Mike Tomkies gives a remarkable picture of the whole cycle of nature around him, in a harsh and testing environment of unrivalled beauty. Vivid colours and sounds fill these pages – exotic wild orchids, the roar of rutting stags, a pair of dragonflies mating, the flight of the redwing, the territorial movements of foxes, otters and badgers, an oak tree being torn apart by hurricane-force gales. Nothing seems to escape his penetrating eye, to which the selection of his photographs in this book – some revealing little-known aspects of animal behaviour – immediately testifies.

Yet Mike’s extraordinary insights into the wildlife that shared his otherwise empty territory of 300 square miles are not gained without perseverance in the face of perilous hazards. Every pound of supplies (including heavy gas canisters) has to be manhandled in and out of his boat, which once sank beneath him in a storm. Thousands of miles of rock faces and hillside must be trekked each year in summer and winter, the tussock grass concealing sodden peat holes that will break an ankle. Hours on end, day and night, are spent in cramped hides on windy, precipitous ledges.

A Last Wild Place is much more than the chronicle of a man who left city life in order to study the wilderness.  It is a celebration of nature at its most rugged and spectacular in all Britain. Like the enormous ageing salmon he threw back because he felt he had no right to claim its life, Mike Tomkies reveals through his quest our urgent need to become retuned to natural rhythms if mankind is to regain a measure of health and sanity in a world bent on self-destruction.

This is unmissable for anyone interested in wildlife, conservation, the natural world and anyone looking for an engrossing read. 

‘...unique observations and insights that fuel a powerful story of not only wildlife, but living in the wild amongst them, observing animal behaviour. ...a fine survey that armchair naturalists will appreciate for both its vivid tone and engrossing animal insights’. Donovan’s Bookshelf

‘His phenomenal knowledge of wildlife is not limited to mammals and birds but includes trees, wild plants and insects, particularly butterflies. His chapters on deer in winter are particularly poignant... He is an extraordinary naturalist and his tales are made all the more interesting by the presence of his constant companion, his experienced German shepherd dog Moobli’. Wildlife Detective, The blog of Alan Stewart

‘...presents a truly remarkable picture of the whole cycle of nature around him... ...Impressively informed and informative, “A Last Wild Place” is a simply fascinating and engaging read from cover to cover and an enduring testimonial to a life time of observation and study of the natural world. Midwest Book Review

Praise for Mike Tomkies

... enthralled thousands of readers through 15 books, studies of eagle, wildcat, red deer, pine marten, black-throated divers and countless other lesser birds and beasts. … His writings opened the eyes and changed the lives of others…  The Herald

 …one of the world’s most eloquent campaigners for the wildlife we are in danger of destroying forever. Reader’s Digest

…One is awestruck by the man’s endurance, tenacity and ability to trap, tame and commune with an extraordinary selection of beasts. The Guardian

 …a triumph of personal observation, a wilderness saga told by a true craftsman with honesty, fervour and an unerring eye for detail … an unrivalled insight into the lives of these magnificent birds of prey. Brian Jackman, Country Living

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