Over the past decade, wildlife author and photographer Paul Sterry has nurtured, both through action and by doing nothing, what has become a small island of flourishing biodiversity in the half-acre garden that surrounds his north Hampshire cottage. By giving nature a free hand, and fostering habitats appropriate to this part of southeast England, he has enabled an abundance of native plant and animal species to call the garden home. This contrasts with the continued decline in biodiversity in the surrounding countryside. In this inspiring and informative book, Sterry tells the story of his own experiences in biodiversity gardening and offers detailed practical advice to anyone who wants to give nature the upper hand on their own bit of land, no matter how small.
Hampshire still retains traces of its rich wildlife heritage, but changes in land use over the past half-century have had a devastating impact on local biodiversity. Against this backdrop, The Biodiversity Gardener presents a habitat-driven and evidence-based approach, describing how any gardener can unlock the wildlife potential of their plot and enjoy the satisfaction of watching it become home to a rich array of native species, including butterflies, wildflowers, grasshoppers, amphibians, and fungi.
In The Biodiversity Gardener, Sterry explains the ecological imperative of adopting this approach. Collectively, biodiversity gardens could leave a lasting legacy—wildlife oases from which future generations stand a fighting chance of restoring Britain’s natural heritage. The book encourages and empowers readers to create their own biological inheritance for posterity—and shows them how they can do it.
Awards and Recognition
- BirdWatching Magazine Book of the Month
Paul Sterry is a bestselling wildlife author and photographer whose many books include Field Guide to Coastal Wildflowers of Britain, Ireland and Northwest Europe; Birds of Eastern North America; and Birds of Western North America (all Princeton).
"A fascinating and inspiring account of the incredible diversity of life to be found in a single garden. Lavishly illustrated with beautiful photographs."—Dave Goulson
"Beautifully written, with stunning pictures and information on species and the range of fauna they help to maintain, Paul Sterry’s book is indispensable."—Plantlife
"Sterry’s astounding, well-captioned and numerous photographs enhance his beautifully designed book's other role as a comprehensive scientific manual on practical biodiversity gardening, for every one."—Joanne O’Brien, Geographical
"This book is nothing less than a call to arms which puts wildlife firmly centre stage."—Brett Westwood, British Wildlife Magazine
"Clearly a book borne from great passion – a real labour of love."—Matt Phelps, Birdwatch Magazine
"A great book for the gardener who wants to create a sustainable home for a wide range of wildlife."—John Miles, Birdwatching
"A superb book every self-respecting gardener should possess."—English Garden Magazine
"[This book] it encourages readers to understand the ecological complexity of the environment, while exploring ways to do good. . . . The book offers a systematic approach to understanding the fundamentals and subtleties of what makes our valuable green spaces tick. It is a meaty, comprehensive guide to biodiversity and one of those books that you’ll find you’re referring to time and time again."—Lee Senior, Towpath Talk
"[May] be the most important work [Paul Sterry] has ever written."—David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds
"I love Paul’s honesty and passion for nature, and this book has gone straight into my top 5 – maybe top 3 – books for wildlife gardening."—Sarah Wilson, Roots and All
"If you read and inwardly digest [the book’s] messages then you will emerge as a better gardener for wildlife, a better observer and recorder of wildlife and better informed about why things are as they are in the wider countryside. The book is well written and beautifully illustrated."—Mark Avery, Mark Avery Blog
"Sterry is worth reading for a fresh take on almost every aspect of wildlife gardening. . . . His book is the perfect guide to whatever turns up . . . a comprehensive guide to all the wildlife that you might encounter in your garden, accompanied by the author’s own excellent photographs."—Ken Thompson, Professional Gardeners' Guild Magazine
"Although this book is set in Europe, its relevance is global. . . . I absolutely guarantee you will learn an amazing amount from this well designed, informative and lavishly illustrated book."—Geoff Carpentier, North Durham Nature Newsletter
