'Jimmy's love of nature is second to none - what a beautiful read' Jamie Oliver
Twenty years ago, Jimmy Doherty started a farm for rare breed pigs on some derelict land in Suffolk. Now a thriving wildlife park, which is home to many different species of animal, this book chronicles the journey that Jimmy and his family have found themselves on over the years.
In Tales From Jimmy's Farm , Jimmy reveals how he made his childhood dream of having his own wildlife park a reality - how, starting with a few rare breed pigs, he would transform a derelict and forgotten Suffolk farm into an A-Z of the animal world, from anteaters to zebras.
Taking us on a journey through the seasons - spring lambs to rutting reindeer, sun-loving meerkats to festive monkeys - Jimmy reveals the ups and downs of a life immersed in the natural world, and explains how we too, wherever we may live, can benefit ourselves and the planet by embracing the remarkable animals around us.
'Running a wildlife park is a complex job. To do it you need knowledge that varies from animal biology to how to get an ancient tractor running after a harsh frost. If there's a more diverse job, I'd like to hear about it. But the massive upside of all that hard work is simple. At all times you're embedded in the landscape and the lives of those incredible animals which depend on it - a beautiful natural gift which you are forever unwrapping.'
This was a good easy read about Jimmy's experiences of running a park - but I wanted a bit more. It jumped about all over the place without a real chronological element and spoke more widely about things rather than honing in too specifically on the wildlife park's story in places.
A wonderful, heartwarming account of how TV's Jimmy's Farm came into being. Jimmy's passion for animals shines through and one can't help but admire his enthusiasm and stamina.
An inspiring book. The candor and passion of Jimmy is evident in every page, full of fun stories and a fantastic message to appreciate the nature we are all often guilty of overlooking.