In a time of increasing interest in our native wildlife, this collection of British and Irish folk tales will rekindle our sense of wonder in the animals that we once took for granted.

Stories and animals have always travelled along the routes determined by migration, habitat and trade. These in turn have been affected by changes in climate, weather and the affairs of humankind. Through our heritage of charming, quirky and profound traditional tales, you will be re-acquainted with our once familiar fauna. Perhaps you will be reading, for the first time, stories of those creatures that have, in living memory, made these islands their home. You will also be in the company of those, which once long gone from these shores, have recently reclaimed their right to roam.