Two for Joy: The myriad ways to enjoy the countryside

by Adam Henson

"I share Adam's love of farming and wildlife and I found this to be a fascinating and indispensable guide to our wonderful countryside. Makes you excited to get outside and explore" - Kate Humble

Ever wondered why the dawn chorus is so loud in spring? What makes a summer sunset so special? Where to spot a murmuration of starlings in autumn? Or how to identify trees from just their bark in winter?

In Two for Joy, Adam Henson - much-loved and long-standing presenter of Countryfile - goes on a journey throughout each season to help you to find new and varied ways to reconnect to the British and Irish countryside. Discover what's happening on farms, growing in hedgerows, the stories behind countryside superstitions, how to revive lost traditions, what you might spot when you look up at the sky and stars - and plenty more in this uplifting guide to the nature that surrounds us.

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, Hardcover

Published February 21, 2023

Reviews

[Jayne Hood]

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

[FlyingBulgarian Svetli H.]

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]

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.

[Cat]

A magnificent marvel of a book that I will use as reference for many years to come. I was reading it with a smile on my face. For an inner city London girl, I don’t half love the English countryside. This book made my heart sing reading about it all.

[Lisa]

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

[Shan]

4.25 A lovely book, informative and very readable

[Edward Bradley]

Very informative

[Rob Mead]

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]

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]

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

[Ruth]

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

[Matt]

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?

[Chandrashekar Gangaraju]

I read about half of this book. A great deal of facts and personal experience.

[Rowan]

A really pleasant read, informative and easy to follow

[evelyn francais x]

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