📖 Deeper into the Wood by Ruth Pavey

  

I am delighted to be the first blog opening this blog tour today

Duckworth Books
27 May 2021

My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book
and to Random Things Tours for the invitation to the blog tour

Over twenty years ago, Ruth Pavey bought four acres of scrub woodland above the Somerset Levels and set out to improve the lush haven for birds, insects and all manner of wildlife. Beneath the shade of the trees she spent two decades planting, she now reflects on the fate of her wood.

As steward, she has witnessed nature’s forces shifting and the abundance of species dwindling rapidly. When the rabbits suddenly vanished, she knew it was time to take a closer look at the undergrowth and what she could do to preserve the legacy of the wood for generations to come.

Deeper Into the Wood recounts a year in the life of an amateur naturalist working with wildlife experts to interpret the language of the land. Ruth’s hand-drawn illustrations accompany her lyrical prose, which demonstrates an appreciation for the local people and their history. This is one woman’s story of inspiration, conservation, and a love of place.

📖 My thoughts..

I love strolling through woodland areas, there's something intensely comforting about the closeness of the trees, the musky scent of the undergrowth, and of watching wildlife and nature in beautiful, natural surroundings, We are so lucky in the UK to have our ancient woodlands but they are places to be cherished and looked after and as Ruth Pavey discovered flora and fauna are under threat like never before.

Twenty years ago Ruth Pavey purchased four acres of rough woodland in Somerset and whilst she has done her best to ensure that the land continues to flourish, she has, over the years, seen different changes to the landscape. It was when she noticed the lack of rabbits that she became worried as this was indicative of problems within the habitat and, of course, the is always the ever present threat of disease.

Deeper into the Woods explores the authors strong affection for the land of which she is just the present custodian and cleverly takes us through the different seasons from New Year, right the way through the year to Winter Solstice. The expertly shared information makes this such an interesting book to read and as we go deeper into the wood, we learn, not just about the history of the land but also about the trees, plants and animals who all make this woodland their home.

There is an intimacy to the book which is highlighted by personal thoughts, reflections, bits of folklore and also by the author's own rather special line drawings of trees, flowers and animals which give the book a rustic charm. I especially loved how two ancient apple trees, which alerted the author to the fact that the woodland had once been an orchard, reminded her of an Arthur Rackham illustration, and so were appropriately named as AR1 and AR2. 

Whilst Deeper into the Woods is a lovely book for anyone who loves nature and who wants to know more about the problems facing natural habitats, it is also a fascinating insight into the love of one person for the land and of her desire, whilst she is the current custodian, to make it prosper and thrive for future generations.

About the Author

Ruth Pavey is the Gardening Correspondent for the Ham & High ( Hampstead and Highgate Express). She attended Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art , and a selection if her illustrated works appear in her books. Pavey has reviewed books and written features for publications including the Observer, Guardian, NewStatestman, and even enjoyed forty plus years of teaching in Inner London, she still live there surrounded by plants, books, friend, a cello and three cats, whilst making frequent trips to the wood in Somerset.

Twitter @Duckbooks #RuthPavey #DeeperIntoTheWood

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