In paintings and words, this book portrays a year in the life of Oronsay, a remote Hebridean island that is farmed by the RSPB for the benefit of wildlife. Jane Smith describes her encounters with birds and animals, both wild and domesticated, and the human inhabitants of the island who look after them, in a humorous and personal account.

Her vibrant artwork unforgettably evokes the beauty and variety of nature in this part of the world. Any lover of wildlife, of art or of the Hebrides will find this book instantly absorbing.

'Jane's illustrations and prose transport you to a very special place and let you into the lives of some very special people . . . skilfully managing this nature reserve and meeting all the challenges thrown at them' - Stuart Housden, Director of RSPB Scotland.

Prizes

Winner of Birdscapes Gallery 'Conservation through Art' Award 2016 (UK)

'[T]he next best thing to being there'

'I found myself returning to it again and again, just to savour Smith’s vibrant artwork' 

'The text is both lyrical and informative and, together with delightful illustrations on just about every page, it certainly makes me want to go back to Oronsay for a closer look'

After gaining a degree in Zoology, Jane Smith became a wildlife film maker for the BBC Natural History Unit and National Geographic. She won an Emmy for her work and has also appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Tweet of the Day. She now creates wildlife art from her home on the west coast of Scotland to communicate her passion for the natural world.