‘What’s in a year? A Countryman’s tale through the seasons, by naturalist John Miller

A passionate countryman, author John Miller lives in the right place, in Lockeridge. In the Upper Kennet Valley near to the river, adjacent to abundant pastures and the magnificent West Woods. The perfect location and setting for a lifelong observer of the British countryside, and from where to create ‘What’s in a Year’.

“Nature humbles and grounds you, constantly reminding you that it’s bigger and always more important than anything else”. said John when explaining the inspiration behind his book. Adding: “Nature is not a two-week holiday in the sun it is every single day of the year, hence the idea of chronicling the seasons.”

John describes ‘What’s in a Year’ as a journey through the individual months of the year, describing what’s happening in nature – in the garden and beyond – all against a background of major conservation and climatic challenges. It’s a blend of his personal reflection and detailed observation. He is clear that he’s not a scientist, rather ‘a countryman’, and the book is “simply what I observe, it is not meant to be a scientific reference or a textbook”.

This is John’s debut as an author, of books, anyway. In a former corporate life embracing nature was a ‘holiday’. Part of the work / life balance. But today, Nature has taken over.

John encourages readers to enrich their lives by opening their eyes, being more curious, and asking the right questions to reconnect with nature and how we interact with the environment. He reflects, “Think how beautifully Thomas Hardy incorporated the flora and fauna of the Wessex landscape. He was a naturalist as well as an author. We have lost that connection in recent years.”

‘What’s in a Year’ is at The White Horse Bookshop, Marlborough, and all retailers and online markets – priced £19.95.