The Trespasser's Companion: A Field Guide to Reclaiming What is Already Ours

by Nick Hayes

The Trespasser's Companion is a short, celebratory and urgent book about the land and our access to it by the Sunday Times- bestselling author of The Book of Trespass
The Trespasser's Companion is a rallying cry for greater public access to nature and a gently seditious guide to how to get by trespassing.

We may be excluded from the majority of our land, no less than 92% in England, but bestselling nature writer and trespasser Nick Hayes shows how we can reclaim our lost connection. By engaging with the land through craft and learning and by caring for it, our relationship with the countryside will be better for us, and better for nature.

Interwoven are testimonials from expert contributors - farmers and landworkers, activists and authors - each with deeply personal stories of what a connection to nature means for them. With exquisite woodcut illustrations throughout, this is both a love letter to nature and a call to action.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Politics, Natural History, Environment, Travel

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Nick Hayes is the author of The Rime of the Modern Mariner, an updating of Coleridge’s famous poem, and the visual biography Woody Guthrie and the Dust Bowl Ballads, both of which are among the most highly regarded of recent British long-form comics. He has also published two collections of his short comics, Lovely Grey Day and 11 Folk Songs. He is the founding editor of Meat magazine, a periodical showcasing new writing, comics and illustration and has won two Guardian Media awards.

Reviews

[Barry Avis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Trespasser's Companion: A Field Guide to Reclaiming What is Already Ours highlights the simple fact that half of England is owned by just 1% of people. We English people are legally allowed to step foot on just 8% of England and only 3% of English rivers. A lot of English land, such as that owned by the British royal family was taken from us ‘commoners’ illegally by force and backed up by laws made by rich landowners. Most of the access we have gained back has been due to “illegal” activity such as the Kinder Mass trespass and so this book suggests ways to peacefully trespass and how to ensure it is seen as a peaceful and even beneficial way. Many of us would welcome more access to the healthy giving, mental health supporting nature around us and this book supports that.
Nick Hayes book is well written and provides some great information on the inequalities in access to “our” nature locations such as the fact that 13% of the UK population identify as black, Asian or from a minority ethnic group yet just 26.2% of black people spend time in the countryside compared with 44.2% of white people. Showing that lack of inclusion is also a factor in access to nature. The book provides some great resources for those looking to trespass or just access thee land they are allowed to such as Black2Nature facebook.com/OfficialB2N and righttoroaam.org.uk.
My only small issue with the book is that it, if people are encouraged to trespass there may be consequences beyond the legal stuff that Nick Hayes details in the book. There is a group of Lawyers (LawyersforNature.com) who can provide guidance on that side. But there are a small group of landowners and their staff (e.g. gamekeepers) who are already not above doing illegal things such as trapping and shooting our wonderful birds of prey and so may not be above putting you in hospital to ‘protect’ their land and saying you attacked them (not many independent witnesses wandering about their land) and the book does not really cover that side off things. It happens already with peaceful hunt saboteurs trying to stop illegal hunting.
A well written and well researched book for anyone who is interested in accessing the country.

[Shan S · Rating 4 out of 5]

a delightfully accessible read with diverse and intersectional stories woven into the conversation about right to roam and access to nature. not to mention the beautiful illustrations and tangible actions littered throughout which make commonising nature feel almost easy. can't wait to joyfully trespass with this in my back pocket.

'but for some people a love of nature is not confined to watching blue planet on a Sunday night or signing an online petition, it is felt as a familial kinship for the non human world, something worthy of urgent action'

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a 'Call to Arms' that invites the reader to join or organise peaceful trespass actions to reclaim what was once ours by right. Importantly, it recognises the campaign for the right to roam must be diverse and inclusive, and that meaningful dialogue with current landowners and farmers is essential to reduce bias and fear.
As with all thought out campaign offers, this books sets out an overall picture of what the future can look like, and how to get there.
Yet, perhaps the book's most powerful argument is that greater access to the land and rivers will vastly benefit the nation's health and well being agenda, whilst reconnecting the populace to a fundamental truth. This earth belongs to us all.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: Don’t commit criminal crimes. Be safe. Be responsible. Be happy. Read this book and make your own decisions. Plus points for diversity and inclusion.

Incidentally did you know that trespass is not actually (on its own) a criminal crime…?

[Helbob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly informative and a call to..well..trespass. It really is a manual for action to accompany his original The Book of Trespass. I’m reminded that.. “1 percent of England’s population owns 50 percent of its land”. We have been fenced off and excluded from the land, that our ancestors had commoners rights to, by the acts of enclosure and a myriad host of legislation up to and including the present day. Meaning that 92 per cent of English land and 97 per cent of rivers are out of bounds to the public. No wonder there is often such a disconnect between people and nature. Time for things to change. Time for England to have a Right to Roam.

[Tom Jaeger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Half of England is owned by just 1% of the population. In fact, the general population can only access 8% of land and just 3% of rivers. This alone is alarming but there are things that can be done and this is a perfect companion to take back what is ours.

Only giving it 3 stars because I listened to the audiobook and felt it rambled on a little bit but it’s still a good book

[Adam Botley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A manifesto for how our approach to the British countryside should change and how us commoners should change it. Really enjoyed the different diverse perspectives they gave throughout the book, which opened my eyes to issues my privilege had made me blind to before reading.

Some top drawer artwork too.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, thoroughly recommend, and with some outstanding illustrations and design work

[Eirwen Abberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!! What a simultaneously shocking, inspiring and heartwarming collection of writing about the value of our countryside. I believe so strongly in access to nature for all and how much this would change our collective treatment of the earth. The book also contains tangible steps and actions to promote the right to roam in the UK and emphasises the importance of curiosity and exploration, which I love. It was a pleasure to read at the base of Scafell Pike. Thanks Iza!

[Philip Horspool · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while a book comes along with the power, ideas and vision to change lives. I'd already read the wonderful 'Book of Trespass' and this companion outlines the theory behind the practice of Trespass. This is more than a book about Trespass it is a call for change of attitude and practice in our society - one which would benefit society immensely. Reading this is a starting point and a call to action for all of us.

[Edie Taro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A more practical companion to Nick Hayes' earlier 'Book of Trespass'. It's divided into sections covering aspects of environment, law, and the way people interact with nature.

Positives:
This is a work of art in its own right - full of beautiful, thoughtful illustrations.
Nick Hayes is named as author, but many chapters are written by contributors who each add a different perspective, e.g. farmer, disabled activist, POC. These stories often go unheard so it's good they're given space in this book.

Negatives:
I found the practical advice somewhat lacking. Tips such as 'google this website' are simple, common sense steps.
Lots of repetition of the same ideas. Could benefit from tighter editing.

[Joe Downie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Full of practical information, and love how Nick has brought in a wide range of voices to compliment his own. Beautiful illustrations too. Only frustration (as someone in Wales) was his complete lack of a view on trespass in Wales (or Northern Ireland for that matter). I guess he doesn't want to appear to be an English person dictating what happens in Wales, but this doesn't stop him singing the praises of Scotland all the time. Even if there are fewer (though still some) private estates of Lords and Dukes, someone still needs to champion the cause of access in Wales !

[NN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trespassing is the big english original taboo and everyone would benefit from reestablishing access to nature. The book sets up the argument that would later be expanded upon in the following book Wild Service with which it overlaps. Landowners and farmers are figuring here but are not really spoken to, but the political sphere becomes clear. The big question is how to start with reclaiming: we will need to trespass for laws to start changing and we will need more people trespassing from different backgrounds and not just the recreational white outdoors folk.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opening, motivating, uplifting, sobering and ultimately a hugely applicable set of tasks. Too much radical literature makes vague gesticulations towards direct actions that a person could do if they find the right crowd, have the right resources, know the right people. This is not that.
I'm thrilled to find a publication that not only considers queer people, ethnic minorities and disabled people, but actively takes the time to centre their experiences and once again make actionable suggestions on improving both the conversation and current situations that those groups face.

It would be a crime (haha) not to mention the excquisite print and illustrations that accompany the text. Not only have I been convinced on the topic of trespassing, but to follow Hayes personally and see what he comes up with in the future.

[Borderline Greenway · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations from a passionate access rights campaigner. My problem with the book is trust. The author makes claims that are just not correct - such as English landlords were responsible for the Highland Clearances. Once you experience such broad general assertions, factually incorrect I find it difficult to accept other such assertions in the book.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book, an excellent companion, full of information and encouragement. Nick Hayes narrates the audiobook which, to steal a much used Masterchef phrase, takes it to another level. Everything he says makes sense and his message should be spread throughout the land. Thank you, Nick Hayes.

[Ultramarinedream · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you stumbled upon this before reading The Book of Trespass, do yourself a favour and read that one next. Both are excellent, and I can’t recommend them enough to other wanderers and nature lovers concerned with land access rights.

[Alice Petherick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me quite a long time dipping in and out of this to finish it, but I think the book lends itself to that. I really enjoyed it and it was very informative and useful, if you're interested in the countryside and our access to it.

[Andrew Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb; a message that everyone needs to read (and take action on), as powerful as the book felt I fear that those that most need to read the message are the same people that wouldn’t consider picking this up in the first place.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book - read it and explore the land/fall in love with nature. And not just the 8% we are allowed access to.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow even better than its slightly more academic counterpart. Let's go take some signs down.

Read at work.

[Steve Gillway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clears sets out practical ways to trespass with informative essays by key figures in the area.

[Tallulah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good bits mixed in.
Could have done with a better edit and more practical advice

[Grim-Anal King · Rating 2 out of 5]

Low rating not indicative of a lack of sympathy for the position.

[Jonathan · Rating 1 out of 5]

the countryside is for everyone 🤡

[Kirstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and well researched…. It’s a call to arms for nature & our access to it.

I’ve lived in rural villages & towns all my life so have taken the footpaths on my doorstep for granted.. but even when walking the footpaths & trails I’ve always wanted to venture behind the fences & barriers.

The chapter that covers how little nature people have on their doorsteps & how inaccessible it is for people without transport was so sad. It makes me feel very ignorant when I compared my childhood of playing in fields & building dens in woods to children now playing on computers & phones.

I listened to the audio book so now need to buy the physical book to carry it with me & take action!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent follow up ('sister' book) to the equally excellent The Book of Trespass. Re-energising without being repetitive and full of useful resources. More power to their (and our) elbow!

[Lucas Bertholdi-Saad · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent "call to arms" on the need to get closer to nature and the method- direct action- to do it. Absolutely beautifully illustrated as well!

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting and interesting call to arms and a saddening reminder of what we have lost