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Rewild Yourself: 23 Spellbinding Ways to Make Nature More Visible
'Such a simple, clever book.' Rosemary Goring, The Herald
We're not just losing the wild world. We're forgetting it. We're no longer noticing it. We've lost the habit of looking and seeing and listening and hearing.
But we can make hidden things visible, and this book features 23 spellbinding ways to bring the magic of nature much closer to home .
Mammals you never knew existed will enter your world. Birds hidden in treetops will shed their cloak of anonymity. With a single movement of your hand you can make reptiles appear before you. Butterflies you never saw before will bring joy to every sunny day. Creatures of the darkness will enter your consciousness. And as you take on new techniques and a little new equipment, you will discover new creatures and, with them, new areas of yourself that had gone dormant. Once put to use, they wake up and start working again. You become wilder in your mind and in your heart. Once you know the tricks, the wild world begins to appear before you.
For anyone who wants to get closer to the nature all around them and bring it back into focus, this is the perfect read.
We're not just losing the wild world. We're forgetting it. We're no longer noticing it. We've lost the habit of looking and seeing and listening and hearing.
But we can make hidden things visible, and this book features 23 spellbinding ways to bring the magic of nature much closer to home .
Mammals you never knew existed will enter your world. Birds hidden in treetops will shed their cloak of anonymity. With a single movement of your hand you can make reptiles appear before you. Butterflies you never saw before will bring joy to every sunny day. Creatures of the darkness will enter your consciousness. And as you take on new techniques and a little new equipment, you will discover new creatures and, with them, new areas of yourself that had gone dormant. Once put to use, they wake up and start working again. You become wilder in your mind and in your heart. Once you know the tricks, the wild world begins to appear before you.
For anyone who wants to get closer to the nature all around them and bring it back into focus, this is the perfect read.
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2018
235 people are currently reading
4907 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
March 10, 2019
There are a large number of people who only go outside if they have to, moving between house and car, car and office and almost never take the time to walk away from the asphalt, away from the modern technology and rediscover the wild. The evidence is starting to grow too that this is an essential part of our psyche and how spending just a short amount of time outdoors has significant short and long term benefits.
With the aim of encouraging people to head outdoors, Simon Bares has selected twenty-three different simple steps that anyone can do for almost no budget or a very small one. Example of the ideas that he suggests are always taking a plastic bag with you as the best way to start to see wildlife is to sit still and to sit still for a long time, it is not easy doing so with a wet bum. The same logic applies to getting waterproof trousers to make it more comfortable when out and about in inclement weathers. He will suggest when it is in your interest to spend some money. For example, investing in a bat detector or buying a decent set of binoculars will pay dividends. He recommends buying the best you can afford with sound advice on what to get depending on the sorts of things that you are wanting to look at.
The best thing about this book is that it is peppered with advice about the inexpensive ways to see wildlife. Taking time to slow down and let it come to you rather than crashing through the undergrowth and scaring it away. Also, sage wisdom is taking the time to celebrate everything that you see. You should get the same pleasure as you would seeing a red admiral as you would a purple emperor, Barnes argues.
The most important thing that you can do though is to invest time in getting outdoors and seeing what is around in your local area. For those that can't do that, then put out bird feeders and put plants in your garden that attract insects. Start off simply and build up. You do not need to be an expert, just a change in attitude and the wild world can be yours.
With the aim of encouraging people to head outdoors, Simon Bares has selected twenty-three different simple steps that anyone can do for almost no budget or a very small one. Example of the ideas that he suggests are always taking a plastic bag with you as the best way to start to see wildlife is to sit still and to sit still for a long time, it is not easy doing so with a wet bum. The same logic applies to getting waterproof trousers to make it more comfortable when out and about in inclement weathers. He will suggest when it is in your interest to spend some money. For example, investing in a bat detector or buying a decent set of binoculars will pay dividends. He recommends buying the best you can afford with sound advice on what to get depending on the sorts of things that you are wanting to look at.
The best thing about this book is that it is peppered with advice about the inexpensive ways to see wildlife. Taking time to slow down and let it come to you rather than crashing through the undergrowth and scaring it away. Also, sage wisdom is taking the time to celebrate everything that you see. You should get the same pleasure as you would seeing a red admiral as you would a purple emperor, Barnes argues.
The most important thing that you can do though is to invest time in getting outdoors and seeing what is around in your local area. For those that can't do that, then put out bird feeders and put plants in your garden that attract insects. Start off simply and build up. You do not need to be an expert, just a change in attitude and the wild world can be yours.
November 2, 2018
I really enjoyed the gentle language and charming description in this book. The idea that nature is all around us, and that we just need to remind ourselves it is also within is timely. The "spells" are achievable and creative, giving food for thought and a lovely to do list. Butterflies, dolphins and an array of deer, all within our country and ready for us to find. I must go and buy a Buddleia!
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July 7, 2021Pleasant if fairly light read about noticing nature better.
September 28, 2020
This was an exceptionally sweet read, and partway through I began recommending it to people that I know. The book is divided into very short chapters, each holding a different type of "magic" that can allow you to interact with the natural world around you in a different way. These "magic" spells are introduced with quotes from books such as The Magician's Nephew, The Jungle Book, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, all to illustrate how we can view the world differently - and more equal to us - rather than looking down upon it.
The book was very endearing, and the perspective one that I agree with greatly. Although the book is focused upon British wildlife the bulk of the advice translates rather nicely to us here in the United States. I found myself enamored with many of the ideas presented. Why don't I bring my binoculars with me to the dog park to better identify that distant hawk? Why haven't I purchased a pair of waterproof pants yet in my life? What about canoeing - why haven't I done that in years? Why didn't I know I could see Puffins here in the United States?
This book is eye-opening, even to those of us who do consider ourselves amateur naturalists. I look forward to some of my friends (hopefully) reading it so I can talk to them about it - and to putting these ideas to use in my everyday life. It's a big, wonderful world out there if only we take the time to begin understanding it. It's easy to learn five species of butterflies, after all... and then, the magical sixth.
The book was very endearing, and the perspective one that I agree with greatly. Although the book is focused upon British wildlife the bulk of the advice translates rather nicely to us here in the United States. I found myself enamored with many of the ideas presented. Why don't I bring my binoculars with me to the dog park to better identify that distant hawk? Why haven't I purchased a pair of waterproof pants yet in my life? What about canoeing - why haven't I done that in years? Why didn't I know I could see Puffins here in the United States?
This book is eye-opening, even to those of us who do consider ourselves amateur naturalists. I look forward to some of my friends (hopefully) reading it so I can talk to them about it - and to putting these ideas to use in my everyday life. It's a big, wonderful world out there if only we take the time to begin understanding it. It's easy to learn five species of butterflies, after all... and then, the magical sixth.
February 23, 2019
Simon Barnes has done it again. This is a book like a sharp thump to restart the heart. Breathtakingly simple, yet not quite obvious (arguably he should have said something more about bird feeding but he has a fair point about there being other places to find out about that) Tremendously accessible and yet challenging (quit whining about wanting to see a puffin, just go and see a puffin). Practical (keep a supermarket plastic bag with you so you can sit anywhere without getting a damp bottom) but uplifting.
I must admit to a tendency to sigh every time Barnes mentions the Luangwa valley anyway and especially in a book aimed at British residents and I cringed at his frequent quotation and referencing of Narnia, but can't argue with the relevance of either to his message.
Beautiful cover and illustrations by Edward Bettison too.
He has an interesting chapter on books. I think he misses the importance of art and wildlife illustration. He talks of spells so the link to Robert McFarlane and Jackie Morris's The Lost Words is there (although not mention). I see these two books as essential and essential companions.
I must admit to a tendency to sigh every time Barnes mentions the Luangwa valley anyway and especially in a book aimed at British residents and I cringed at his frequent quotation and referencing of Narnia, but can't argue with the relevance of either to his message.
Beautiful cover and illustrations by Edward Bettison too.
He has an interesting chapter on books. I think he misses the importance of art and wildlife illustration. He talks of spells so the link to Robert McFarlane and Jackie Morris's The Lost Words is there (although not mention). I see these two books as essential and essential companions.
September 5, 2019
I'm wilder than I thought and so are you.
I was totally unprepared for the emotion this book unleashed.
Joy. Joyful. The most joyous book I've read this year (#44).
The spells are ones I know, or had known and the joy comes from recognition.
I started reading this book on holiday in Spain and was mighty cross when it became unavailable in my BorrowBox library. I collected it from my local library this morning and have been smiling all afternoon.
The first kiss is not the best kiss; it's merely the most exciting.
Barnes' writing is evocative and familiar. His books and mine dovetail nicely.
I have Magic Trousers and know How to Sit and Walk. I even have a Magic Tree in my garden. We have two sets of bins always at the ready.
And yes, now I'll always be ready.
I was totally unprepared for the emotion this book unleashed.
Joy. Joyful. The most joyous book I've read this year (#44).
The spells are ones I know, or had known and the joy comes from recognition.
I started reading this book on holiday in Spain and was mighty cross when it became unavailable in my BorrowBox library. I collected it from my local library this morning and have been smiling all afternoon.
The first kiss is not the best kiss; it's merely the most exciting.
Barnes' writing is evocative and familiar. His books and mine dovetail nicely.
I have Magic Trousers and know How to Sit and Walk. I even have a Magic Tree in my garden. We have two sets of bins always at the ready.
And yes, now I'll always be ready.
October 26, 2019
I know I always give Simon Barnes 5 stars, just because he's Simon Barnes and a wonderful writer - but how anyone can read his books and not be wildly enthusiastic about nature, I can't imagine.
This book will also appeal to lovers of fantasy, particularly Narnia and Harry Potter, which are much quoted from. Barnes gives us spells to fill the world with wonderful wildlife - well, the wildlife is already there, it's just a question of opening our eyes and ears to perceive it.
We could buy a bat detector or a moth trap, but most of the "spells" are simple - learn a few basic birdsongs, watch for bats on a summer evening, observe the butterflies in the garden and wonder - and look up - and learn. Then as if by magic, you will have become a naturalist.
I spend most of my time in a Barnes book with a silly, happy grin on my face, or saying "Yes!" I recommend a regular dose of him for anyone feeling downcast or depressed.
This book will also appeal to lovers of fantasy, particularly Narnia and Harry Potter, which are much quoted from. Barnes gives us spells to fill the world with wonderful wildlife - well, the wildlife is already there, it's just a question of opening our eyes and ears to perceive it.
We could buy a bat detector or a moth trap, but most of the "spells" are simple - learn a few basic birdsongs, watch for bats on a summer evening, observe the butterflies in the garden and wonder - and look up - and learn. Then as if by magic, you will have become a naturalist.
I spend most of my time in a Barnes book with a silly, happy grin on my face, or saying "Yes!" I recommend a regular dose of him for anyone feeling downcast or depressed.
November 21, 2019
A beautifully written book about connecting with nature. Simon Barnes has such an appealing way of writing - it feels like he's talking directly to me; he's teaching me, but in a warm, conversational tone. He's a great storyteller, but also a wonderful teacher, too. It's exactly the kind of book I needed to read right now. I've gotten such joy and fulfillment this year from becoming an amateur birder and bird photographer, and part of my journey was reading the fantastic How to Be a (Bad) Birdwatcher a few months back. Rewild Yourself, for me, is a continuation of that book and its teachings.
November 19, 2020
a book on nature referencing Harry Potter dozens of times - I'm in.
July 19, 2024
“The wilder you are the more amazing life is”
This is a fairly simple non-fiction self-help type of book by British journalist and wildlife enthusiast Simon Barnes. The main thrust is that we would all benefit from more time spent outside in nature, in particular taking notice of the details around us. Simon goes through 23 simple ideas or “spells” for becoming more in tune to our surroundings. This includes simple things like having waterproof over-trousers to defy the weather, spending time sitting quietly, observing animal tracks and spoor, learning the names of species plants and animals and buying a set of binoculars for bird watching.
He definitely has a point, but I didn’t find anything overly earth shattering in this book. There is the occasional hint of very English humour and the audiobook was a fairly quick listen.
This is a fairly simple non-fiction self-help type of book by British journalist and wildlife enthusiast Simon Barnes. The main thrust is that we would all benefit from more time spent outside in nature, in particular taking notice of the details around us. Simon goes through 23 simple ideas or “spells” for becoming more in tune to our surroundings. This includes simple things like having waterproof over-trousers to defy the weather, spending time sitting quietly, observing animal tracks and spoor, learning the names of species plants and animals and buying a set of binoculars for bird watching.
He definitely has a point, but I didn’t find anything overly earth shattering in this book. There is the occasional hint of very English humour and the audiobook was a fairly quick listen.
June 2, 2022
i would have loved this growing up, as it's the perfect book for a very dumb and hospitalized child, but i cant imagine anyone else that this writing would be for. this book is completely devoid of any substance. the only thing it has going for it is that it has a lighthearted air and British style joking and im now fully racist against brits so this was painful.
each chapter begins with a quote from either jk rowling or cs lewis. every chapter is titled like 'Unearthing Ancient Novelty in Barren Modernity' and inside it's just pages of "if you want to look at a bird, take your bins(binoculars) and point them somewhere (not your kitchen, silly! unless...). next, look. now, maybe you find a different type of bird than you expected to see at this time, and that's okay! nature is unpredictable!! you must eventually learn to accept this." every chapter feels like some mindless chatter as a way to casually windup to something but then actually it's over. youre on the next section now and all you got was some dry humour, the mention of some animal, and maybe a product review of some sort. though, you most likely had mostly ramblings that were completely unrelated to nature in any way. my favourite part was when, after they stated that they were almost 'slayed' by dolphin smiling at them, and they then assured us that the exchange was in fact not sexual in nature
each chapter begins with a quote from either jk rowling or cs lewis. every chapter is titled like 'Unearthing Ancient Novelty in Barren Modernity' and inside it's just pages of "if you want to look at a bird, take your bins(binoculars) and point them somewhere (not your kitchen, silly! unless...). next, look. now, maybe you find a different type of bird than you expected to see at this time, and that's okay! nature is unpredictable!! you must eventually learn to accept this." every chapter feels like some mindless chatter as a way to casually windup to something but then actually it's over. youre on the next section now and all you got was some dry humour, the mention of some animal, and maybe a product review of some sort. though, you most likely had mostly ramblings that were completely unrelated to nature in any way. my favourite part was when, after they stated that they were almost 'slayed' by dolphin smiling at them, and they then assured us that the exchange was in fact not sexual in nature
May 28, 2021
Great book, although I did think the Narnia and HP quotes were a bit naff. However don’t let that little humbug put you off as there’s some fantastic ideas to get you closer to nature.
I am already the proud owner of some ‘magic trousers’ being a rambler, hiker of sorts, and all round disaster in the making for mountain rescue. But I’m thinking some ‘bins’ wouldn’t go a miss as I do like to twitch a-little. Not always needed as a lovely bird will land practically in front of you on occasion in the most unlikely of places, like the woodpecker I saw two weeks back. The most important message is you have to leave the house and observe: a perfect message for me in these challenging times.
I am already the proud owner of some ‘magic trousers’ being a rambler, hiker of sorts, and all round disaster in the making for mountain rescue. But I’m thinking some ‘bins’ wouldn’t go a miss as I do like to twitch a-little. Not always needed as a lovely bird will land practically in front of you on occasion in the most unlikely of places, like the woodpecker I saw two weeks back. The most important message is you have to leave the house and observe: a perfect message for me in these challenging times.
May 16, 2021
Fantastic book to dip in and out of for all wildlife fans at any level.
Happy to say I already practice some of these 23 ways to see nature such as walks in the dark, seeing sunrises, bird watching, walks in the rain, etc so it was lovely to be refreshed on these practises and how to do them fully and mindfully
Happy to say I already practice some of these 23 ways to see nature such as walks in the dark, seeing sunrises, bird watching, walks in the rain, etc so it was lovely to be refreshed on these practises and how to do them fully and mindfully
January 21, 2025
Trumpa miela knygelė, toks priminimas įsiklausyti, apsidairyti ir tiesiog pabūti gamtoj. Visiška ramybė ir pažinimo džiaugsmas <3
January 4, 2022
Florid language attempts to /spiritualise/ the everyday experiences of being in the natural world which - to be honest - alienated me from the beginning. Expected insights into rewilding movement/any science at all but is primarily about how much bits of personal kit costs and the most basic butterfly/bird noticing. Not a fan
October 22, 2020
Gentle book to read about the little wonders just around the corner. Makes we want to buy a canoe and binoculars immediately!
While reading I started paying attention to the noise I am cancelling automatically; and I heard 3 or 4 different birds singing. Magical!
While reading I started paying attention to the noise I am cancelling automatically; and I heard 3 or 4 different birds singing. Magical!
April 22, 2021
One of the most wonderful books I have ever read! Beautifully written and completely spellbinding. Anybody who enjoys spending time outdoors should read this. I would highly recommend waiting for a sunny day and sitting in a quiet park somewhere- I promise you will finish it in a few hours.
May 20, 2024
Lovely!! Didn't think I'd care about butterflies or birdwatching in my lifetime yet here I am, googling seagulls. Lots of pop culture references which many lesser authors use in a way that is both cringey and distracting - Barnes pulls it off in a rather charming way. Only downside of this book is that it makes you want to buy a bunch of gadgets.
February 8, 2021
This book is a little gem.
December 16, 2020
A lovely tome detailing how we can all "get back to nature" through the little things, observing, smelling, feeling, absorbing.
Too often these days, people walk round with their heads down, staring at screens. We should be looking up, looking around, listening and we can discover such simple beauty as a bird of prey hovering above us, a rare fungi hidden away at the base of a tree, or stop dead still and there's a deer in the woods.
This is my kind of book for sure.
Too often these days, people walk round with their heads down, staring at screens. We should be looking up, looking around, listening and we can discover such simple beauty as a bird of prey hovering above us, a rare fungi hidden away at the base of a tree, or stop dead still and there's a deer in the woods.
This is my kind of book for sure.
March 22, 2019
Found this a little annoying and hard going at times, though the idea was a good one. It's a collection of short stories (or spells as the author refers to them) with each being a different insight to a part of nature. I've friends who thought it brilliant, which is why I wanted to read it really. I think if you are a complete nature beginner, not used to looking for such wondrous creatures, then it may really be the eye opener I was looking for (it certainly was for the people who recommended it to me) but it's too simplistic and full of annoying (to me at least) references to fiction.
Perhaps I'm being too harsh because if it gets even a couple of people aware of their surroundings and out into the countryside then it fulfilled its goal.
Perhaps I'm being too harsh because if it gets even a couple of people aware of their surroundings and out into the countryside then it fulfilled its goal.
October 30, 2019
excellent little short stories about how to re engage with nature from the wonder (waterproof) trousers too interesting books .. really enjoyed this read and will put some of it into practice - specifically walking with awareness..
February 27, 2020
I spotted this little book and thought it would be a nice little read. Split into 23 spells or short stories, it details how to rewild yourself. Nicely written and a nice book, it didn't really contain anything I didn't already know, or really didn't already do. A nice book nonetheless.
July 20, 2020
A lovely read! Simon Barnes is looking by the use of his "spells" to inspire you to find in yourself the lost intrinsic joy of being wild, in the sense of spending time surrounded by nature more actively and effectively, so that you get the most out of the experience.
November 9, 2021
"We're not just losing the wild world. We're forgetting it."
Thus Simon Barnes, Nature Lover Extraordinaire, begins his book Rewild Yourself. He proposes twenty-three simple ways to reawaken yourself to the magic of the natural world.
His proposals are magic. He suggests stopping by a buddleia tree, a tree that attracts scores of butterflies, and discovering the names of some of the butterflies that alight there. He offers the idea of listening to the birds and finding out what birds make the songs we hear.
He reveals lots of other ideas of discovering the magic that is right in front of our eyes and ears but that we have lost the ability to see and hear.
The book focuses on England and the English, but it's quite simple to adapt the ideas for our own specific parts of the world.
Thus Simon Barnes, Nature Lover Extraordinaire, begins his book Rewild Yourself. He proposes twenty-three simple ways to reawaken yourself to the magic of the natural world.
His proposals are magic. He suggests stopping by a buddleia tree, a tree that attracts scores of butterflies, and discovering the names of some of the butterflies that alight there. He offers the idea of listening to the birds and finding out what birds make the songs we hear.
He reveals lots of other ideas of discovering the magic that is right in front of our eyes and ears but that we have lost the ability to see and hear.
The book focuses on England and the English, but it's quite simple to adapt the ideas for our own specific parts of the world.
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October 15, 2022Rewild Yourself focuses on ways to engage more with the natural world, to notice it, to connect with it, and to appreciate it. It is very UK specific - 5 UK butterflies to know, birdsongs specific to UK species - so if you want that level of practical detail and you are outside the region, it might not be the best resource for you. If you are looking for something that encompasses the way that you can make it easier to get out in nature, ways to learn a little bit about a topic so that you notice more (the more you know, the more you find you notice), then this is a good starting point. One thing I did really like about this was that each section was led by a quote from a children’s book - many from the Narnia series and that tied my love of nature in with my love of books and storytelling.
May 1, 2021
This is exactly what I was after. It’s a fantastic guide for becoming acquainted with the natural world (in the UK) whether green space is readily accessible to you or not and it gives a lot of tips and clues to hone one’s skill at listening and looking out for the wild things we have a tendency to think are much more separate from us than they are. It’s a book I’ll probably return to especially for the tips on where to see puffins and gannets and dolphins(!?) in the UK and one that I’ll be keeping for general reference on my shelf at least until I’ve graduated from my baby steps into getting to know the wilder places and pockets around me.
A great start to #springathon!
A great start to #springathon!
September 3, 2023
Simon Barnes shares 23 chapters of "magical" tricks or spells to re-wild yourself. These spells will help the reader become more aware of the natural world around them. These are actually simple tricks that are told in an entertaining collection of short chapters. A word of caution. The author is British, so some of the advice and examples reference butterflies and other things that are not the same as the United States, but a little personal research can be used to adapt to our location. The chapters are still informative and fun to read.
September 22, 2021
Sweet book
February 11, 2025
5 hour journey home from Edinburgh got this finished much quicker than expected
Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews