Lincolnshire, and especially North East Lincolnshire seldom gets recognition of any kind and so to find this book of nature writing specifically about my home turf was very welcome indeed.

Bill Meek wrote a regular column for the now defunct Cleethorpes Chronicle between April 2014 and its sad demise in 2017. Each piece would be accompanied by a photograph usually taken by a local amateur photographer and many of these are included in the book.

The book is divided by the months of the year and focuses on the wildlife and their natural habitat in and around Cleethorpes and the surrounding area south of the Humber Bridge and north of Lincoln. This coastal area is rich in wildlife thanks largely to large swathes of untouched beaches, fields edged with hedgerows and ancient woodlands. Big skies and open fields are perfect for observing migrating birds taking flight across the Humber Estuary.

Local newspapers have been in decline for some time now, pre internet out local papers sold in large numbers and was a vital source of information for the public. Columns such as these were invaluable not only as a source of information but for many, a source of quiet comfort. Meek beautifully expressed the need to embrace our local landscape and to showcase the many types of plants, insects, birds and fungi which go largely unnoticed.

Many of the entries come with a gentle urge to realise the state of our habitat and its changing landscape. There are pieces on marine conservation zones, volunteering, warming of the North Sea, disappearing farmland birds and politics around the environment. I truly believe that this style of education around such critical issues is the best and I applaud the author for his efforts.