Wholesale Journeys to the Nearby: the Gentle Art of Untravelling

GARDENING / Essays & Narratives• A book for travellers, gardeners and those looking for solace in our overwhelming and relentlessly fast- paced digital world. • An underlying message of conservation that is gently presented, often humorous and never preachy. • Reflections on topics as varied as the lack of women travel writers, the many voices of birds, and the importance of fun. • Explores the science and history of the characterful plants as well as the feisty creatures that reveal themselves along the way. • While some garden books emphasize the importance of biodiversity and conservation in gardening practices, none have drawn the link between the role that our "nearby" can play in fossil-fuel conservation by calming our craving for unnecessary travel.Inspired by adventures of world travellers but unwilling to rack up her fossil fuel consumption, Elspeth sets out with a deep curiosity to explore the world that exists in her own garden. Told over the course of four seasons, the book is inspired by the beauty in the small moments of discovery. After spending the winter holidays lazing comfortably with a stack of books by ambitiously adventurous travel writers, Elspeth soon realizes that their derring-do and far-flung, often gas-guzzling exploits, are not her cup of tea. But impressed by their energy she resolves to abandon her recliner to set off on a year-long journey of her own. Her tentative efforts of ‘untravelling’ become a voyage of discovery and rediscovery as she learns to slow down and observe. With gentle humour and a warm, intimate and conversational style, Elspeth evokes her world as richly as any travel writer. Accompanied by Elspeth’s elegant pen-and-ink drawings. A charming gift book for travellers, gardeners and those looking for solace in our overwhelming and relentlessly-fast-paced digital world.