An inspirational introduction to the unique character of Devon's countryside, and the animals and plants that are special to the county.

Devon is a beautiful county filled with a range of habitats - from the Braunton Burrows sand dunes and the Slapton Ley Lake to Lundy Island. Illustrated with lots of beautiful photographs, Secret Nature of Devon explores the extraordinary richness of Devon's wildlife habitats, and the species that make the region so special.

The guidebook includes the best times and places to see species, as well as details of recommended nature reserves, visitor attractions, and a map showing their locations. It is written and photographed by Andrew Cooper, one of the country's leading wildlife filmmakers, and contains advice from county Wildlife Trusts, the RSPB, Butterfly Conservation and many other organisations. There are also contact details for local wildlife organisations, for those looking to schedule visits or get more involved.

This guide is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts visiting this stunning, biodiverse region.

Andrew Cooper is a filmmaker, writer and naturalist. Although a biologist and anthropologist by training, he has spent most of his working life as a television producer and broadcaster with the BBC Natural History Unit based in Bristol. Andrew is Chairman of the Devon Wildlife Trust; a founding trustee of the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth and a Trustee of the Whitley Wildlife Trust, the owners of Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts and Slapton National Nature Reserve, Devon.

For as long as he can remember, Dartmoor has cast a powerful spell over Andrew. He was born and brought up in sight of the moors and his weekends were often spent playing among boulders and paddling in cold streams. As a youngster, Andrew was enthralled by huge sea trout leaping in the twilight, buzzards wheeling above craggy tors and the creeping closure of carnivorous plants consuming prey.