'The story of "invasive species" is really the story of human history, and Eatherley tells it with great verve . Fascinating' Daily Telegraph A unique history of plant and animal invaders of the British isles spanning thousands of years of arrivals and escapes, as well as defences mounted and a look to the future. As Brits we pride ourselves as stoic defenders, boasting a record of resistance dating back to 1066. Yet, even a cursory examination of the natural world reveals that while interlopers of the human variety may have been kept at bay, our islands have been invaded, conquered and settled by an endless succession of animals, plants, fungi and other alien lifeforms that apparently belong elsewhere. Indeed it's often hard to work out what actually is native, and what is foreign. From early settlement of our islands, through the Roman and mediaeval period, to the age of exploration and globalisation, today's complement of alien species tells a story about our past. Gold title CURRENT ISSUE IN ENVIRONMENTALISM - Invasive species are a large part of conversations about rewilding and conservation - which animals truly 'belong' here. This book offers a nuanced explanation key terms, history and relevant current events.

Did you know that invasive species cost the UK government nearly £2 billion every year? UNIQUE HISTORY OF BRITAIN from 12,000 up to the present day. The broad overview combined with specific examples is both informative and entertaining. SIMILAR IN SCOPE TO GUNS, GERMS & STEEL in terms of time, but with a specific focus on the British Isles geographically. FASCINATING EXAMPLES of invasive species include rabbits, crayfish (all crayfish!), apples, pheasants, potatoes and many more. Some are beloved and familiar, some still new and strange and some, like Asian hornets or zebra mussels are portents of ecological disaster to come. Competition: Seven Worlds One Planet;Other Minds;Life on Earth;This is Going to Hurt;The;Salt Path;Body;Hidden Life of Trees;Almanac;Body;Dynasties;Mudlarking;Why We Sleep;Prisoners of Geography. David Attenborough; Peter Godfrey-Smith;Peter Wohlleben;Adam Kay;Raynor Winn;Bill Bryson;Matthew Walker;Greta Thunberg.