Our natural world is in jeopardy. From overcrowding, to use of pesticides to climate change, our natural world is tottering on a precipice. What can we do? Start by reading this book and learn about all the amazing areas of bio diversity that exist in the United Kingdom. From wetlands to coastlands to moors, woodlands and even urban areas, there millions of types of creatures trying to survive. Learning about them and realizing how precious they are is the first step in protecting them for our children and our children’s children. This is no dry dissertation, the author visit each of these areas in her book and brings it and its inhabitants to vivid and beautiful life. A book to read and savor as well as a call to action

Rose Smith, Cayocosta 72, June 2019

I was lucky enough to win a copy of Isla Hodgson's 'Hidden Nature' and couldn't be happier. 5* customer service, fast delivery, well packaged and most importantly, a lovely book with lots of sharp and colourful photos. A refreshing read that is easy to dip into and get immersed in the vast array of Britain's wildlife -perfect!

White Owl Customer

As featured by

New Nature, March/April 2019

Written by someone who is clearly passionate about her subject. It is likely to appeal to those interested in ‘Conservation’ as a concept, those seeking advice as to what can be done to assist survival of endangered species, and to readers simply interested in learning more about the creatures which may be lurking in their own immediate area – ‘The ‘critters’ in the back yard’, if you will. Readers seeking beautiful photographs of British wildlife may also find it of interest.

Keith Rimmer - NZ Crown Mines

Hodgson is well known for her popular blog Where The Wild Things Live, and this is written in a similarly engaging and companionable style. The descriptions of her encounters with our most elusive animals - from seldom-seen cetaceans and sea eagles to hen harriers and hares - are fun and delightful, if a tad Scotland-centric.

BBC Wildlife, September 2018 – reviewed by Pete Dommett, nature writer

As featured by

Outdoor Photography, October 2018

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A lovely well written book with some beautiful pictures. Its split into four sections: coast, freshwater, inland habitats and urban spaces. Especially like the section on encouraging wildlife to your garden. Perfect gift for nature lovers.

NetGalley, reviewed by Joanne Hassell

Article: 'Whitley Bay authors have work published'

News Guardian, 28th June 2018

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The love of nature can be found in every line. Detailed descriptions are rounded off with very great photos. Very educational and informative. Best of all, I found the passages, how and where you can marvel at the best of the kingdom.

NetGalley, reviewed by Nureeni Lem

Article: 'How to have the wildest time in Scotland' words by Laura Smith as featured by

The Sunday Post, 1st July 2018

This beautifully illustrated book takes the reader on a journey with the author as she travels around the UK in search of native wildlife. The enthusiasm of Isla Hodgson seeps through the pages and you feel like you should hold your breath so you don't accidentally disturb the otters or the hen harriers which are amongst the animals she discusses in this book. There is a distinct 'Scottishness' to the narrative and none more so when discussing the 'coos' on Canna.

This book is not a gazetteer as such but does contain a range of places you might visit to get closer to wildlife in a variety of habitat types, I think the sections on coasts are the standout ones - you can hear the raucous birds that live there and duck as the bonxies swoop down on us. There are a mixture of sites I had previously heard of alongside others that I might just have to look into.

The book finishes with advice and guidance for seeing wildlife with some do's and don'ts as well as some ways to get involved yourself.

The author clearly loves the wildlife she describes and if her intention is to pass on that love to the reader then she has certainly succeeded.

NetGalley, reviewed by Peter Burnett