Now's the time to learn more about nature and bees

Claire Waring reviews new books on bees plus the natural world around us

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As smallholders, we are interested in a wide range of natural history subjects. The latest titles from Princeton University Press include a small book of curious bee facts, two field guides, three volumes in the 'The Lives of' series, a natural history of moths of the world and a fascinating book on colour in nature. All these volumes are of the highest quality, both in the physical object and the content. I am sure you will find any of these titles both fascinating and very informative. Great to give (and receive) at Christmas.

BEEPEDIA: A BRIEF COMPENDIUM OF BEE CURIOSITIES

Wherever you find insect-pollinated flowering plants, you will find bees. With over 20,000 described species, there are bound to be interesting facts that you are unlikely to know. From Agapostemon to Zacosmia, dipping into this little book you are sure to have your curiosity roused. Why did Napoleon choose the bee as his emblem rather than the lion, the Gallic cockerel or the fleur-de-lys? Why do some bees try to copulate with orchids? What are hospicidal larvae? Who wrote Clan Apis? All the answers are in this small illustrated volume!

One of the 'WILDGuide' series, this book is crammed full of detailed information and numerous photographs. It will enable you to identify species throughout the year, using leaf shapes, buds, flowers and fruits. Additionally, there are details of animals, plants, fungi and lichen that are dependent on different tree species. Up-to-date distribution maps aid identification together with timings for flowers, fruits and leaves. Included in the 113 native trees and shrubs listed are all 42 currently recognised species of Whitebeam, together with 190 common nonnatives and subspecies.