David North’s recent book, Life Changing: Cley and Salthouse Marshes, takes the reader through the changing seasons and wildlife of just one year on this much loved and well-known nature reserve which celebrates its centenary in 2026.

The book runs from September to September which might seem strange but as David explains: ‘You may wonder why I begin my year in September rather than more traditionally in January. The main reason is my love of geese, and in particular the pink-footed geese that each year arrive on Cley and Salthouse Marshes during this month.

'They are both markers and symbols of the great seasonal changes that take place on these marshes. The month of September also embraces the autumn equinox, a tipping point of seasonal change, a time when tides of birds are on the move and autumn migration is at a peak.'

Spoonbills Cley Marsh by John Hurst (Image: John Hurst)

There are three elements to David's descriptions of each month: an introductory summary highlighting the wildlife to be seen that month, evocative descriptions of walks through this landscape during the month, and ‘Knowledge’ sections, adding fascinating background details about the wildlife observed.

David’s words capture the atmosphere, light and mood of this much-loved landscape.

‘I write about a........

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