This book was simple, easy-to-read, and enlightening.I appreciated the photographs that brought the flora and fauna alive.

I love reading about ecosystems and this book made learn plenty about the ecosystem of a field in UK
It's detailed, well explained and easy to follow. I loved the gorgeous pictures and learned a lot about the life of any type of species that live in that specific ecosystem
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This book is extremely informative, giving details of the ecosystem of an arable field, including various animals, birds, trees, and plants. The relationship between the different members of the ecosystem is important in ensuring the continued survival of all species.

There is detailed analysis throughout as well as numerous photographs, and this would be a fabulous coffee table book as well as an essential purchase for school libraries.

I learned a great deal and not least about how several of these species are in decline, due largely to the eradication of key habitats that support many of the animals and plants described. It is vital that we keep these spaces free for nature to thrive and survive.

I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pen & Sword, in return for an honest appraisal.

The Secret Life of an Arable Field is an interesting nonfiction look at the hidden inter-dependencies of a cultivated field written by Sophie McCallum. Due out 30th Nov 2021 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Presented as a primer with bestiary and herbal entries arranged alphabetically by common name, they include animals, plants, fungi, insects, molluscs and other invertebrates. Each entry includes the common name, taxonomic nomenclature, physical and behavioural descriptions and interesting facts. The entries range from adder to yellowhammer.

The photography is amazing - detailed and in full colour. Not all the included entries contain photos, but most of them do. The book details a hypothetical field in the UK, so the species are indigenous to that area (some species have more widespread ranges and those are specified in the text).

This would be a good choice for public or school library or home use. Although it will certainly be interesting for younger readers, the text is not simplified, and will provide an engaging read for adults as well as middle grade and older.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This beautiful book looks at the interconnectedness of all living things in a typical English field. We learn about each species individually and how they all rely on each other for survival, taking away one species creates a disastrous domino effect. Gorgeous photographs are the icing on the cake in this must read for anyone interested in the preservation of life on our planet