Description
Tucked away in the flat lands of rural East Anglia lies Wicken Fen, so loved for its big skies and tiny creatures, boasting over 9,000 recorded species. For 125 years, this wildlife sanctuary has been cared for by the National Trust. A dedicated team look after this precious wetland of international importance, working with herds of free-roaming horses and cattle and weathering the elements to cope creatively with the dramas of a life outdoors at the cutting edge of conservation.
Wetland Diaries is a seasonal account of ranger life on Wicken Fen, saving a once widespread landscape and revealing the spectrum of emotions experienced in the process. Ajay shares the spirit and atmosphere of the Fens, offering an insight into the privileges and pressures of managing semi-wild animals in one of the country’s first wetland restoration projects, creating precious breathing space for nature and people alike.
Reviews
‘Ajay’s passion for conservation and his encyclopaedic knowledge of Wicken Fen ooze out of every single page’
Iolo Williams
It’s his intimate knowledge and experience of the place that makes this a ‘must have’ book on this outstanding wetland. From the original 2 acre purchase Wicken grew to retain existing habitat, and more recently drained Fen that had become farmland has been reclaimed for rewilding. Ajay reveals that management by grazing of semi-wild early horses and cattle is dramatically taking wetland restoration forward.
Roger Tabor, Biologist, naturalist, broadcaster, and author.
In a dizzying, disquieting world, Ajay has the rare gift of remaining quietly steadfast and true to his mission and passion. A wonderful book, and the next best thing to being there oneself
Gillian Burke!, Springwatch Wildlife TV presenter
Ajay reminds us eloquently of the crucial importance of nature recovery and of how the lessons learned at Wicken will help nature in wetlands everywhere.
Foreword by Dame Fiona Reynolds, Director-General, National Trust (2000–12)
A deep connection to home, filled with love for place and nature. Ajay’s peaceful, gentle diaries made me smile, taught me lots, and made me keen to visit a very special place myself
Lucy Lapwing, Naturalist and wildlife communicator of Springwatch
A wonderful celebration of fenland history and wildlife by an inspiring ranger working at the forefront of wetland conservation
Nick Davies
A hugely enjoyable behind the scenes look at the reality of a life given over to the restoration of nature. Ajay’s vivid portrayal of his work at Wicken Fen is written with great honesty and humility, bringing one of the UK’s most treasured nature reserves to life in all it’s tangled, waterlogged glory.
Lee Schofield, Author of Wild Fell
Aloe vera for the soul. I fell willingly headfirst into this glorious volume about the beauties of nature written with all the respect and sensitivity one expects from Ajay.
Milly Johnson, Award-winning, bestselling (romantic fiction) author
This is a truly lovely read, it comes from a heart that is utterly in tune with the wild-life of the Fen and what it takes to protect it. A book to hold close, a soft down-duvet of a book that will stay by you whenever you need a nature-loving friend.
Mary Colwell, Environmentalist, author, campaigner
Ajay’s deep connection to Wicken and its wildlife shines through in this gentle deep-dive into the soggy, boggy, reed-rustling world of the Fens. Wetland Diaries offers a unique and highly knowledgeable insight into a life dedicated to protecting nature.
Leif Bersweden, Botanist, author of Where the Wild Flowers Grow
A wonderfully evocative account of life as a ranger on one of Britain’s oldest and best-loved nature reserves, packed with delightful stories of the people and wildlife, and written by one of our brightest young naturalists.
Stephen Moss, Naturalist, author and TV producer
A wonderfully deep dive into a fascinating and important part of the country. The book is full of practical insights and a pleasure to read.
Tristan Gooley, Award-winning, bestselling author and natural navigation expert)
Ajay Tegala’s vivid words and illustrations capture life as a ranger in one of Europe’s most important nature reserves. Wetland Diaries has the pace and energy of a thriller as it reveals the evolving relationships of wetland plants, birds and grazing animals in an age of potentially disastrous climate change.
Dr Francis Pryor, Time Team archaeologist and author of ‘A Fenland Garden’.
The reader learns much about the site, its history and the plans for its future in these pages and it stands as a very good example of how good the National Trust can be when it puts its mind to it.
Mark Avery, Senior Conservationist (with 25 years experience) at the RSPB and independent campaigner
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