Ben Eagle

2019 – a year of change

You’ll have to forgive me for the selfish nature of this post. Originally, I thought about doing my usual ‘review of the year in the countryside’ with news on everything from TB to rural crime, HS2, the weather and the impact of Brexit and the election. However, I thought I would review my own yearContinueContinue reading “2019 – a year of change”

Book Review – The Hidden World of the Fox – by Adele Brand

The fox is one of those charismatic species that attracts strong opinions, especially in the countryside, but as they are also increasingly, if not more, visible in urban areas, from people in towns and cities as well. Ecologist Adele Brand, the author of this enjoyable and very readable book, clearly has a great intrigue withContinueContinue reading “Book Review – The Hidden World of the Fox – by Adele Brand”

Book Review – Letters to the Earth – introduced by Emma Thompson

Earlier this year the group Culture Declares Emergency invited the British public to put pen to paper and write a letter to the Earth. The invitation was open to all – to think beyond the human narrative and bear witness to the scale of the climate crisis. Over 1000 people wrote letters of love, grief,ContinueContinue reading “Book Review – Letters to the Earth – introduced by Emma Thompson”

Book Review – Bloom – by Ruth Kassinger

Writing 339 pages about algae is an impressive feat (including recipes, but excluding bibliography and index). What is even more impressive however is making a subject that might stereotypically be met with groans or raised eyebrows engaging. Algae is fascinating and I knew very little about it before reading this book. I have come toContinueContinue reading “Book Review – Bloom – by Ruth Kassinger”

Book Review – Wintering – by Stephen Rutt

The autumn and winter is greeted here on the Essex coast with flocks of Dark Bellied Brent Geese, overwintering to escape the harsh realities of their Siberian breeding grounds. The sounds of these majestic birds throng the air and for me are a clear association with my sense of place. I might complain that theyContinueContinue reading “Book Review – Wintering – by Stephen Rutt”