In an increasingly busy world, it is important to give time to reconnect with nature and appreciate what is on the doorstep.
Relaxing the mind is vital to keep the brain healthy and expert turned author, Dr Glen Cousquer has brought out the ideal book to start the process in a place he loves.
Exploring Edinburgh’s Living Landscapes not only features carefully researched nature walks in and around Scotland’s capital, but also provides rich ecological and historical detail to help the reader learn the landscape.
Dr Cousquer reveals how we can appreciate the natural world on our doorstep in line with the latest research from a range of disciplines, including ecology, outdoor and environmental education, learning for sustainability and mindfulness studies.
This is achieved by a blend of encounter-based photography, connection with nature and reading the landscape. As Dr Cousquer says:
“There has been a tendency for people to lose contact with nature. The industrial growth society generated a catalogue of ecological disasters including acid rain, the hole in the ozone layer, the sixth mass extinction and climate collapse. Slowly, we are waking up to the fact that this society is fundamentally extractive and exploitative, and the burden of costs has shifted onto the environment and future generations.
“In appreciating and understanding the enormity of this crisis, we risk compounding it with the mental health crisis that is sweeping the globe. Healing that relationship requires us to slow down and to seek reconnection with nature which can help revitalise and sustain us.
“Life passes by all too fast when we are oblivious to nature’s presence and are unable to be fully involved in nature. Wild Places, Wild Encounters provides the means to break this cycle. The book’s essence is essentially about reconnecting with and learning to relate to nature as explored in these wanderings through the green heart of Scotland’s capital city and the wild nature reserves of the Lothians. Nature is still there, all around us.”
With 250 photographs and 14 maps, this softback book is an excellent learning tool for those who want to rest, relax and reconnect with nature.
Published: 28th June 2024
UK Price: £18.99
ISBN: 978-184995-571-3
Format: 240 x 170mm, Softback
Pages: 256 pages, 14 maps and 250 photographs
Wild Places, Wild Encounters – Exploring Edinburgh’s Living Landscape
By Glen Cousquer
Published by Whittles Publishing
Wild Places, Wild Encounters is available to buy via the Whittles Publishing website and at Waterstones.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photograph and book cover image courtesy of Whittles Publishing
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