What can one Welsh hill farm tell us about how we can help nature to thrive? In recent times, farming has often been viewed as harmful to nature and the environment, causing friction between those wanting to protect wildlife and the farmers whose livelihoods depend on upon the land. Conservationists and governments frequently propose well-meaning ideas and policies to enable farming and conservation to work together, but all-too-often these do not have the intended results. At the heart of this is a lack of understanding about the realities of farming life and managing the land for nature. In this captivating debut, conservationist David Elias explores a farm in the Snowdonia National Park and unpacks what it shows us about the gritty reality of trying to reconcile hill farming and caring for nature. Visiting through the seasons, he forms a deep relationship with the land and the people who work it, coming to understand their particular way of life, history and concerns about the future. It is also a farm rich in nature and he brings his experienced eye to how its habitats and wildlife have been shaped by changing farming practices over the generations. Through lyrical prose and first-hand conversations with farmers, Elias also shows what current government policies have achieved - or not achieved - and why it is so important for us to understand what it really takes ensure farming families remain on the land while simultaneously allowing nature to flourish.

'As entertaining as it is engrossing' John Banville 'Enlightening, delightful' Arthur der Weduwen, author of The Library Why don’t eleven and twelve end in –teen? The rest of our counting system sits in neatly arithmetical sets of ten, so why do these two rulebreakers seem so at odds with the numbers that follow them? Admittedly, that’s probably a question that might never have occurred to you. But if you’re even remotely interested in the origins and oddities of language, it’s likely also a question you’re now intrigued to know the answer to. Nor is it the only question: take a moment to think about how our language operates and even more spring mind. Why do these letters look the way they do? Why are some uppercase and others lowercase? Why are these words in this order? How are you understanding what these seemingly arbitrary shapes and symbols mean, while doubtless hearing them read to you in a voice inside your head? And what is this question mark really doing at this end of this sentence? Books explaining the origins of our most intriguing words and phrases have long proved popular, but they often overlook the true nuts and bolts of language: the origins of our alphabet and writing system; grammatical rules and conventions; the sound structure of language; and even how our brains and bodies interpret and communicate language itself. Why Is This a Question? is a fascinating and enlightening exploration of linguistic questions you’ve likely never thought to ask. ‘Every page will make you stop, think and wonder.’ James Hawes, author of The Shortest History of England ‘Enthralling, with a riveting “who knew?� moment on nearly every page.’ Caroline Taggart, author of Humble Pie and Cold Turkey

  A high-energy, laugh-out-loud, fully illustrated adventure story by much-loved actor Stephen Mangan and talented artist Anita Mangan.  Grumpy old King Chisel has a problem. He needs an heir to his kingdom - fast! So he challenges the best kids from across the country to compete in the Crown Duels, with the ultimate winner becoming king or queen. Step forward: GLORIA SQUAT-FURTHER: champion athlete HUXLEY BEELINE: mathematical genius JONNY MOULD: artistic ace GOSSAMER FOUNTAIN: empathy expert HARRY SPONGE: ordinary boy. Not to be underestimated... The ridiculous prime minister, Farting Bernie, is in charge and the contest swiftly descend into chaos. Who will rise to the top and survive wild sabotaging, saggy royal pants, the most disgusting meal ever invented, and a pair of frisky goats? The wildly funny, brilliantly silly adventure from the bestselling author and illustrator of Escape the Rooms and The Fart That Changed the World. Wildly funny, delightfully imaginative storytelling with a message that any kid can be a hero! Packed with pictures by Stephen Mangan's sister Anita Mangan.   Escape the Rooms and The Fart That Changed the World have been huge bestsellers: Stephen and Anita are comic dynamite.   Praise for Stephen and Anita's books: Escape the Rooms: "A brilliant, clever, kind of genius book" Graham Norton, Virgin Radio 'Richly imagined and deeply heartfelt' Hadley Freeman, Guardian 'Manages to feel both classic and modern at the same time' Good Housekeeping 'A beautiful and exciting adventure that ignites the imagination' Edith Bowman   The Fart That Changed the World "A sure-fire way for kids to entertain themselves. What’s more, it’s also excellent for reading aloud" LoveReading4Kids "Laugh-out-loud stuff" Ray D’Arcy "A high-energy, brilliantly imaginative and laugh-out-loud tale that is guaranteed to blow away young readers" Lancashire Evening Post   The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge “After the runaway success of joint debut novel, Escape the Rooms, and the hilarious The Fart That Changed the World, the dynamic duo return with an all-action, marvellously manic and laugh-out-loud tale with a message that any child can be a hero� Lancashire Evening Post "hilarious ... A right royal romp" First News   ABOUT THE MANGANS Stephen Mangan is an author, script-writer and actor with huge range across TV, radio, film and theatre. From classic comedy such as Green Wing, Episodes and I'm Alan Partridge and acclaimed drama such as The Split, Stephen also presents Portrait and Landscape Artist of the Year and regularly appears on stage, most recently as a highly praised Ebeneezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Stephen also voiced the title role in Postman Pat: The Movie. He has been a member of the judging panels for the Costa Book of the Year prize and The Laugh-Out-Loud Awards (The Lollies). His children's books are the bestselling Escape the Rooms and The Fart that Changed the World. Stephen on writing for children (interview on ITV's Lorraine): “Every page has to grip them, make them laugh, be interesting because they can drop it. There are screens everywhere that they can pick up. That’s part of the reason why I started writing books because I had such fun as a kid reading books. I always had my head in a book. I wanted to write books that were unputdownable for children, that were full of adventure and crazy big characters and made them laugh.� Anita Mangan is a celebrated graphic designer and illustrator who has designed over 60 books including for Leon Restaurants, Gizzi Erskine and Fearne Cotton. She illustrated the best-selling Be a Unicorn series. Her first children's book was the bestselling Escape the Rooms.  

This conveniently sized guide is an invaluable point of reference for all walkers. Written by an author with a wealth of experience teaching navigation skills, it provides a clear and comprehensive guide to the key techniques - giving you the confidence to navigate successfully with map and compass and to plan and execute your own routes. All topics are clearly referenced and easy to find. Chapters cover scales and grids, map symbols and contours, compasses, bearings, navigation on the hill, route planning and night and bad weather navigation. This new edition also incorporates new content on walking with a GPS device, with notes on how technology can complement map and compass. The text is illustrated with explanatory photos and diagrams as well as extracts from real maps and map keys, and - since the best way to learn is through experience - throughout the guide, practical exercises are suggested to help you practise and develop your skills. Perfect both for novices seeking an introduction to navigation and also those wishing to brush up on old skills, this book is an indispensable companion to mastering the essential techniques. These valuable skills will enhance not only your safety but also your enjoyment of the outdoors.

Herbs are rewarding and versatile plants. They are easy to grow and add colour, texture and fragrance to our gardens and food.

Jane’s Delicious A-Z of Herbs is a full colour, richly illustrated, hands-on guide to growing and using these productive plants. With a detailed and richly illustrated A-Z reference of 80 plus herbs, the book covers planting and growing, medicinal and culinary uses, as well as their many healing properties.

In her book, Jane shows you how to design and maintain your own herb garden. She also provides practical advice on how to propagate, harvest and preserve herbs, as well as useful tips on how to grow them in containers.

Meet 36 of southern Africa’s most common and interesting snakes in this lively and engaging kids’ guide. Discover the intriguing habits of snakes – where they live, how they hunt, what dangers they face, and how they protect themselves, all richly supported by more than 250 captivating photographs. A detailed introduction to many aspects of snake behaviour opens up the fascinating world of these widely misunderstood reptiles.

This is an up-to-date volume, organized for quick access to phrases related to greetings, transportation, shopping, emergencies, and other common circumstances. Over 700 entries include terms for modern telecommunications, idioms, and slang. Phonetic pronunciations also accompany phrases.

Six murders. One hundred pages. Millions of possible combinations… but only one is correct. Can you solve Torquemada’s murder mystery?

In 1934, the Observer’s cryptic crossword compiler, Edward Powys Mathers (aka Torquemada), released a novel that was simultaneously a murder mystery and the most fiendishly difficult literary puzzle ever written.

The pages have been printed in an entirely haphazard order, but it is possible – through logic and intelligent reading – to sort the pages into the only correct order, revealing six murder victims and their respective murderers.

Only three puzzlers have ever solved the mystery of Cain’s Jawbone: do you have what it takes to join their ranks?

Please note: this puzzle is extremely difficult and not for the faint-hearted.

As the nation launched into World War II, the North Carolina Shipbuilding Corporation began building the vessels to ensure victory. Although the brief life of the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company was surrounded by controversy, including location and labor disputes, some 243 Liberty- and Victory-class ships were built in Wilmington between 1942 and 1946 to bolster the United States Navy's World War II fleet. Author Ralph Lee Scott examines the impact of this shipyard and its effect on Wilmington's transformation from a sleepy post-Depression coastal town into a major state industrial center. Workers from around the Southeast pitched in and pulled together to build the ships that would help win the largest global conflict of the twentieth century.

Each Haynes manual provides specific and detailed instructions for performing everything from basic maintenance and troubleshooting to a complete overhaul of the machine, in this case the Honda CBR600RR, model years 2003 through 2006. Do-it-yourselfers will find this service and repair manual more comprehensive than the factory manual, making it an indispensable part of their tool box. A typical Haynes manual covers: general information; troubleshooting; lubrication and routine maintenance; engine top end; engine lower end; primary drive, clutch and external shift mechanism; transmission and internal shift mechanism; engine management system; electrical system; wheels, tires and drivebelt; front suspension and steering; rear suspension; brakes; body, and color wiring diagrams. An index makes the manual easy to navigate.

60 sunshine cocktails for spring and summer! From picnic punches to beachside margaritas, refreshing spritzes to berry brambles, Summer Sparklers offers 60 sunshine cocktails for spring and summer. Feel the sun warm your skin as you imbibe summertime sippers, including the Gin Daisy, Passion Fruit Daiquiri, Rhubarb & Lemongrass Fizz, Mint Julep, Bahama Mama, Cucumber and Lime Margarita, and more.

Canada is repeatedly ranked the world's most favourite tourist destination. And there's a lot of reasons why. It is a nation of vast, unspoiled wilderness, and yet you still get the feeling everyone still knows each other's name. It has a ton of bears. And maple syrup. And lakes. Great lakes, the best. And a handsome, competent Prime Minister. The Little Book of Canada – a compact companion stuffed to the Gills (a common Canadian surname, FYI) with so much fun stuff you'll pass your citizenship test with flying colours. This tiny tome celebrates almost everything that is unique, special, and 'nice' about Canada because, quite frankly, Canada deserves it more than any other place on earth. 'I believe the world needs more Canada.' Bono 'Canada is the essence of not being. Not English, not American, it is the mathematics of not being.' Mike Myers

Kunsprojekte met gemengde media kombineer tekstuur, lyn en kleur op 'n unieke manier deur middel van collage, gewysigde kuns en montage, en maak hierdie gewilde kunsvorm vir almal toeganklik. Die treffende laag-op-laagprojekte waarvoor tallose tegnieke gebruik word, sal jou inspireer om te eksperimenteer, en jou eie skeppingsdrang laat ontwaak. Die pragfoto's van die oorspronklike kunswerke is daar vir plesier en om van te leer. Die boek dien ook as 'n heerlike bron van ontwerp idees om jou skeppende selfvertroue 'n stewige hupstoot te gee al dink jy dat jy nie kan teken nie.

'Bracingly original' Kathryn Hughes, Guardian From Romney Marsh to the Danube Delta, North Carolina to the Bay of Bengal, Tom Blass explores swamps, marshes and wetlands - and the people who have made these twilit worlds their homes. Oozing with bad airs, boggarts and other spirits, the world's marshes and swamps are often seen as sinister, permanently twilit - and only partly of this earth. For centuries, they - and their inhabitants - have been the object of our distrust. We have tried to drain away their demons and tame them, destroying their fragile beauty, botany and birdlife, along with the carefully calibrated lives of those who have come to understand and thrive in them. In Swamp Songs, Tom Blass journeys through a series of such watery landscapes, from Romney Marsh to North Carolina, from Lapland to the Danube Delta and on to the Bay of Bengal, encountering those whose very existence has been shaped by wetlands, their myths and hidden histories. Here are tales of shepherds, smugglers and salt-gatherers; of mangroves and machismo, frogs and fishermen. And of carp soup, tiger gods, flamingos and floods. A dazzling exploration of lives lived on the fringes of civilisation, Swamp Songs is a vital reappraisal and vibrant celebration of people and environments closely intertwined.

Between soaring mountains, across arid deserts, parched plains and valleys of fruit orchards and olive groves, down glittering coastlines and along viaducts towering above plunging ravines... there is no better way to see Spain than by train. Rail enthusiast Tom Chesshyre, author of Slow Trains to Venice, Ticket to Ride and Tales from the Fast Trains, hits the tracks once again to take in the country through carriage windows on a series of clattering rides beyond the popular image of "holiday Spain" (although he stops by in Benidorm and Torremolinos too). From hidden spots in Catalonia, through the plains of Aragon and across the north coast to Santiago de Compostela, Chesshyre continues his journey via Madrid, the wilds of Extremadura, dusty mining towns, the cathedrals and palaces of Valencia and Granada, and finally to Seville, Andalusia's beguiling (and hot) capital. Encounters? Plenty. Mishaps? A lot. Happy Spanish days? All the way.