Plants of Holy Island

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland is one of the best botanical hotspots in the UK. This National Nature Reserve offers a rare mixture of habitats supporting a rich community of plants, many of which are not commonly seen. Now for the first time there is a comprehensive, beautifully illustrated guide book dedicated to the plants found in this special place.

Authors Chris and Hazel Metherell have visited Holy Island over many years and lead botanical walks on the reserve. In Plants of Holy Island they describe 110 carefully chosen species and bring them to life on the page with high-quality photographs specially taken for the book. A flowering chart shows the best month to look for each species and also where on the island it can be found. 70 additional species are covered more briefly, also with photographs.

Further detailed information is provided in an extensive section of the book describing five recommended walks that take in all the best botanical locations. Step-by-step guidance is enhanced with photographs showing the different habitats. Specially commissioned maps for each walk further clarify the routes and also provide specific locations for the plants.

Holy Island is home to no fewer than ten species of orchid, including the famous endemic Lindisfarne Helleborine (Epipactis sancta). These are illustrated in the book not only with photographs, but also with paintings by renowned botanical artist Reinhild Raistrick, who painted them in situ on the island. The originals are now in the archives at Kew Gardens. These beautiful painting are presented full-page throughout by the book’s designer Hilary Kenna. T

There is an index of both common and scientific names.

Publication is supported by Natural England, the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland and the Natural History Society of Northumbria.