On the Moor: Science, History and Nature on a Country Walk shows how a routine walk in the countryside is enhanced by an appreciation of science, history, and natural history.
To the uninitiated, the Moor above Hebden Bridge in the West Yorkshire Pennines might seem little more than acre upon acre of heather and the occasional red grouse. In fact, that’s a pretty good description of the place. But On the Moor shows how a familiar local patch is more interesting than it might seem, if you dig deeper into the science, history, and natural history of the things you encounter there.
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I really enjoyed this book, On the Moor. I read about it while reading PZ Meyer’s Pharyngula Blog and ordered it right away. It’s the perfect blend of nature essay and science facts. I’ve been lucky enough to visit England twice and I’ve been to the north country area. This book helped me to “see” some of the area that I’d only ever just passed through. Wonderful!
I'm just about halfway through the book & am loving it!
As a Calderdale resident, living on the moors just 3¾ miles (as the curlew flies) from the Mount Skip Golf Club, I’m familiar-ish with the local moors. I like how his regular walk is used not only as means to explore the local landscape’s past & present, & to sing it’s praises, but also as a ‘springboard’ for a variety of other fascinating (if you’re a bit geeky, like me) topics.
I’m an ex-complementary therapist who studied biology at uni in middle age, so I really appreciate the way the book combines his enjoyment of the environment & a sense of wonder, with scientific rationality; there’s none of the frequent Hebden whoo-whoo ungrounded mysticism.
It’s also often bloody funny, with some good rants!
Hi Richard, this is just to wish a Happy Darwin Day to You and all members in the world. Cheers Ralf Eschner FCD
Read it, own it, hard going for a 2ndary educated but enjoyed the depth and the humour. There is no change there then. Glad to see you are doing what you want. L to jen
Thanks, Mr McIver. Jen says hi.
Hi, Im just about to order your book.
During the lockdown I have been walking from my base in Hebden Bridge linking the Deans, mill races and water systems together.
The system at Middle Dean and the shafts on the moor are linked somehow but I cant quite sort it, hopefully your book will shed some light on it all!
Thanks. There’s a chapter in the book entitled Shafts that should be of interest.
Finished 'On the Moor', Richard, and thoroughly enjoyed it. About 20 years ago, living in Rossendale, the local bird club made an annual spring visit to the valley below Hardcastle Crags to see Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler and other stuff not common in our valley. Many of the chapters brought back memories of these visits.
Now for the big question - how long will it be before the Darwin book is published?
In the meantime I'll explore more of your writings on here.
Thanks again.
Thanks for the kind words about On the Moor, James. As to the $64,000 question about the Darwin book, it will be a while yet, but I’ll get there!