Another fascinating book by the author of "A Sting in the Tale." "A Sting in the Tale," Dave Goulson's account of a lifetime studying bumblebees, was one of the most gratifying success stories of 2013. Brilliantly reviewed, it was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize for the best non-fiction book of the year.In "A Buzz in the Meadow" Goulson tells the story of how in 2003 he bought a derelict farm in the heart of rural France, together with 33 acres of surrounding meadow. He wanted to create a place for his beloved bumblebees to thrive. But other creatures live there too, a myriad insects of every kind, many of them ones that Goulson has studied before in his career as a biologist. You will learn about how a deathwatch beetle finds its mate, about the importance of houseflies, why butterflies have spots on their wings, about dragonfly sex, bed-bugs and wasps. As in "A Sting in the Tale," Goulson is brilliant, and very funny, at showing how scientists actually conduct experiments.The book is also a wake-up call, urging us to cherish and protect life on earth in all its forms. Goulson has that rare ability to persuade you to go out into your garden or local park and get down on your hands and knees and "look." The undiscovered glory that is life in all its forms on planet Earth is there to be discovered. And if we learn to value what we have, perhaps we will find a way to keep it."
