Track and Sign : A Guide to the Field Signs of Mammals and Birds of the UK

‘Never have I felt so connected to the natural world than when trailing . . . The direction of the wind is noted almost subconsciously, the alarm calls of birds are obvious and the track and sign of all the other animals, even insects, crossing your trail reveal themselves. It’s a strangely peaceful state where every sense seems to be stretched to the limit in a state of extreme concentration, and yet one feels completely relaxed and at peace. The whole of nature is revealed within an animal trail.’

John Rhyder explores the world of British mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians through their tracks and other signs, including scat, feeding, damage to trees, dens, beds and nests, providing a fully explained and illustrated guide to the natural world around us.

Following years of extensive research from one of the UK’s leading wildlife trackers, Track and Sign is illustrated with line drawings and photographs, making identification in the field effective and accurate for both the complete beginner and the expert naturalist.

John Rhyder is a naturalist, woodsman and wildlife tracker, both founder and Head Instructor at The Woodcraft School. He has also worked in arboriculture, conservation and habitat management and has been teaching since 1994. He is certified through CyberTracker conservation as a Senior Tracker, the highest level possible. He is the only person at this level and therefore the highest qualified wildlife tracker in Northern Europe. He is endorsed as an instructor in natural navigation techniques through Tristan Gooley and his school of natural navigation. He is regarded as one of the most experienced authorities in the field of bushcraft in the UK and his experience includes being appointed as chief instructor for Ray Mears. He lives in West Sussex.