prosperous days, where our need for food altered our relationship with the countryside. The diverse flora and fauna of our wildwood has altered considerably since our ancestors roamed the land and this is a rare chance to combine the old and the new in this brilliant and insightful book.

CAROLINE REECE

WATERSTONES KENDAL