Nature's Conscience: the life and legacy of Derek Ratcliffe. 2015. illus.(mainly col.). XXVI, 571 p. gr8vo. Paper bd.

Derek Ratcliffe (1929-2005) was one of Britain's greatest naturalists. Nature Conscience is written by friends and colleagues and explores the breadth, qualities, and legacy of Derek's work. It is far more than a tribute, however, and we hope many people will be inspired to search out nature for themselves and strive to care for it. As Chief Scientist of the Nature Conservancy Council, Derek led defining environmental struggles to secure protection for the best of our habitats and wildlife. He was versatile, judicious, unorthodox, stubborn, brave, deeply loyal to his friends and colleagues, and indefatigable. He has emerged as one of the most talented and effective British naturalists since Darwin. He was, in a phrase first used for Linnaeus, 'the complete naturalist'. Nature Conscience is written as much for people new to Derek's work as for the many who have enjoyed seeing his status as a legend grow. Derek became passionate about nature as a schoolboy and student and we hope that this will inspire young people to follow his example. Nature Conscience makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the importance of nature, the development of nature conservation in Britain, and how we should study and safeguard nature.