A labour of love
ISLANDS-based eco-tourism business Shetland Wildlife has just released the first guidebook dedicated solely to whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals found around Britain.
Britain’s Sea Mammals is a collaboration between writer Jon Dunn, graphic designer Robert Still and photographer Hugh Harrop, who say Shetland is the best place to encounter such creatures.
The book, described as “a labour of love”, has been 10 years in the making by the three men who all run guided tours for wildlife enthusiasts.
Harrop and Dunn are based in Shetland, while Still lives in Basingstoke and runs whale watching tours in the bay of Biscay.
Harrop said they had put together a collection of photographs and information providing new perspectives on marine mammals in what is the first book exclusive to Britain.
“We’ve tried to answer all the questions we have been asked over the years by our guests and travellers, and make that information available to everyone.”
The book has more than 100 photographs and nearly 40 detailed illustrations of the 34 species of sea mammal found in British waters, with chapters on biology and ecology and details of the best places to go looking.
“Many of the images in Britain’s Sea Mammals were taken here in the waters around our coast,” explained Harrop, who set up the business.
“Opportunities to see these incredible animals at close quarters come along surprisingly frequently here, and we try to make sure that the news gets out quickly via our Facebook page so as many people as possible in Shetland can share in the magic.
“With the information in the book about where and when to look for sea mammals all around the coast of Britain and Ireland, we hope that we can help open up similar encounters for many more people – but we still think that Shetland is the best place of all to look!”
Dunn added: “I’m incredibly fortunate that living here in Shetland provides so many opportunities to observe cetaceans and seals.
“On more than one occasion I found myself writing sections of the book while watching harbour porpoises from my house!”
The book costs £12.95 and can be ordered online here.
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