The Moth Snowstorm - Michael McCarthy

The title of this book by Michael McCarthy refers back to the experience of not so long ago, but now seemingly past, of the mass of insect life illuminated in the headlights. There would be so many moths fluttering around it would look like it was snowing, and as a result your windscreen and lights would be splattered and need cleaning. The abundance of insect life, and wildlife species as a whole, is diminishing and with it our experience of nature within our lives.

There have been efforts to support the natural world through the sustainable development goals, which have foundered on humans' inherent selfishness, and putting a price on nature as an ecosystem service which gives little value to a butterfly. The author argues that we need to value nature for our joy, wonder and peace. A view of a tree and greenery while we are ill has been proved to help us heal quicker. The beauty of a view, tree or moth will take us out of ourselves and to a space where we can feel.... better / transformed / happy / spiritually moved / (fill in the answer yourself, in the language that makes sense to you). And while we could agree with the sentiment, it was the words used that caused more of a problem.

There was much to interest us in the book (sparrows particularly) but we also all found it easy to put down. We believed it could have been heavily edited. It felt fragmented and did not flow as well or easily as "Farewell to the cuckoo" that we had so enjoyed. 

There was much to interest the reader, and it was not a difficult read. The main take-away for me was to rush out and appreciate what is still here in the world, be that birds, plants or insects. And we are hardwired to love rivers and streams, especially chalk streams that we are in the perfect part of the world to see. So go out and explore, and remember to listen out for the sparrows.

Elizabeth Eveleigh