A Wood of One's Own - Hardcover

Pavey, Ruth

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0715652230 ISBN 13: 9780715652237

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Synopsis

'Delightful... Pavey writes with warmth and spirit, and brings this space to life' Penelope Lively 'Captivating and grounded... If this book was not as much a pleasure to write as it is to read, I'll eat my hat and gardening glove' Observer After years spent living amid the thrum of London, Ruth Pavey yearned to reconnect with the British countryside and she endeavoured to realise her long-held dream of planting a wood. Touring to the West Country in the late 1990s, Pavey found herself in the Somerset Levels. On seeing this expanse of reclaimed land under its wide, soft skies she was struck by its beauty and set-out to plant a wood, tree by tree. She bought four acres, and over the years transformed them into a haven where woodland plants and creatures could flourish an emblem of enduring life in a changeable world. A Wood of One's Own is the story of how she grew to understand and then shape this derelict land into an enduring legacy a verdant landscape rich with wildlife. Interwoven with Pavey's candid descriptions of the practical challenges she faced are forays into the Levels' local history, as well as thoughtful portraits of its inhabitants both past and present. Accompanied throughout by the author's evocative hand-drawn illustrations, A Wood of One's Own is a lyrical, beguiling and inspiring story; a potent reminder of nature's delicate balance, and its comforting and abiding presence.

About this title

About the Author

Ruth Pavey currently works at Tufnell Park Primary School, London, and is the Gardening Correspondent for the Ham & High (Hampstead and Highgate Express). She attended the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, Oxford and a selection of her illustrated works are included in this, her first book. Pavey has reviewed books and written features for publications including the Observer, Guardian, New Statesman, Crafts, and the Garden and was a contributor to BBC Radio 4's former arts programme, Kaleidoscope.

Review

Captivating... If this book was not as much a pleasure to write as it is to read, I'll eat my hat and gardening glove... Pavey s unassuming memoir celebrates the imperfections of rural life and the virtues of spontaneity... the non-bravura style makes this book attractively illustrated with Pavey s black-and-white sketches a winner' -- Kate Kellaway * Observer * `A delightful account... with intriguing digressions into local history and culture. [Pavey] writes with warmth and spirit, and brings this space to life in all its detail of plants, trees and wildlife' -- Penelope Lively `A lovely story - a super book' -- Steve Yabsley * BBC Radio Bristol and Somerset * `Draws together childhood memories, local history... and literary penumbra' * Sunday Telegraph * `A lyrical story of desire and determination, soft and gentle, warm and wise in a wicked world' * Camden New Journal * `Practical and full of helpful advice which has been artfully baked-in throughout. If someone asks you what you'd like for Christmas or a birthday don't hesitate to reply, "A Wood of one's own"' * Woodlands.co.uk *

Edition details

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
• ISBN 10: 0715652230
• ISBN 13: 9780715652237
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English