Caithness publisher buzzing over new book on solitary bees
Caithness-based Whittles Publishing will be hoping readers make a beeline for its latest book on the theme of nature.
Hairy-foot, long-tongue: Solitary bees, biodiversity and evolution in your backyard is written by David J Perkins, an artist, naturalist and wildlife gardener.
It explores the complex lives of solitary bees, their biology and evolution, with Dunbeath-based Whittles describing it as “an inspiring account of a vital creature in our fragile environment” featuring many drawings and photographs.
“It forms an essential companion to a field guide, an accessible and affordable alternative to a technical handbook,” according to the publicity material.
“The text is presented as themed double-page spreads covering all the major topics such as diversity, taxonomy, anatomy, behaviour, pollination, evolution and adaptation and the responses of bees to climate change.
“Bees that you may find in your garden, allotment or park are highlighted and the book is complemented with notes, references and reading recommendations if required.
“Hairy-foot, long-tongue has been designed to provide up-to-date research on the bees that are not honeybees or bumblebees but represent the largest part of our bee fauna.”
Dr Perkins is a former wildlife outreach worker and environmental education manager – and gardener – for Roots and Shoots, an educational and environmental charity based in London, where he also ran wildlife courses and events including beekeeping.
As a trustee for the Wildlife Gardening Forum he has contributed to running garden wildlife conferences and has been in the design/construction teams for four medal-winning Chelsea Flower Show gardens.
Hairy-foot, long-tongue: Solitary bees, biodiversity and evolution in your backyard, by David J Perkins (£18.99, softback) consists of 200 pages including more than 250 photographs and over 150 drawings.
The publisher says it will appeal to beekeepers, wildlife gardeners, nature reserve volunteers, naturalists and anyone with a special interest in bees.