The art of nature tracking is very much like learning to read, but instead of reading words the tracker reads traces. Every animal leaves different traces as it goes about its everyday business. If you learn to read the signs left by footprints, leftover food, droppings and scrapes in the earth, you will soon be able to tell the story of an animal's life, packed with fascinating details and hidden meanings.

The RSPB Nature Tracker's Handbook explains with extensive photography and detailed diagrams how to find and interpret the evidence that animals leave behind - from a pile of mangled feathers to a delicately nibbled mushroom. Nick Baker also demonstrates useful tracker activities, such as how to mount a discarded nymph skin and how to dissect an owl's pellet to reveal its last meal. There's a nature detective in all of us, so get out there and get tracking.

The Complete Naturalist

by Nick Baker

Published 21 May 2015
Nick Baker's fascination with the natural world began at an early age, inspired by Gerald and Lee Durrell's classic book The Amateur Naturalist. His The Complete Naturalist is an up-to-date, practical introduction to observing, understanding and investigating the natural world around us. Whether you want to understand what makes an insect and insect, rear a family of frogs for your garden pond, or record bird songs and calls, Nick can give you all the advice and information you need.


Fact-packed and brimming with practical tips, techniques and activities, The Complete Naturalist offers a rich source of new ideas for more experienced naturalists, as well as sparking the natural curiosity of a whole new generation. From communicating with wild animals to setting up an aquarium, this is the naturalist's guide no family bookshelf should be without. Nick is an experienced and well-travelled naturalist, and his book includes his international experiences.