The rush of modern life these days means that we have precious little time to engage with nature, let alone consider exactly the role that it plays in the ecosystem of our country. Yet unbeknown to us nature just gets on with it. But our meddling with the way things work; industrial farming, building on flood plains, clearing forests and moors and trying to build flood defences really doesn’t help.

Juniper looks at a number of schemes and working examples where people and organisations have had the foresight to see if they can work with the natural world around them, and more importantly their results from doing so. Subjects covered include flood protection, water security, using nature to heal, marine ecology and restoring fish stocks, restoring the insect population and ensuring that the soils of the land are healthy. These projects are profitable and sustainable too; there are examples of companies spending small amounts of money, and saving large sums later on as they don’t have to rectify a larger problem later on.

Sadly though the present government doesn’t share this view, and it still thinks pandering to large companies whose only desire is profit is the way to do it.

It isn’t

These projects Juniper writes about are much needed. We need insects to pollinate plants for food, rivers to absorb winter floodwaters, and a full and healthy eco system. In the grand scheme of things it doesn’t cost much. Written with passion he has a convincing set of arguments for changing our way of doing things in this country. ( )