Author, photographer and conservationist Paul Sterry selects from his library some of his favourite and formative reads. Paul’s latest book, The Biodiversity Gardener, is out now
• Cannery Row
by John Steinbeck (1945)
Set in California during the Great Depression, this book takes an unflinching yet compassionate look at human nature during hard times. It resonates through time with relevance to today.
• High and Low
by John Betjeman (1966)
Betjeman may not be everyone’s cup of tea as a poet, but he is mine. This is the sort of book I dip into every now and then, especially when I feel the need to re-read his savage poetic parody Harvest Hymn.
• Mapp and Lucia
by EF Benson (1931)
One in a series of novels, this is a light-hearted but wickedly funny critique of human nature and sensibilities in middle-class 1920s England. Readers will find parallels with the modern day and among all walks of life.
• A Buzz in the Meadow
by Dave Goulson (2014)
If you’re interested in wildlife recovery and restoration, then anything and everything written by Goulson is worth a read.
• Green and Prosperous Land
by Dieter Helm (2019)
Should be compulsory reading for any political movers and shakers who might influence government policy and societal attitudes towards the countryside and the food we eat.
• Feral
by George Monbiot (2013)
Monbiot is an intellectual heavyweight with an engaging and light-touch style of writing. This thought-provoking book offers a vision of how we could and should live our lives.
• Wilding
by Isabella Tree (2019)
Countless books offer blueprints for our future relationships with the countryside and the natural world. If one title had to be singled out as inspirational, then this is it.
• Silent Spring
by Rachel Carson (1962)
One of the most important environmental books ever written. It brought to public attention the catastrophic destruction of wildlife through the use of pesticides and was the inspirational catalyst that forced change.
Read our review of The Biodiversity Gardener by Paul Sterry
