This major work by lifetime ornithologist Brian Thomas, Editor for the East Surrey Local Group of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and a member of the Bourne Society, is the culmination of more than 70 years of observation and study of the avifauna of an extensive area of north-east Surrey including comprehensive research into bird recording from the 1800s onward, and includes summaries of the lives of earlier distinguished  naturalists Arthur Beadell, Richard and Cherry Kearton, Hubert Pounds, Raymond Clarke and Tony Holcombe.

Partly autobiographical, this work dwells extensively on the environmental impact of changes in industrialisation and urbanisation together with changes in agricultural practices and climate change over the last century or so, following the declines in species and changes in distribution earlier noted by Rachel Carson in her seminal book Silent Spring and concluding with an expression of optimism for the future if sensible and sensitive environmental policies are pursued by national governments.

BIRDS OF THE BOURNE AREA is presented in soft cover A4 format (210x 297mm) and comprises 218 pages. It is illustrated with some 80 superb photographs, mostly in colour, contributed by a number of distinguished and accomplished ‘birders’ besides the author and his son.

The book is currently available from the Bourne Society and from the author. The price is £15 + £5 postage and packing.  Local collection or free delivery may be available.

For further information on how to order the book please see the ‘Society Shop’ page, or contact the author on 01883 623149 or email: Brianjthomas47@gmail.com