Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful book that everyone should read. Our planet is been destroyed we need to do something about it now. I have over 2 acres of garden and I try to be aware of the lives of all the wildlife in it-so very important. An excellent book.

As a bookseller and trainee therapist I can't talk enough about how important this book is. A vital look at how we can connect with nature on a whole new level right on our doorstep. I've left a wild patch in my little inner city garden this year and this boom has proved an incisive intelligent companion for me whilst doing so. I'll never look at an earwig in the same way again - such little champions!

Dave Goulson is a professor of Biology in the UK, and his enthusiasm and knowledge make this a marvellous read. Peppered with comments and experiences in his own garden (“ slightly unkempt but delightful”!) as well as referencing multiple studies by other academics, this book is a must for anyone who wants to know what we can do to play a part in preserving our natural environment.
Written in a forthright, easy style, the book includes fascinating insight into the life of insects such as bees, worms and ants, the effects of pesticides and insecticides on animal and plant life (I will never eat a grape again without thinking about the Turkish grapes he mentions having 17 different insecticides and pesticides in the fruit!) It also covers issues such as endangered and invasive species of animals and plants, the effects of industrial farming and climate change.
The book will resonate with all gardeners, with lots of food for thought as to how each one of us can make a difference, regardless of whether we have small gardens or allotments or larger farms.

With the help of this book you can discover how not all plants are bee-friendly (no matter what their labels say) and why we should be avoiding peat-based composts (and plants grown in them). Goulson is not afraid to call out various parts of the horticultural industry (or environmental groups) for inconsistencies, but is also keen to give practical things which can be done to help. Of course, most people know they should try to make compost but Goulson introduces us to the multitude of bugs, worms and flying things which would benefit from it as much as the plants would. And as for pests? Well, the kind of gardening described here encourages other insects, birds and small mammals who will gladly snack on the more undesirable inhabitants of your plot. Which means not only fewer chemicals and a cleaner planet but less work and expense for me: result! It can come across as a little gloomy in places but, for every example of poor practice in the gardening industry, there is a positive idea to try instead. Goulson is also not beyond admitting that he does give in to impulse in garden centres – my problem too – so maybe we need to make sure we keep away from the big chains and stick to the local nurseries* who will be more likely to enter into a conversation about their part in helping everyone garden in a more environmentally friendly way.

The Garden Jungle by Dave Goulson was just what I was looking for in a garden read as we start our garden this year in earnest. It was full of interesting knowledge about apples, earwigs, worms, bees, bug hotels, moths, aquatic insects, and more. I honestly never knew how beneficial earwigs are but have loved worms and ladybirds for most of my life.

I loved reading about rewilding projects, taking farm land or even areas of lawn and letting nature take its course. How yellow rattle will kill off the surrounding grass and allow for more wildflowers to grow while also being polinator friendly. About the real dangers of spraying any pesticides and that many nursery plants often test positive for residue. Instead, insects can easily be controlled by enticing their natural predators into our gardens.

I now want to have a mini pond, put up bug hotels all over, and plant a few dwarf apple trees to try some of the 700+ varieties available, and plan to grow as much as I can from seeds, and as many different varieties as possible.
Also, did you know apples came from Kazakhstan?