Down to the River and Up to the Trees: Discover the Hidden Nature on Your Doorstep

by Sue Belfrage

In a stressful, chaotic world, many of us are turning to nature for a sense of
serenity and happiness.
While the idea of the wild outdoors is enticing, though, our busy lives and our location can cause us to become detached from nature. Down to the River and Up to the Trees will show you how to connect with the natural world around you, whether you live in the city or the countryside.
From getting to know the local wildlife, to foraging and creating naturally-sourced
masterpieces, Down to the River is brimming with practical information, intriguing quotes and inspirational ideas. Discover how to carve your own spoon; to be able to tell if the moon is waxing or waning; or try forest bathing (surrounding yourself with trees). Learn how to make yourself at home amongst the animals and plants on your doorstep, in harmony with your surroundings. There is space too for you to record your thoughts and findings, whatever shape they take.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Animals

192 pages, Hardcover

Published June 15, 2017

Reviews

[Cara Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars
There were some interesting facts in here & a couple of fun tricks, but overall I was pretty disappointed by this book. I didn’t love the writing style & was hoping for something more atmospheric. There is nothing wrong with this book, it just wasn’t really for me.

[Felix · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded down

The only reason I read this book at all is because it's short and I am behind my reading challenge.

Most of the book was very fluffy and didn't have much substance, mostly consisting of jokes that were not funny and random recipes and crafts. I'm still angry about the blackberry jam recipe that called for butter.

There were a few interesting facts, but not enough to make me rate it any higher than 2.5 stars.

[Mikeila Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this book was alright. There were some really interesting parts, and some good quotes from poetry, but wasn’t all that I thought it would be.

[༺Kiki༻ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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✱ The Curious Nature Guide: Explore the Natural Wonders All Around You

[Juliet Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down to the River and Up to the Trees, written and illustrated by Sue Belfrage, will inspire you to get outdoors more and be more creative once you're there! It's divided into sections dealing with different aspects of the outdoors (such as Earth, Sky, Water) and each section is packed full of ideas for activities including recipes for using foraged ingredients (including elderfower cordial and hedgerow jam), creating rainbows, dissecting owl pellets and taking photos.

It's a book to dip into whenever you want, and the ideas are accessible for people of all ages. It includes pages to make your own notes or drawings. It's a great way to encourage people out into nature who normally don't go outdoors much or to use with children to inspire them to be more observant of nature and more creative in their responses to the outdoors. If you already spend a lot of time outdoors, the activities offer a number of new ways of speding your outdoor time!

** A Winner of the Woodland Books of the Year Award **

[Laura S · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this pandemic we have all seen how nature and animals have thrived where humans have retreated and its left me with a hankering to want to see that continue, to somehow stay connected with the natural world around us. And nature is so good for your mental health. This book inspires if nothing else. It has some good ideas of how to get connected with nature that are short and snappy, some I already know about, some would be great for outdoor learning with children and some facts that fascinated me. Some activities felt childish but actually it is that child like wonder of that natural world that we are trying to get back. Basically my hope for the future is one where the world reconnects with its home, and we have time and space to appreciate our natural wonders, no matter how small.!

[AngryGreyCat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down the the River and Up to the Trees is a back to nature/folk lore/crafts/ self help book. I’m not actually sure what genre it would fall into it. It was charming to read with sections of it definitely reminding me of wisdom of my grandparents and activities from my childhood. Just an example, something as simple as bark rubbing and making charcoal. A light read that was in many ways nostalgic for me.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing that hasn't been said before and recipes readily available from lots of sources.
Also, the section on building rock stacks doesn't take into account how damaging these are to the environment.
Disappointed little discussed about hedgehogs.

[Jennifer Moville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this with good reads first reads
Great book, some good and interesting info - will make you look when you next go for a walk

[LudmilaM · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Sarlita · Rating 4 out of 5]

B E A U T I F U L 🌸🍃🍁

[Todd Katz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little book with nice and diverse ways to enjoy the outdoors. Good for adults.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book in Oxford, while waiting for a bus.
It reminded me to stop and smell the roses. I have an idea to draw all over this book the things it suggests.
Its not a novel. Its not self help. Its a sweet book of things to notice and look for and things the author loves. I read a passage once or twice a week. I shared it with friends who also enjoy stopping to "smell the roses"
Sweet English book.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book really made me want to go out more and explore the natural world. I've done a few activities recommended by the author like nature walks and cloud spotting and really found myself in a better mood and getting more exercise. Can't wait to try all the other activities from the book!