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Skimming Stones
On sale
14th February 2013
Price: £9.99
‘Two of the UK’s most exciting nature writers. A thoughtful adventure in learning simple skills that help connect people to nature.’
Guardian
Skimming Stones and Other Ways of Being in the Wild is a book of simple skills that can help us to interact with nature, achieve a deeper connection with it and even step inside another dimension.
Rob Cowen and Leo Critchley teach us, for example, making and flying a kite, making an elder whistle, damming a stream and building a den – and at the same time teach us about life.
Their techniques are intended to be not only of practical value but also techniques for meditation. They help us to live in the moment, recover ancient insights and rhythms and encourage nature to reveal to us her secrets and treasures.
They write that ‘…there are forces deep in everyone’s subconscious that find a pure expression in the simplest of activities. This book explains why we should be taking the time to do them. It is born out of a wish to share our passion for our landscape and the contemplative, reflective pleasures and joys that were well-known to our grandparents, but which are in danger of being lost and forgotten. They will help us get back to a place where we all belong’.
Skimming Stones was awarded the Robert Deakin Grant from the Authors’ Foundation, by the Society of Authors.
‘Essential reading.’
Daily Express
‘At its simplest their book gives advice on connecting with nature through twelve activities… but Skimming Stones delves deeper. Each section draws the reader lyrically into deeper philosophical waters… I was simply carried along by the authors’ sense of awe, and their quiet belief that our lives can be enriched through a deeper connection with nature.’ 4*
BBC Wildlife
Skimming stones teaches you how to get back to nature and:
*Skim a stone
*Find a fossil
*Forage for food
*Make a kite
*Carve an elder whistle
*Track an animal
*Build a den
*Light a fire
*Build an igloo
*Catch a fish
*Dam a stream
*Walk in the wild
Guardian
Skimming Stones and Other Ways of Being in the Wild is a book of simple skills that can help us to interact with nature, achieve a deeper connection with it and even step inside another dimension.
Rob Cowen and Leo Critchley teach us, for example, making and flying a kite, making an elder whistle, damming a stream and building a den – and at the same time teach us about life.
Their techniques are intended to be not only of practical value but also techniques for meditation. They help us to live in the moment, recover ancient insights and rhythms and encourage nature to reveal to us her secrets and treasures.
They write that ‘…there are forces deep in everyone’s subconscious that find a pure expression in the simplest of activities. This book explains why we should be taking the time to do them. It is born out of a wish to share our passion for our landscape and the contemplative, reflective pleasures and joys that were well-known to our grandparents, but which are in danger of being lost and forgotten. They will help us get back to a place where we all belong’.
Skimming Stones was awarded the Robert Deakin Grant from the Authors’ Foundation, by the Society of Authors.
‘Essential reading.’
Daily Express
‘At its simplest their book gives advice on connecting with nature through twelve activities… but Skimming Stones delves deeper. Each section draws the reader lyrically into deeper philosophical waters… I was simply carried along by the authors’ sense of awe, and their quiet belief that our lives can be enriched through a deeper connection with nature.’ 4*
BBC Wildlife
Skimming stones teaches you how to get back to nature and:
*Skim a stone
*Find a fossil
*Forage for food
*Make a kite
*Carve an elder whistle
*Track an animal
*Build a den
*Light a fire
*Build an igloo
*Catch a fish
*Dam a stream
*Walk in the wild
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Reviews
'Two of the UK's most exciting nature writers. A thoughtful adventure in learning simple skills that help connect people to nature.'
'Essential reading'
'At its simplest their book gives advice on connecting with nature through twelve activities... but Skimming Stones delves deeper. Each section draws the reader lyrically into deeper philosophical waters... I was simply carried along by the authors' sense of awe, and their quiet belief that our lives can be enriched through a deeper connection with nature.' 4*
'It's a holistic approach to enjoying the outdoors and simple activities - something we should all learn... this re-awakening is long overdue.'
'The writing is well researched, if somewhat eclectic, and permeated with all the infectiousness of two boys going outdoors for the day on an adventure.'
'Laid out with an easy to read large-print text and a collection of sketches, this book encourages you to take out your walking boots and learn how to survive and have fun in the wild.'
'A great book... it somehow manages to say something about nature that the rest of us can't.'
'Brilliant book'
'Many of us love being at one with nature, and this wonderful book is packed with ideas to help you make the most of it. Indispensable for families or friends looking for new ways to get their kicks in the wild. You'll never want to go back indoors.'
'A deeply engaging and practical guide that recommends reconnecting with nature in its purest form and awakening one's inner child... It's an appealing and orginal guide framed by personal experiences that offers a fresh perspective to nature writing.'