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What Nature Does for Britain
From the peat bogs and woodlands that help to secure our water supply, to the bees and soils that produce most of the food we eat, Britain is rich in 'natural capital'. Yet we take supplies of clean water and secure food for granted, rarely considering the free work nature does for Britain. In fact for years we have damaged the systems that sustain us under the illusion that we are keeping prices down, through intensive farming, drainage of bogs, clearing forests and turning rivers into canals. As Tony Juniper's new analysis shows, however, the ways in which we meet our needs often doesn't make economic sense. Through vivid first hand accounts and inspirational examples of how the damage is being repaired, Juniper takes readers on a journey to a different Britain from the one many assume we inhabit, not a country where nature is worthless or an impediment to progress, but the real Britain, the one where we are supported by nature, wildlife and natural systems at almost every turn.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 8, 2015
The rush of modern life these days means that we have precious little time to engage with nature, let alone consider exactly the role that it plays in the ecosystem of our country. Yet unbeknown to us nature just gets on with it. But our meddling with the way things work; industrial farming, building on flood plains, clearing forests and moors and trying to build flood defences really doesn’t help.
Juniper looks at a number of schemes and working examples where people and organisations have had the foresight to see if they can work with the natural world around them, and more importantly their results from doing so. Subjects covered include flood protection, water security, using nature to heal, marine ecology and restoring fish stocks, restoring the insect population and ensuring that the soils of the land are healthy. These projects are profitable and sustainable too; there are examples of companies spending small amounts of money, and saving large sums later on as they don’t have to rectify a larger problem later on.
Sadly though the present government doesn’t share this view, and it still thinks pandering to large companies whose only desire is profit is the way to do it.
It isn’t
These projects Juniper writes about are much needed. We need insects to pollinate plants for food, rivers to absorb winter floodwaters, and a full and healthy eco system. In the grand scheme of things it doesn’t cost much. Written with passion he has a convincing set of arguments for changing our way of doing things in this country.
Juniper looks at a number of schemes and working examples where people and organisations have had the foresight to see if they can work with the natural world around them, and more importantly their results from doing so. Subjects covered include flood protection, water security, using nature to heal, marine ecology and restoring fish stocks, restoring the insect population and ensuring that the soils of the land are healthy. These projects are profitable and sustainable too; there are examples of companies spending small amounts of money, and saving large sums later on as they don’t have to rectify a larger problem later on.
Sadly though the present government doesn’t share this view, and it still thinks pandering to large companies whose only desire is profit is the way to do it.
It isn’t
These projects Juniper writes about are much needed. We need insects to pollinate plants for food, rivers to absorb winter floodwaters, and a full and healthy eco system. In the grand scheme of things it doesn’t cost much. Written with passion he has a convincing set of arguments for changing our way of doing things in this country.
July 4, 2021
Juniper here sets out a manifesto for a more considerate and sustainable stance when it comes to British agriculture, fisheries and more general aspects of environmental management. There's not a lot to disagree with, and to his credit there is a lot of factual content with statistics to justify his arguments, as opposed to some of the more wishy-washy 'isn't nature pretty' sentimental books making similar arguments. I don't really have wish to argue with the points the author makes, except perhaps for wondering whether scaling up of pilot schemes is ever going to work where human nature means someone is always going to make an advantage from cutting corners.
Despite some interesting factual bits that I wasn't aware of, I just found it all a bit 'meh'. Much of it I was already aware of, much of it I am in agreement with but am not a passionate person so don't feel emotionally strong about how much I care, much of it left me feeling "fair enough, but what about..." in truth. When someone writes a book of this type, they are naturally bound to pick examples which suit their argument and not counterbalance with the other side - it's the biased nature of 'non fiction with a standpoint'. I just found it a bit limited because of this.
Despite some interesting factual bits that I wasn't aware of, I just found it all a bit 'meh'. Much of it I was already aware of, much of it I am in agreement with but am not a passionate person so don't feel emotionally strong about how much I care, much of it left me feeling "fair enough, but what about..." in truth. When someone writes a book of this type, they are naturally bound to pick examples which suit their argument and not counterbalance with the other side - it's the biased nature of 'non fiction with a standpoint'. I just found it a bit limited because of this.
March 22, 2020
I have objections to monetarising the 'services' provided by nature, but this book makes a case for it well.
What we gain financially from the natural world is significant, and needs to be better understood and appreciated. This book breaks down different services and environments and builds a case for valuing nature more effectively, and working with it, rather than against it.
What we gain financially from the natural world is significant, and needs to be better understood and appreciated. This book breaks down different services and environments and builds a case for valuing nature more effectively, and working with it, rather than against it.
September 6, 2015
Is nature beautiful or is it useful? Should we protect nature for its own sake or for our own sakes? Is nature priceless or can it have a value put on it?
The answer to these questions can all be ‘Yes to both’ but we don’t treat the natural world as though we would say ‘yes’ to any of them. We aren’t acting as though we love and respect nature, and we aren’t acting as though it is of financial value to us; we are acting as though it is pretty much expendable. In the past we have tended to go down the ‘love and respect’ route and that hasn’t worked too well. Many now propose we should go down the ‘financial value’ route because that might work better. It might, in particular, work better with finance ministries, business and economists.
My own view is that we need to use both approaches and that the second deserves a bigger shot than it’s had so far, but the chances of HM Treasury being won over very quickly, particularly with Gideon Osborne in charge, are pretty slim.
But this book doesn’t set out to champion one route or the other, it is a well-written primer so that we – maybe including Mr Osborne – can understand better the value of nature to us. And so we hear about the value of peatbogs as carbon sinks and as sponges that moderate water flows and therefore moderate flooding downstream. All of this will be bad news for grouse moor owners who are not only bumping off our Hen Harriers through acts of wildlife crime but also bumping up our house insurance and water bills through mismanagement of the uplands.
That’s just one example, there are many others, and this book covers the ground in an engaging manner that is very accessible. Tony Juniper, the former director of Friends of the Earth (and birder and parrot expert), knows his stuff about the environment and about British wildlife, he knows his stuff about politics and about campaigning, he knows his stuff about climate change and about renewable energy.
And he can write. It’s not a dry book, it’s a pretty easy read and if you are a regular reader of this blog then you might be surprised by how many topics covered or touched on here are found within the pages of this book. They include: beavers, wind farms, grouse moors, the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, Hope Farm, ancient woods, farming, marine protected areas and many more.
I recommend this book to the thoughtful naturalist (despite the two typos on the inside back cover, one of which is a bit embarrassing and is repeated in the text of the book).
This review first appeared on Mark Avery's blog http://markavery.info/2015/03/01/sund...
The answer to these questions can all be ‘Yes to both’ but we don’t treat the natural world as though we would say ‘yes’ to any of them. We aren’t acting as though we love and respect nature, and we aren’t acting as though it is of financial value to us; we are acting as though it is pretty much expendable. In the past we have tended to go down the ‘love and respect’ route and that hasn’t worked too well. Many now propose we should go down the ‘financial value’ route because that might work better. It might, in particular, work better with finance ministries, business and economists.
My own view is that we need to use both approaches and that the second deserves a bigger shot than it’s had so far, but the chances of HM Treasury being won over very quickly, particularly with Gideon Osborne in charge, are pretty slim.
But this book doesn’t set out to champion one route or the other, it is a well-written primer so that we – maybe including Mr Osborne – can understand better the value of nature to us. And so we hear about the value of peatbogs as carbon sinks and as sponges that moderate water flows and therefore moderate flooding downstream. All of this will be bad news for grouse moor owners who are not only bumping off our Hen Harriers through acts of wildlife crime but also bumping up our house insurance and water bills through mismanagement of the uplands.
That’s just one example, there are many others, and this book covers the ground in an engaging manner that is very accessible. Tony Juniper, the former director of Friends of the Earth (and birder and parrot expert), knows his stuff about the environment and about British wildlife, he knows his stuff about politics and about campaigning, he knows his stuff about climate change and about renewable energy.
And he can write. It’s not a dry book, it’s a pretty easy read and if you are a regular reader of this blog then you might be surprised by how many topics covered or touched on here are found within the pages of this book. They include: beavers, wind farms, grouse moors, the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, Hope Farm, ancient woods, farming, marine protected areas and many more.
I recommend this book to the thoughtful naturalist (despite the two typos on the inside back cover, one of which is a bit embarrassing and is repeated in the text of the book).
This review first appeared on Mark Avery's blog http://markavery.info/2015/03/01/sund...
October 12, 2016
This is a comprehensive, easy to read overview of the ecosystem services provided by the environment in Britain. I learned a fair bit about British ecosystems that I didn't know before, and Juniper focuses on practical steps to improving environmental management and policy.
My main issues with the book are referencing and the vague manifestos at the end of each chapter. Juniper claims that endnotes or other citations would make the book more difficult to read or interrupt the flow. I completely disagree, and end notes in particular do not distract, even in a popular science book. What they do is to provide resources for the curious reader and proof for the sceptical one. He claims to summarise all the references on his website, but when I have checked this (and I did find the list), it was very difficult to find the right references, and I wondered if some were missing. This of course made me sceptical of the claims in the book, particularly when they contradicted what I had read elsewhere or were fairly bold claims. And there are quite a few bold claims. Regarding the manifestos, they are rather bland and often not the most useful actions one could have developed, given the wealth of information in the text. I know Juniper is a campaigner, and these are the simplified sort of manifestos politicians prefer, but simple need not mean platitudes.
On a similar note, the book is a bit of an advocacy piece, so it does sometimes overstate what we know. But it is a well written summary of the benefits and services provided by ecosystems, written for a general audience. This is why it gave it 4 stars, despite my issues with the content.
I do struggle with two aspects of his style. In trying to describe the places he visits, he sometimes adopts an obtuse literary style, filled with too many adjectives. I prefer it to Monbiot's adventure tale style, but it is a bit like reading student fiction. The other issue is his hatred of commas. He rarely uses them where custom suggests they should be. While I am no prescriptivist, commas do add clarity and make things easier to read when used correctly. This is a common theme with books I've read this year. Are people becoming allergic to commas?
My main issues with the book are referencing and the vague manifestos at the end of each chapter. Juniper claims that endnotes or other citations would make the book more difficult to read or interrupt the flow. I completely disagree, and end notes in particular do not distract, even in a popular science book. What they do is to provide resources for the curious reader and proof for the sceptical one. He claims to summarise all the references on his website, but when I have checked this (and I did find the list), it was very difficult to find the right references, and I wondered if some were missing. This of course made me sceptical of the claims in the book, particularly when they contradicted what I had read elsewhere or were fairly bold claims. And there are quite a few bold claims. Regarding the manifestos, they are rather bland and often not the most useful actions one could have developed, given the wealth of information in the text. I know Juniper is a campaigner, and these are the simplified sort of manifestos politicians prefer, but simple need not mean platitudes.
On a similar note, the book is a bit of an advocacy piece, so it does sometimes overstate what we know. But it is a well written summary of the benefits and services provided by ecosystems, written for a general audience. This is why it gave it 4 stars, despite my issues with the content.
I do struggle with two aspects of his style. In trying to describe the places he visits, he sometimes adopts an obtuse literary style, filled with too many adjectives. I prefer it to Monbiot's adventure tale style, but it is a bit like reading student fiction. The other issue is his hatred of commas. He rarely uses them where custom suggests they should be. While I am no prescriptivist, commas do add clarity and make things easier to read when used correctly. This is a common theme with books I've read this year. Are people becoming allergic to commas?
August 15, 2017
I was sceptical of this book before I picked it up as Juniper is well known to support of 'Natural Capital' which its detractors present as being entirely and solely about putting an putting an economic value on nature so we can turn it into a commodity and effectively sell it off to the highest bidder. (You can read my blog post about a conference I went to on this theme here http://craftygreenpoet.blogspot.co.uk...).
However this book isn't about putting a price on nature and natural capital isn't even mentioned until page 250 in a book that is only 256 pages long. Instead we have a very convincing demonstration of the true value of nature and how embracing natural solutions to environmental problems can reduce environmental damage and save money. So it's not about selling off nature, it's about understanding how it can help us, which in turn will make us more inclined to conserve it.
We are given numerous fascinating case studies of how nature can help us including how using sophisticated methods of recycling phosphates from sewage to be used as fertiliser but as a side benefit preventing scale building up in domestic water pipes so saving money in sewage repair works.
British peat bogs are degrading and losing 3.7m tonnes of carbon dioxide a year (this is why wind turnbines should never be planted on peat bogs as they degrade them further and cause more carbon dioxide to be lost). This book shows how better management of upland bogs in Exmoor can reduce people's water bills, reduce the flood risk in the local area and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, while conserving the bogs themselves - a win-win-win-win situation!
Each chapter concludes with Juniper's own political manifesto outlining how politicians can address each of the issues set out in the book, which gives it a very practical feel.
I'm still very sceptical about the form of natural capital that seeks to put financial prices on our forests and seas but if we can truly understand the value of nature then we all benefit. I think perhaps the term natural capital comes with too much baggage and maybe we should find another term and another mind set, one that sees value as being about something much more vital than the price tag you can put on something. But in this world that tends often to only see the finances and the economic arguments can we make the right choices in this?
However this book isn't about putting a price on nature and natural capital isn't even mentioned until page 250 in a book that is only 256 pages long. Instead we have a very convincing demonstration of the true value of nature and how embracing natural solutions to environmental problems can reduce environmental damage and save money. So it's not about selling off nature, it's about understanding how it can help us, which in turn will make us more inclined to conserve it.
We are given numerous fascinating case studies of how nature can help us including how using sophisticated methods of recycling phosphates from sewage to be used as fertiliser but as a side benefit preventing scale building up in domestic water pipes so saving money in sewage repair works.
British peat bogs are degrading and losing 3.7m tonnes of carbon dioxide a year (this is why wind turnbines should never be planted on peat bogs as they degrade them further and cause more carbon dioxide to be lost). This book shows how better management of upland bogs in Exmoor can reduce people's water bills, reduce the flood risk in the local area and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, while conserving the bogs themselves - a win-win-win-win situation!
Each chapter concludes with Juniper's own political manifesto outlining how politicians can address each of the issues set out in the book, which gives it a very practical feel.
I'm still very sceptical about the form of natural capital that seeks to put financial prices on our forests and seas but if we can truly understand the value of nature then we all benefit. I think perhaps the term natural capital comes with too much baggage and maybe we should find another term and another mind set, one that sees value as being about something much more vital than the price tag you can put on something. But in this world that tends often to only see the finances and the economic arguments can we make the right choices in this?
April 10, 2019
This is so Important! I seriously cannot recommend this enough. This is a book which has 9 insightful and scientifically accurate chapters, covering the ways nature benefits humans including flood defence, pollination, Climate change offsetting carbon storage and wellbeing to name a few. Tony Juniper writes a convincing argument for why nature should be prioritised in future political policies, which couldn’t be more relevant right now with Brexit right around the corner.
The book itself is excellently written and carefully avoids jargon making this a truly accessible book to everyone, scientifically trained or not! I enjoyed how each chapter had a different focus all tying into a cohesive theme. The use of case studies presents a solid argument for the protection of nature. For example, in 2000 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) took ownership of an arable farm in Cambridgeshire. Since then the farm has implemented wildflower habitats, habitat for nesting birds and other nature-friendly methods. The result? A profitable farm producing high yields and increasing native bird populations. Demonstrating that crop production and wildlife management can be mutually beneficial when managed appropriately*.
Overall, I’m so happy to have finally picked up this book after my professor recommended it a few years back! I feel like my passion for the environment has truly been reignited. Environmental education is so incredibly important, now more than ever, and encourage you to read this or another scientifically backed up publication, on the benefits of nature to the economy, health, and happiness. Happy Reading!
The book itself is excellently written and carefully avoids jargon making this a truly accessible book to everyone, scientifically trained or not! I enjoyed how each chapter had a different focus all tying into a cohesive theme. The use of case studies presents a solid argument for the protection of nature. For example, in 2000 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) took ownership of an arable farm in Cambridgeshire. Since then the farm has implemented wildflower habitats, habitat for nesting birds and other nature-friendly methods. The result? A profitable farm producing high yields and increasing native bird populations. Demonstrating that crop production and wildlife management can be mutually beneficial when managed appropriately*.
Overall, I’m so happy to have finally picked up this book after my professor recommended it a few years back! I feel like my passion for the environment has truly been reignited. Environmental education is so incredibly important, now more than ever, and encourage you to read this or another scientifically backed up publication, on the benefits of nature to the economy, health, and happiness. Happy Reading!
March 27, 2021
Tony Juniper looks at the work that nature does for Britain and (spoiler altert)... it's a lot!
A very interesting view of what we are doing to our country, expecting from it, and how it helps us live. From fairly straight forward concepts of the dangers of building on floodplains, to how nature can generate cost savings (and have cost avoidance) in our lives.
Juniper isn't a fan of the current way that farmers are incentivized to look after their land - and perhaps this will change in the future - and argues that we should be paying the actual costs of food - however he does this from a very middle-class point of view with no indication how he would ensure that the poorer in society could afford it.
During his summary chapter he also critises new railway lines - a strange obsession of environmentalists (notably the Green Party) without really detailing the damage that new road building is having.
That small issue aside it is a very good book, and contains some answers to all his points and suggestions (if not fully costed, they are at least clearly stated).
A very interesting view of what we are doing to our country, expecting from it, and how it helps us live. From fairly straight forward concepts of the dangers of building on floodplains, to how nature can generate cost savings (and have cost avoidance) in our lives.
Juniper isn't a fan of the current way that farmers are incentivized to look after their land - and perhaps this will change in the future - and argues that we should be paying the actual costs of food - however he does this from a very middle-class point of view with no indication how he would ensure that the poorer in society could afford it.
During his summary chapter he also critises new railway lines - a strange obsession of environmentalists (notably the Green Party) without really detailing the damage that new road building is having.
That small issue aside it is a very good book, and contains some answers to all his points and suggestions (if not fully costed, they are at least clearly stated).
July 7, 2018
It said a lot for this book that I enjoyed it despite starting it knowing I'd got way out of balance in my reading and was in dire need of a solid dose of fiction. It was a slightly weird experience as the book was written to inform the electorate ahead of the 2015 election and thus of course before the Brexit referendum ie in what would now seem to have been, incredibly, happier times (especially environmentally speaking)
It's very readably written in a tone which is a great antidote to defeatism and I enjoyed the structure of the book. It is let down by the issue of images largely of such very poor quality it would have been better not to have bothered.
It's very readably written in a tone which is a great antidote to defeatism and I enjoyed the structure of the book. It is let down by the issue of images largely of such very poor quality it would have been better not to have bothered.
August 31, 2024
A very important book, but I found it hard to follow it.
A book on the natural environment, in order to keep a person hooked, should focus on the fauna and flora with a sprinkling of the soil science. This book does the opposite and I found it a drag to finish. I say this as a person who is hugely passionate about the natural world (vegan who has volunteered in the conservation sectors for more than six years).
Outdated as well, nowadays, but many salient points were made and it will be a good read for those interested in fighting climate change and biodiversity loss.
A book on the natural environment, in order to keep a person hooked, should focus on the fauna and flora with a sprinkling of the soil science. This book does the opposite and I found it a drag to finish. I say this as a person who is hugely passionate about the natural world (vegan who has volunteered in the conservation sectors for more than six years).
Outdated as well, nowadays, but many salient points were made and it will be a good read for those interested in fighting climate change and biodiversity loss.
January 13, 2018
An enlightening read that forces one to think about how one does - or doesn't as the case may be - value nature. It's not so much that Juniper is putting a price tag on nature and thinking it should compete in the capitalist market place. Rather, he examines various facets of nature and what we, as a society, do to value it or undermine it. Juniper also provides a kind of road map at the end of each chapter for what governments can do to to achieve the goals he lays out.
March 21, 2019
Read this for my geography course so this is gonna be a short review.
Very good information, lots of statistics that would be very useful for 20 mark answers in an A level exam, for sure. Writing did almost put me to sleep at times, but it was still interesting (don't ask me how that makes sense.)
Overall accomplishes what it sets out to do, and also convinces you the government secretly want the world to end.
Very good information, lots of statistics that would be very useful for 20 mark answers in an A level exam, for sure. Writing did almost put me to sleep at times, but it was still interesting (don't ask me how that makes sense.)
Overall accomplishes what it sets out to do, and also convinces you the government secretly want the world to end.
January 8, 2020
A very important book. Inevitably, it's dating fast - notably as the political landscape changes (ie the shambles of Brexit, and how Britain will lose even more of its environmental safeguards). But the idea and arguments are potent and ineluctable. If there's an economic reason to look after countryside - restoring peat bogs to help prevent flooding - only the most pigheaded and reality shunning of politicians would refuse to heed the recommendations. Oh, hang on...
September 27, 2017
Incredibly book, one every single person should read to gain an appreciated of how important nature is to our lives.
January 17, 2022
Essential reading, if slightly out of date, if only to see the opportunities that have been missed by the current crop of politicians, and why we all need to be a great deal more vocal about very simple environmental improvements.
August 6, 2023
Like doing my geography a level again!
December 10, 2023
Interesting. I’d love to see an updated version.
November 8, 2015
One of the big debates in nature conservation is whether the case for protecting the environment is best made by stressing the intrinsic value of the natural world or its economic value. In this book Tony Juniper comes down squarely in the latter camp, arguing for better care to be taken of Britain's countryside based on the benefits that would accrue to the economy and our general wellbeing. Books examining the state of the environment are often depressing catalogues of neglect, failure and loss. But while Juniper does not shrink from examining how dire the state of our countryside is, he also provides positive stories about how, with just a little thought and effort, things can be put right. In the end this is a positive book with a clear message about what needs to be done to maximise the returns from our 'natural capitaI'. I only hope that those in power take notice and don't let ideology turn them away from the many gains that could be made by following what Juniper recommends
December 30, 2016
A very persuasive account about why we should be conserving and developing our natural environment. Rather than focusing simply on the many health and emotional benefits of a well conserved natural environment the author makes a convincing argument about the economic benefits that would accrue if we chose to develop it further. He provides many examples of how commercial companies, conservation groups and individuals have not only improved the natural environment but also led to income generation and increased employment opportunities. Lagging behind are our politicians who continue to see "green" projects as a drain on our economy.
This book is well written, easily understood and persuasive in its arguments. A must read for those interested in the natural environment. I would make it a mandatory read for our political leaders.
This book is well written, easily understood and persuasive in its arguments. A must read for those interested in the natural environment. I would make it a mandatory read for our political leaders.
November 24, 2016
A fascinating look at how life in the UK can be better prepared for and also how money can be wasted following political agendas rather than that of nature – which has been successfully around for far longer.
Written a little like an academic paper or lecture, this is none-the-less a strong call to action for anyone with even a passing interest in society making the most of itself and showing how environmental respect can be a winning business recipe.
Written a little like an academic paper or lecture, this is none-the-less a strong call to action for anyone with even a passing interest in society making the most of itself and showing how environmental respect can be a winning business recipe.
October 19, 2016
Excellent introduction to many of the issues affecting the environment and how protecting it can be good for us economically and in a whole host of other ways. Did appear to be a bit sweeping in places and there are no footnotes etc only an accompanying website with sources making it hard to cross reference. Plenty of food for thought though.
September 17, 2020
Takeaway: it does loads, and bogs aren’t that bad in the end.
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