'A CORNISH Year' — 192 page book by author Alison Hodge, the writer of Wild About Cornwall — charts a year in the life of David Chapman.

David is a trustee of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and professional photographer and writer, with a passion for the protection of wild places — especially those in the richly blessed Duchy, with its coastal terrain, moor and woodlands.

Written in diary style, it focuses on the outdoors; on wildlife projects and practical work, organisations and seasonal events.

What is impressive about this diary form is not only does it come up with some splendid wildlife colour photographs, but it gives David's story behind the snaps — giving the reader a more interesting perspective of each shot.

A good example is that of a rare white-breasted robin 'singing to an admiring crowd' on the Lizard that the photographer came across thanks to 'a little divine intervention'.

There are a plethora of quality wildlife photos. From basking grey seals enjoying the sunshine on Black Rock, off Pendennis Castle at Falmouth to a pair of black-tailed godwits caught in reflection at the Walmsley Sanctuary at Wadebridge and frogs emerging from the water at Heligan Gardens.

And it is not just the creatures that Mr Chapman focuses on — there are some beautiful photos such as the crocus in front of St Teach Church or an evocative moorland view over Brown Willy.

As it says on its cover — 'If you want to know more about the wildlife that's special to Cornwall; the people who work in conservation in the country; how to get more involved with our natural history, or you would just like to read about the antics of a mad nature-lover in Cornwall, then this is the book for you.'

A Cornish Year —David Chapman is published by writer Alison Hodge of Penzance, priced at £9.95. ISBN 9780906 720677

JOHN HUTCHINS