Sally Coulthard

Discover the enthralling story of one of mankind's most overlooked but impactful creatures in A Short History of the World According to Sheep by Sally Coulthard. Spanning millennia and continents, this remarkable book delves into how sheep have shaped human history, transforming societies, economies, and cultures from the dawn of civilisation to the modern era. From the fertile crescent of...

Ever dreamed of having your very own garden retreat? Off-the-shelf sheds aren't always the answer. The cheap ones are badly made and freezing cold, whereas the better quality ones are really expensive. But what if you could build your own shed from scratch? How to Build a Shed is the ultimate practical guide. With its clear, easy-to-follow instructions, expert advice,...

From dinosaur to dinner plate, Sally Coulthard tells the fascinating – and sometimes shocking – story of the domestic chicken. Earth is home to 23 billion chickens, at least ten times more than any other bird. For every human on the planet, there are three chickens. Despite being capable of flying only a few metres, this most adaptable animal has...

'Crisp and refreshing' Pen Vogler, The Spectator Sin, cider and apple crumble… the 10,000-year story of the world’s most tempting fruit. The Apple: A Delicious History takes the reader on an extraordinary journey, from the apple’s prehistoric beginnings in the Tian Shan mountains of Kazakhstan to the explosion of commercial apple-growing in twenty-first-century China. Zigzagging across the centuries and straddling...

Sally Coulthard dives into a fascinating exploration of the cultural and natural history of the frog. Frogs are remarkable creatures. They have mastered both land and water, and can breathe through their skins and their lungs. Some of them are so poisonous that just one tiny frog harbours enough toxins to kill ten people, while others hold the key to...

Frogs are remarkable creatures. They have mastered both land and water and can breathe through their skins and their lungs. Some of them are so poisonous that just one tiny frog harbours enough toxins to kill ten people, while others hold the key to lifesaving medicines. Frogs have colonised some of the most challenging terrains on the planet, from the...

From druids’ oaks to deadly yews, tempting apples to erotic peaches, humanity has, for thousands of years, imbued trees with spiritual and superstitious meaning.Trees have deep roots in our folklore and mythology. Almost everything about them – leaves, branches, roots and fruits – has provided a metaphor for our human needs and desires. From strength to resilience, shelter to sustenance,...

An inspiring, aspirational and practical guide to building fires both indoors and out. Nothing beats the companionable crackle of an open fire. Fires invite us to sit and share stories or watch in contemplative silence. We feel drawn to the flickering flames, the gentle curls of aromatic smoke and reassuring radiant heat. Snuggled under a blanket, toasting crumpets and listening...

The humble chicken has conquered the world. This unlikely descendant of Tyrannosaurus Rex is now so ubiquitous there are more than 20 billion chickens pecking, strutting and scratching around the planet at any one time. And yet, of all animals, the chicken perhaps best represents the contradictory way we humans treat other species: both beloved pet and cheap commodity, symbol...

Beautifully observed and carefully researched Brigit Strawbridge Howard The real voice of the proper countryside John Lewis-Stempel Every day, just before sunrise and straight after sunset, magic happens. Dawn and dusk – those fleeting, half-lit hours – are when the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Skies flare with colour, landscapes shift in mood and an unseen cast of creatures emerges from the...

Murderers’ potions, symbols of prosperity, aphrodisiacs, and fairy furniture—mushrooms have captivated human imagination in countless ways. Discover the enchanting world of mushrooms in Fungi Lore by Sally Coulthard, the author of Floriography and Bird Lore. This beautifully illustrated book delves into the magic, mythology, and mystery of fungi, revealing their profound influence on human history and culture. From the iconic...

'Wonderful' Yorkshire Times 'Not just a celebration of these enigmatic creatures, but also a timely alarm bell about their shrinking numbers' The Lady 'Just about every hedgehog fact you could wish to know' Northern Echo Hedgehogs, with their quiet determination and bristling, bumbling ways, are one of the most enduring symbols of the countryside and town gardens. The Hedgehog Handbook...

A revelatory uncovering of a vanished agricultural way of life by bestselling nature writer Sally Coulthard. 'A gem of a book' Country Smallholding 'Engaging and filled with gentle humour and fascinating facts' Get History 'Shows us the beauty and rich history of everyday things' Country Walking Magazine Across the foldyard from Sally Coulthard's North Yorkshire farmhouse, stands an old stone...

Few of us know what goes on after dark, underneath the moon. Sally Coulthard shines a light on the barn owl, one of the most mesmerising and elusive icons of the countryside. 'Fascinating insights... An endearing book for lovers of the barn owl' Daily Mail 'Enjoyable and lyrical... enhanced by Vanessa Lubach's arresting lino prints' Country Life 'Packs in everything...

A charming celebration of all things snow. Is it true that no two snowflakes are ever alike? How many Christmases have actually been white? Do the Inuit have dozens of words for snow? Can it ever be too cold to snow? Our memories and imagination are buried in snow. It's the weather of play, joyful abandon and mischievous games –...

In this beautifully illustrated guide, best-selling author Sally Coulthard demonstrates how to transform your living and working spaces into places that put you in touch with nature. Eight inspiring chapters cover key elements for the 'biophilic home', including materials, views, colour and natural light. Each section explores the links between home, health and happiness, drawing on environmental research and neuroscience...