Rhayader by Nature

Rhayader is a market town and community in Powys, Wales, in the county of Radnorshire. Rhayader by Nature tells you all you need to know about the wildlife, geology and landscape of Rhayader and the surrounding area. The authors are all very knowledgeable specialists in their own particular fields of natural history.

The introductory chapters set the scene by describing how the landscape and habitats we see and enjoy today have been shaped by geology, climate and man's management of the land. The main part of Rhayader by Nature has chapters on the area's plants and fungi, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, fishes, dragonflies, butterflies and moths, and other invertebrates. Towards the end of the book is a section with maps that describes walks to explore the area's different habitats and gives twelve excellent 'viewing spots' where people with transport but limited walking ability can sit and observe wildlife. There is also a gazetteer of place names with grid references, and a list of the Welsh names of all the species mentioned in the book.

This high quality, well-produced book, is most attractively illustrated throughout with hundreds of wonderful photographs and it includes five lovely poems by local poet Jennifer Holland. You may wish to read it cover to cover or just dip into particular chapters, but whatever your interest, Rhayader by Nature is a 'must have' reference for our local Radnorshire wildlife.