Two for Joy: The myriad ways to enjoy the countryside

by Adam Henson

In Two for Joy, Adam Henson - much-loved and long-standing presenter of  Countryfile  and  Lambing Live  - goes on a journey through the seasons to show you what you can find, spot, observe and do in the countryside, to help you find joy in nature all year round.

No matter whether you've always loved the countryside or are recent converts to nature (perhaps owing to lockdown and the pandemic), farmer Adam Henson is here to gift you all the knowledge needed to keep that joy and wonder of the British and Irish countryside alive the whole year through.

Divided into the four seasons,  Two for Joy  will help you understand what's happening on farms and in hedgerows throughout the year; show us the animals we might see around us and what they're busy doing; bring to life the stories behind countryside superstitions and folklore; revisit old traditions and show us how we can include them today; and encourage us to look up at the trees, sky and stars.

Whether you read this book in the depths of winter in an armchair by the fire, or on a picnic rug in a field on a sunny day, it promises to open your eyes to the awe-inspiring powers of our uniquely British countryside in ways you've never noticed before.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[Jayne Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read packed full of information on the countryside a great companion for walking in the countryside all year round

[FlyingBulgarian Svetli H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about the countryside, whilst in the countryside. The author invokes a childlike wonder and love for the great outside that is hard not to feel warmth towards. I particularly liked the practical advice on what to do in the different seasons and practical details of what a farmer’s diary is like, bridging the gap between me, a city dweller, and nature.

The only parts I didn’t like were the constant reminders of the author’s fame on countryfiles and his farm (and the various activities you can do there - which mostly require payment). Remove that, and the book would have been 5 stars for me. But then again, who can’t resist a bit of self promotion…

[Claire Thorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam Henson best known for Country File has a farm in the Cotswolds - this is a non-fiction book full of the wonders of the seasons and traditions that are found in the UK. Its a book to dip in and out of each month.

[Lisa]

Love Love Love this book. Its light and heartfelt, such a wonderful read.

[Shan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 A lovely book, informative and very readable

[Edward Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

[Rob Mead · Rating 2 out of 5]

A post Covid money maker when people wanted to know about the countryside, but you’d be better off watching Clarkson’s Farm

[Sarah Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and educational read about the UK countryside and farming history. Had a few good laughs and learned things about this country that really surprised me!

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun and light read! Makes me want to go on a hike.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

278 pages in the edition I read.
A good journey through the seasons from a Nature and farming point of view in Britain.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didnt enjoy this at all. It bounces around, some strange choices of discussion, a chapter on ponies in the summer section??? Perhaps the scope was too broad to be able to get a handle on things?

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really pleasant read, informative and easy to follow

[evelyn francais x · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute + quick read. get me out of the city pls