After the tragic loss of his mother, Charlie Corbett felt trapped by his pain. Having lost all hope and perspective he took to the countryside in search of solace. There, he heard the soaring, cascading song of the skylark - a sound that pulled him from the depths of despair and into the calm of the natural world.

12 Birds to Save Your Life - Penguin Books UK 12 Birds to Save Your Life - Penguin Books UK

Totally absorbing and completely engaging on so many levels . . . Charlie has opened my eyes to the constant joy of the sights and sounds of the birds that surround us. It is a book that really will save lives' Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes

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Honest, uplifting and written from the heart, this is a rediscovery of life inspired by a re-discovery of birds Tim Birkhead Can you recognise the cheerful chirrups of the house sparrow? A song thrush singing out at winter’s darkest hour? Or the beautiful, haunting call of the curlew? Weaving his journey through grief with a remarkable portrait of the birds living right on our doorstep, 12 Birds to Save Your Life is an invitation to stop, step outside, and listen.

12 Birds to Save Your Life - Penguin Books UK

This is no misery memoir . . . The story moves apace to its uplifting conclusion, that Nature is the best medicine Country Life Such is the power of these creatures to raise you from life's periodic depths. Through twelve characterful birds, Charlie show us that there is joy to be found in the very smallest of events - if we know where to look, and how to listen. From solitary skylarks to squabbling sparrows, he explores the place of these birds in our history, culture and landscape, noting what they look like and where you're most likely to meet them. At a time of great anxiety and uncertainty, while coping with the untimely death of his mother, Charlie Corbett realised his perspective on life was slipping. In a moment of despair, he found himself – somewhat damp – lying on the side of a lonely hill staring up at a leaden sky, a melancholy drizzle seeping into his bones. An important book, woven with the countryside and catharsis. Also instructive into which birds to look for and how to recognise their calls and song. Written by a true countryman and loving son The FieldCan you recognise the cheerful chirrups of the house sparrow? A song thrush singing out at winter's darkest hour? Or the beautiful, haunting call of the curlew? Such is the power of these creatures to raise you from life’s periodic depths. Through twelve characterful birds, Charlie show us that there is joy to be found in the very smallest of events – if we know where to look, and how to listen. From solitary skylarks to squabbling sparrows, he explores the place of these birds in our history, culture and landscape, noting what they look like and where you’re most likely to meet them. By reconnecting with the wildlife all around him, through learning to understand, love, and begin to move with the rhythms of the natural world outside his door, Charlie discovered nature's powerful ability to heal. A wonderful blend of the lyrical and practical. Charlie shows us that our relationship with birds and the natural world is not only healing, but an important part of our cultural heritage worth protecting Adam Henson Discover the healing power of nature through the stories of these characterful birds, whose song is never far away . . .

12 Birds To Save Your Life | White Rose Book Cafe 12 Birds To Save Your Life | White Rose Book Cafe

Suddenly he hears the song of a single skylark – that soaring, tinkling, joyous sound – and he is transported away from the drizzle and dark thoughts. Grounded by the beauty of nature, perspective dawns. No longer the leading role in his own private melodrama, but merely a minor part in nature’s great epic. By reconnecting with the wildlife all around him, through learning to understand, love, and begin to move with the rhythms of the natural world outside his door, Charlie discovered nature’s powerful ability to heal. Charlie Corbett (C1 1990-95) has written a book, “ 12 Birds to Save Your Life – Finding Happiness in Nature“, due to be published in June. Suddenly he hears the song of a single skylark - that soaring, tinkling, joyous sound - and he is transported away from the drizzle and dark thoughts. Grounded by the beauty of nature, perspective dawns. No longer the leading role in his own private melodrama, but merely a minor part in nature's great epic.

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This is no ordinary ornithology, but one that portrays the very essence of each bird through a very human lens and shows us that both solace and joy can be ours by merely observing with an open eye and an open heart John Wright, author of The Forager's Calendar A lyrical and life-affirming book that teaches us as much about birds as it does ourselves - a balm for the soul Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path