Iolo Williams is probably the best known naturalist in Wales, and respected by everyone for his wide-ranging knowledge of wildlife. His TV appearances are marked by his friendly delivery and accurately incisive content. I recall good evidence of his knowledge and wildlife skills all over the world from Scotland to South Georgia in the southern hemisphere, but his passion, experience and deepest expertise is reserved for his home country, Wales.

This is not to say that the book is useful only in a Welsh context, since in terms of habitats, climate and topography Wales is a microcosm of the British Islands. This book reflects Williams's most amiable and laudable characteristics. TV pictures are replaced by superb images which have been carefully chosen, no doubt from a long list of thousands, by numerous photographers, whilst his chatty style is both informative and attractive.

Books like this can so easily end up being a potentially boring list of species, but Williams has avoided that trap with some elegant prose and his trademark ecological insights. Many species are, indeed, listed – the characteristic mammals, birds, insects and other invertebrates of each of these varied ecosystems – but their interactions and ecological significance are also well explained.

I am very familiar with many of the forty sites chosen, but the book has taught me something new about every one of them. Whether you are a professional or amateur naturalist, or just have an interested curiosity regarding your surroundings, Williams’s list of sites spread evenly over the whole country could hardly be bettered. Of course, we all have our favourite places, but it would be hard to argue that Williams's choices are inappropriate, and it is good to see them from his unique and personal perspective.

Some maps of the individual reserves would have been a useful addition, but perhaps their inclusion would not be justified in these days of instant access to maps on electronic media. A useful feature is the directions for finding the sites, some of which are quite remote. These directions are generally very good, but you may need to re-check these before your visit, especially if this is your preferred way of locating yourself!

This is a beautifully produced volume that should grace the shelves of anyone fond of countryside and nature. Williams suggests that you take the book with you when visiting these very special wild places. I think this is good advice, but you might prefer to keep it in the car, as it is rather heavy and cumbersome to carry around, and one wouldn't want to dirty such a lovely volume. It is a tempting proposition to visit every one of these exciting natural places, and I am sure this book will inspire a whole lot of potential naturalists, young and old. To cap it all, Williams is fond of a good café, and makes some useful recommendations!

Richard Hartnup

A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.