Anyone that has ever visited
this wildfowl wonderland cannot fail to be moved by the
sight of the geese that roam freely on the reserve and The
Newgrounds adjoining the river estuary. The author lovingly
describes how they provided the catalyst for the formation
of The Severn Wildfowl Trust and form the basis of this
book. He goes on to explain how he was drawn to the banks
of the mighty River Severn in Gloucestershire by a childhood
reverence for naturalist, artist and renowned conservationist
Peter Scott and a shared love of the wildfowl that inhabit
Britain’s wild estuaries. A desire to meet with the
great man and explore his work has led to a lifetime’s
association with, perhaps Scott’s greatest triumph,
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.
Previously unpublished extracts
from Scott’s personal diaries detailing the build
up and movement of geese together with the development of
rocket netting initially at Slimbridge highlight the pivotal
role played in advancing the cause of the worldwide conservation
movement by this ‘Sanctuary on The Severn’.
The meticulous detail, graphs and charts recounted from
the diaries illustrates the scientific approach Scott used
to develop effective conservation strategies that were subsequently
imitated the world over. Despite the intricate detail the
book is written in a personal style that captures the essence
of this special place and descriptions by the author of
time spent with Scott add warmth to the narrative. The eight
colour plates, extensive black and white illustrations and
a sprinkling of photos add further interest and variety
to the text.
An interesting description
of how the Lords of Berkeley have historically protected
their landholding at The Newgrounds in order to provide
sport for their guests and food for the Castle table provides
a fascinating insight into the symbiotic relationship between
wildfowling and conservation embodied by Peter Scott himself.
The comprehensive chronology,
perhaps for the very first time, charts accurately the incredibly
full and varied life of Peter Scott. The 165 entries spanning
a 78 year period map out in detail a lifetime of endeavour,
industry and imagination.
Primarily, this is a book
written by an enthusiast for the enthusiast in support of
a cause that defined Sir Peter Scott’s life.
All royalties and profits
go to The Friends of WWT Slimbridge.
The Wild Geese of The Newgrounds
written by Paul Walkden and published by The Friends of
WWT Slimbridge is available from:
