Over the past 20 years dramatic declines have taken place in UK insect populations. Eventually, such declines must have knock-on effects for other animals, especially high profile groups such as birds and mammals. This authoritative, yet accessible account details the current state of the wildlife in Britain and Ireland and offers an insight into the outlook for the future. Written by a team of the country's leading experts, it appraises the changes that have occurred in a wide range of wildlife species and their habitats and outlines urgent priorities for conservation. It includes chapters on each of the vertebrate and major invertebrate groups, with the insects covered in particular depth. Also considered are the factors that drive environmental change and the contribution at local and government level to national and international wildlife conservation. Essential reading for anyone who is interested in, and concerned about, UK wildlife.

'If we are concerned about the environmental future of Britain and Ireland, then we must know as much as possible about its present condition … That is why this book is so important. It gives us a benchmark … It is invaluable now - and in years to come it will be irreplaceable.'

Sir David Attenborough - from the Foreword

'The book is absolutely terrific. An all-star cast of conservation scientists and practitioners document powerful stories of loss - and of hope for the future - among Britain and Ireland's many non-human inhabitants. Gripping and rigorous - a core foundation for students of Conservation Ecology and Environmental Science.'

Gretchen Daily - Director, Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University

'The season has changed but the silence is deeper and that's why this important book must be read. It's not a catalogue of doom - it's a pragmatic snapshot of reality and a desperate plea for action. Your action.'

Chris Packham - Naturalist, Wildlife Photographer and TV Presenter

'… thoughtful and comprehensive … timely …'

Source: Guardian

'Every now and again a really good entomology book appears … informative, insightful and a true delight to read … Silent Summer [falls] into this rare category … This book is a rich source of information about the state of our fauna and flora and a copy should find its way onto the bookshelf of every entomologist in the UK … The editor, Norman Maclean, is to be congratulated for publishing an excellent book.'

Source: Antenna

‘If I had to sum up the state of Britain’s wildlife in one word, I’d say ‘terrible’, but this book is generally rather more positive!’

Source: The International Journal of Avian Science

' … should … contribute to our attempt to rescue and preserve the remaining biodiversity of the British Isles.'

Source: Bulletin of the British Ecological Society

' … a timely review of the state of our wildlife today … having all the information on so many groups in one place means that we can reach a much more balanced assessment of the overall state of our country's wildlife and this is the great benefit of the book. … a rich source of information about the state of our fauna and flora and a copy should find its way onto the bookshelf of every entomologist in the UK. … The editor, Norman Maclean, is to be congratulated for publishing an excellent book.'

Source: British Journal of Entemology and Natural History