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A Last Wild Place: Seasons in the Wilderness
When Mike Tomkies moved to a remote cottage on the shores of Loch Shiel in the West Highlands of Scotland, he found a place which was to provide him with the most profound wilderness experience of his life. Accessible only by boat, the cottage he renamed ‘Wildernesse’ was to be his home for many years, which he shared with his beloved German Shepherd, Moobli.
Centred on different landscape elements – loch, woodlands and mountains –Tomkies describes the whole cycle of nature through the seasons in a harsh and testing environment of unrivalled beauty. Vivid colours and sounds fill the pages – exotic wild orchids, the roar of rutting stags, the territorial movements of foxes, otters and badgers, an oak tree being torn apart by hurricane-force gales. Nothing escapes his penetrating eye.
His extraordinary insights into the wildlife that shared his otherwise empty territory were not gained without perseverance in the face of perilous hazards, and the difficulties and challenges of life in the wilderness are a key part of this remarkable book.
Centred on different landscape elements – loch, woodlands and mountains –Tomkies describes the whole cycle of nature through the seasons in a harsh and testing environment of unrivalled beauty. Vivid colours and sounds fill the pages – exotic wild orchids, the roar of rutting stags, the territorial movements of foxes, otters and badgers, an oak tree being torn apart by hurricane-force gales. Nothing escapes his penetrating eye.
His extraordinary insights into the wildlife that shared his otherwise empty territory were not gained without perseverance in the face of perilous hazards, and the difficulties and challenges of life in the wilderness are a key part of this remarkable book.
- GenresScotlandNonfiction
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published June 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
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January 17, 2024I made it through and enjoyed parts of it, but I think this style of wilderness writing is just not for me. I wanted more self-reflection or reflection on Scottish connections to land, rather than a glimpse into the lives of squirrels and dear. He does write beautifully though and there are some touching stories in here.
December 29, 2025
This book is immensely inspiring to me as a nature enthusiast. Mike Tomkies is well written. Although the material can get a bit sleepy at times, he does a great job at bringing the reader back in with shockingly entertaining stories and humor at times.
It’s a book that tested my attention span but with great reward. If you love animals and yearn to learn more of nature’s maneuvers, this is for you.
Grateful for Tomkies and his dedication.
It’s a book that tested my attention span but with great reward. If you love animals and yearn to learn more of nature’s maneuvers, this is for you.
Grateful for Tomkies and his dedication.
September 18, 2025
Gave up, not for me. A very detailed nature account which I got bored of. Probably a brilliant book for someone who is more devoted than I am.
May 20, 2023
I don’t have sufficient words to describe how this book touched my heart. Such raw accounts from actual time in Scottish highlands, are priceless hidden gems, and extremely extremely precious.
the way he connected with the nature, had such gentle care and thought for animals, plants, and wildlife…it was so pleasing to the heart to take in in today’s era. You can really tell he appreciates natures beauty and has such a special heart for it. It’s such a unique and hard to find mindset nowadays and I’m so astonished to read his accounts in nature. I will definitely read his other books , his material is hungrily absorbing.
He passed in 2016 but I’m sure he left a mark on the Earth, and one that only benefited it. The fact he saved deers, birds, bats, trees..and had such a caring soul for nature around him…this man should be honored and recognized.
If you have the time, I recommend picking up this jewl and absorbing its contents.
the way he connected with the nature, had such gentle care and thought for animals, plants, and wildlife…it was so pleasing to the heart to take in in today’s era. You can really tell he appreciates natures beauty and has such a special heart for it. It’s such a unique and hard to find mindset nowadays and I’m so astonished to read his accounts in nature. I will definitely read his other books , his material is hungrily absorbing.
He passed in 2016 but I’m sure he left a mark on the Earth, and one that only benefited it. The fact he saved deers, birds, bats, trees..and had such a caring soul for nature around him…this man should be honored and recognized.
If you have the time, I recommend picking up this jewl and absorbing its contents.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews