This is a very special book. Not only is it a compendium of the diverse and wondrous flora of Teesdale, its pages are permeated with the deep love, devotion and dedication of one individual to a uniquely beautiful, biologically diverse place. For more than seventy remarkable years Margaret Bradshaw has toiled on behalf of Teesdale, and she is an inspiration to every naturalist who has ever laboured valiantly and thought of giving up. Don't!
You may not be familiar with Teesdale; many of us aren't, but the message of this book is universal, and no matter where your special patch of nature is, there are lessons to be learned from the tenacity of one committed individual. So much can be accomplished, as she proves time and time again. Even faced with the rapacious grasp of industry, single-minded in its pursuit of profit, resulting in the loss of vital components of Teesdale for the construction of a dam, Bradshaw remained strong in her advocacy for the preservation of biodiversity. She has worked tirelessly and cooperatively to accomplish her goals.
Pristine habitat, allowed to thrive as nature intended, serves not only to protect rare species such as the spectacular Spring Gentian, but provides habitat for a wide range of native fauna, including birds, butterflies, odenates and others.
The book covers Teesdale in a most comprehensive fashion taking into account its human history, geology, climate, flora, fauna, and makes projections about its future and the steps that will need to be taken to safeguard it.
Furthermore, there are detailed accounts of 96 plants that make up the Teesdale Assemblage. Each account covers the plant itself, its distribution, habitat, and status and conservation.
If ever you find yourself in Teesdale this will consitute an excellent guide to its botanical riches.
There is a comprehensive list of references for those inclined to further study, and an excellent glossary.
Margaret Bradshaw leaves us with an impassioned plea.
"It is our Heritage, this unique assemblage of plant species, mine and yours.
In spite of trying, I have failed to prevent its decline, now it is up to you. You, who will inherit less than I started with, as I inherited less than Isaac Tarn before me. It is for you, readers of this book, and all to care for the the survival of Teesdale's Special Flora, to ensure that your children and theirs do not inherit less.
Please do not let then down."
This is a message for all of us who struggle daily to protect biodiversity in our own backyard. Let us not flag nor fail; what is at stake is no less than the future of the world as we know it.
Teesdale's Special Flora: Places, Plants and People - Princeton University Press (WILDGuides)
Margaret E. Bradshaw
Paperback - US$17.95 - ISBN: 9780691251332
288 pages - 5.875 x 8.25 inches (14.69 x 20.63 cm)
More than 330 photographs
Publication date: 06 June, 2023
Thanks for the review and for sharing this book. Hubby and I try hard to protect our backyard habitat. Take care, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a wonderful book, David. I like books like that, but you know that! Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
...people and plants go together.
ReplyDeleteAny author, trying to save and protect even a tiny part of the world, deserves great praise. Teesdale is a beautiful area, I often went for walking holidays there back in the days when I was still young and strong. I hope this book helps to preserve it's beauty and natural diversity. Hugs, Valerie xxxxx
ReplyDeleteThe author is almost a hundred years old, Valerie. In her nineties she was still riding horses.
DeleteNice review of a good read, thanks David.
ReplyDeleteA valuable legacy for those who will use it.
ReplyDeleteI prefer our habitat as the good Lord made it. naturally growing as it was meant to be. i am not fond of gardens that are well kept and perfect in every way. I am wondering how you and this author feel about that. we have many preserves and reserves, and many many state parks here in our area of Florida. 35 years ago, we used to go to our two favorite preserves, with paths hacked out where the animals made their trails, just cleared enought for us to follow. it was natural. they have IMPROVED both of them to the point we dont go any more. we liked hiking in dirt and shell, now the paths are paved for wheel chairs, for bikes to ride on, the dirt road is now paved, they do try to preserve the habitat but no really
ReplyDeleteWild and unimproved is my choice every time.
DeleteEs la mejor manera de conocer las distintas partes de flora, de un determinado lugar.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo
This sounds like a great book. I actually want to learn about all the plants, flowers and trees...I have seen lots of trees and flowers on our daily walk that I have no idea what they are. This book sounds like a keeper.
ReplyDeleteYou may recall that I too wrote a post about Dr. Margaret Bradshaw earlier this year - https://wherefivevalleysmeet.blogspot.com/2023/01/botany.html - so I am really delighted to see that her dedication and passion to protect our biodiversity is now being recognised internationally.
ReplyDeleteThe moment I saw your comment, Rosemary, I remembered. I had forgotten but it came back instantly. Thanks for reminding me that you too paid homage to this formidable woman.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteHaving skirted Teesdale on the recent big trip, I am totally engaged with this read! Added to that ever-growing TBR list!!! YAM xx
I hope that next time you will be able to park The Grey, YAM, and enjoy the flowers.
DeleteI had to do a little exploration to find out more about the area and the author. In her nineties when she published her first book? All praise to her, and other dedicated conservationists. And yay for wild and untamed areas.
ReplyDeleteIt looks a fantastic book; so much work must’ve gone into producing it. Simply amazing!
ReplyDeleteThis is a book that I need to search out. I used to know more wildflowers than I do now, I know common ones I see, but there were a lot that used to be common where I used to live, and now they don't jump to mind. You review so many books I would/should fill my library with. Smile. Happy end of the week David. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteGood evening, David!
ReplyDeletesure, whether we know Teesdale or not, the message of this book is universal. Thanks for the suggestion, have a good night.
Must be a very interesting elderly lady so full of knowledge that she has shared some of it with us. Bless her.
ReplyDeleteShe took up horseback riding in her nineties.
DeleteThis seems like a fantastic book.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Irma
An other interesting book ! Nature must be preserved...
ReplyDeleteHave a shinny weekend !
Anna
The quoted lines are moving. Each successive generation inherits less and less... How far will it go?
ReplyDeleteWe will go so far as to destroy ourselves. The base line gets lower all the time.
DeleteOne of my first walking holidays passed through Teesdale and, better still, my companion was a botanist, my friend Pete. Progress that day was painfully slow as he examined every inch of the ground that we traversed. Pete went on to work in conservation, particularly the restoration of wetland areas and was recently awarded an MBE for his work. I shall invest some of my money in this book and revisit some of this wonderful area's riches.
ReplyDeleteHooray for Pete.
DeleteThis looks like a beautiful and very powerful book, David. Thanks for introducing us to it. The message is spot on.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea where Teesdale is so had to look it up. This book does indeed appear to a tribute to this special place and to the woman who has done so much to preserve it.
ReplyDeleteIt is a remarkable testament to one woman's dogged determination and commitment to a goal.
DeleteI try very hard to protect my backyard flora and fauna..tis the least I can do..If everyone did, we might have a fighting chance..It takes commitment and I guess these days there are too many things one can commit to...Thanks for the review..Enjoy your weekend..
ReplyDeleteGood for you. It’s encouraging to know someone who cares.
DeleteShe sounds like an amazing women, I hope the message gets through and that a few more people learn to care. Bisous Diane
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. And I can imagine a walk with this lady would be fascinating. Would that more people cared. We have let most of our land go back to its natural state.
ReplyDeleteBravo!
DeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteGreat review and book. It is nice to hear about someone so committed. I often wonder what kind of world we are leaving behind for our children and grandchildren. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank so much for leaving me a comment.
It serves as an inspiring guide for nature lovers. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI inadvertently deleted the following comment:
ReplyDeleteShari Burke has left a new comment on your post 'Book Review - Teesdale's Special Flora: Places, plants and people - Princeton University Press - WILDGuides':
This seems like a fabulous book, full of information and inspiration! And I just visited your wife's Etsy shop--gorgeous work there!
It looks like a very interesting book. I know I would love the pictures.
ReplyDeleteHi David ... I just had to check Teesdale meant County Durham ... which it did. Margaret Bradshaw sounds a superb botanist and recorder of ecology for the region, as no doubt other areas -and I noted your comment about her horse-riding abilities in her nineties - extraordinary! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good book.
ReplyDeleteExceptional would be my verdict.
DeleteMaravilloso. Abrazos.
ReplyDelete