A YEAR in Silverdale by Richard Norman. Published by Helm Press. Available from local shops or direct from the publisher, tel 015395-61321. Price: £9.95 plus £1.50 p&p RICHARD Norman's A Year in Silverdale takes a delightful approach to introducing the reader to the natural beauty around the shores of Morecambe Bay.

Using a monthly diary format, Mr Norman highlights the wild animals, birds, flowers, trees, butterflies and plants that can be found in the area.

March, for example, starts with a description of the mad March hare', and how it takes itself off to cavort and leap on hillsides, in a way that leaves us baffled.

June includes mention of swallows, and the bittern, while in July Mr Norman visits Middlebarrow Quarry, and describes the bugs and plants that can be found there. By September, shuffling hedgehogs make an appearance, and in December, there is a description of the burning of reeds at Leighton Moss.

Mr Norman includes folklore and old-fashioned country sayings, and the 120-page book (pictured right) also includes some photographs, and pen and ink drawings by Sue Thompson.

In his introduction, the author writes: "Within the confines of a relatively small area, there is a great diversity of geographical features and wildlife habitats."

He captures that diversity, with descriptions of tide-washed sea marshes, extensive mud flats, sheep pasture, flower meadows, limestone pavement, scrubland, reed beds, rare bird life and deciduous woodland.

Michaela Robinson-Tate