Wild Kew
By Heather Angel Most people go to Kew for the plants, or just for a stroll and a picnic, but Kew Gardens are a haven for wildlife, and a part of a growing West London urban wildlife corridor that includes Richmond Park, Osterley Park, Syon Park, Barnes & Putney Commons, Bushy Park, Kempton Nature Reserve, Wimbledon Common, WWT London, and Morden Hall Park. Heather Angel spent a year watching, recording and photographing the wildlife at Kew Gardens .
The birdlife is the most visible of the wildlife, but Angel has captured the squirrels, foxes, and even the rats amongst the mammals. More dramatically, the insects, especially the butterflies, wasps, dragonflies and beetles are all resplendent.
Birds
There are some unexpected birds to be seen amongst the trees, most dramatically the Golden pheasants and the ring-necked parakeets (Both alien species). There is a dramatic sequence of a heron capturing and eating a surprisingly large duckling and a range of more common birds.
Photo tips
There are lots tips about how to take photos of some of the more difficult topics (Watch where a dragonflies lands, and focus your camera on that spot as the dragonfly will invariably return to the same perch.), as well as where and when to take photos of many of the species mentioned.
Calendar & Map
The opening pages of the book contain a useful map/calendar identifying the best places to see and photograph wildlife during the different seasons. The book is set out through the seasons so you can tell what to expect at any time of year.
Available from the Kew bookshop for £9 and also online at www.kewbooks.com
Published by the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
« Back to Kit Reviews
