The Meadow

Description

The traditional hay meadows of Britain abound with visual delights. Hundreds of plant species, mesmeric mixtures of colour, are interspersed with tumbling butterflies, stooping dragonflies and the flight of birds. In Clattinger Farm, probably the finest remaining example in Britain, orchids create vast carpets whilst nightingales sing night time melodies from heavy blackthorn hedgerows. The Meadow takes you on a journey through the forms, colours and patterns of this precious place. The result of recording the changing seasons for over three years, it reveals an astonishing diversity of species. With an emphasis on Barney Wilczak's outstanding photographs, the book includes short and informative texts on orchids, fritillaries, birds, insects, seeds and maintenance, and a foreword by chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts Stephanie Hilborne. The grasslands of the world rank as one of our most important habitats, yet are surprisingly uncelebrated. This is especially true in Europe, despite the long role they have played in our history and image of rural life.
These habitats have endured severe losses in recent years, largely a result of changing farming practices; this splendid book champions the importance of saving whole habitats and rethinking our relationship to biodiversity.

Reviews

The stunning photography will inspire you to lace up your walking shoes and explore the great outdoors. Daily Mail A visual celebration of the subtle charms of English meadow plants through the seasons. BBC Gardens Illustrated Meadows are a rich source of beautiful photography, it seems. This pleasant little book explores all the interesting little details that make up such colourful and diverse landscapes. The images are absorbing and beautifully reproduced, making this worth your attention. Amateur Photographer Magical portraits of the seasons unfolding in a Malmesbury wildflower meadow. Chippenham, Calne & Corsham Gazette & Herald The Meadow is exquisite and captivating. Wilczak's alluring images are a wonderful mix of instantly recognisable classic summer meadow shots, tender representations of diverse plant life, and dazzling macro photography that captures the vibrancy and dynamism of the ecosystem. Outdoor Photography In his book of beautiful photography, Barney Wilczak looks at three years in the life of a wiltshire meadow. The resulting images reveal an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna and changing weather conditions. Image Interiors 3* Stunning photographs recording the seasonal changes in an English Meadow at Clattinger Farm. Glorious. The Lady Capturing the beauty and diversity of possibly the finest traditional hay meadow in Britain. The Countryman An inspirational evocation of a very special place and habitat. The English Garden In the age of the Kindle, we have to hold on to handsome, tangible books, especially those that display expert photography as beautifully as this one... It is the sheer brilliance of the images that leaves the lasting impression, and there is no doubt but that the printed page does these images justice. No e-book could ever compare. House & Garden A collection of striking photographs capturing the beauty and diversity of possibly the finest traditional hay meadow. The Countryman Full of inspiring pictures...We have lost 97 per cent of our lowland meadows under the plough so we must preserve the rest for the future and make more Oxford Times Thrilling close-ups of life in the meadows The Times A wonderful celebration of the beauty and diversity of the English meadow Limited Edition

Author description

Barney Wilczak is a nature photographer based in the Cotswolds. A passion for natural history and a concern for how we can address our relationship with it drive his work. His photographs and stories are widely published and his work has been recognised in competition, including 3rd place in the prestigious European Nature Photographer of the Year Fritz Polking Junior award.