Struggling with climate-related anxiety? This book could offer relief from worries about viable solutions
In a time of climate and nature emergency, author Kate Bradbury invites readers on a journey through her garden in Portslade near Brighton, and beyond, in her latest book, "One Garden Against the World." Published by Bloomsbury Wildlife, this thought-provoking nature love story serves as a call to arms for action in gardens and allotments to help lifeforms survive.
Kate Bradbury, a wildlife gardening expert and writer, shares her sunny and infectious interactions with wildlife in her garden. Her partner, Emma, and their dog Tosca, join her in her life and environmental activism context, as depicted in the book.
Bradbury demonstrates a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of humans and wildlife, focusing on the existential crisis affecting various lifeforms such as hedgehogs, bees, frogs, and swifts. The book also features a community action group, Gulls Allowed, aimed at saving nesting seagulls, and a character named Drone Bastard who opposes these efforts.
"One Garden Against the World" is more than just a book; it's a personal mission for Bradbury to get robins to fledge in her garden for the first time in three years. Each chapter ends with practical tips on how to encourage specific lifeforms into a garden, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make a difference.
Bradbury expresses concern about the excessive use of plastic in gardens today and encourages readers to view themselves as part of nature, not separate from it. She believes that gardens can serve as educational platforms to teach others about the importance of coexisting with nature.
The book covers 15 months in Bradbury's garden and includes forays to other locations. It's not expected to fix climate change or biodiversity collapse, but it aims to provide a sense of purpose in helping. The author's hope is that the UK's 30 million garden custodians will realise their potential to make a difference in helping wildlife and biodiversity.
"One Garden Against the World" (ISBN: 978-1399408868) is a must-read for anyone who loves nature and wants to make a difference. It's a heartfelt plea for collective action and a testament to the power of individual efforts in the face of a global crisis.
