A Buzz in the Meadow

![Figure][1] As urban centers grow around the world, more people are living farther from natural and agrarian spaces than ever before. Dave Goulson's A Buzz in the Meadow provides a glimpse into these spaces that often go unnoticed, exploring the natural histories of the flora and fauna on a farm in the French countryside. Along the way, the book takes many unexpected turns to much broader (and sometimes very personal) tales of scientific discovery. Goulson, a biologist by training, begins the book with a tour of Chez Nauche, the abandoned farm he purchased in the Charente region of southwestern France. He gives engaging accounts of the natural histories of the newts, dragonflies, mantises, and other animals he encounters, which are meant to inspire readers to explore their own yards. Goulson hopes that in doing so, they will begin to value not only the “large charismatic, furry or feathery creatures, often living on the other side of the world, glimpsed only in television documentaries” but also smaller, familiar organisms that affect our environment in profound ways. He makes special examples of the insect species living on the farm, using meadow brown butterflies to explain the beginnings of the field of genetics and flies to highlight the mismanagement of landfills. In the second part of the book, Goulson weaves tales of complex interactions between plants, animals, and fungi to illustrate the interconnectedness of life. He closes with an examination of the many factors that can lead to the decline and eventual extinction of species, focusing particularly on bumblebees, which he has studied throughout his scientific career. His conclusions are grim: We have, he claims, been culpable in the mass extinction of life on Earth since the beginning of our evolution. But Goulson's goal—“to encourage everyone to cherish what we have, and to illustrate what wonders we stand to lose if we do not change our ways”—is clear and resonates throughout the book. ![Figure][1] Biologist Dave Goulson urges us to cherish and protect life in all its forms. PHOTO: ANVAY NAKADE/FLICKR Many of the life histories, species interactions, and ecological concepts outlined in this book can be found elsewhere in published literature, but what stands out are the deeply personal insights Goulson provides into the life of a scientist. When discussing the many species he has studied over his career, he chronicles the trials, small victories, and failures of a young biologist. He also reveals the triumphs and frustrations that can come from attempting to communicate important scientific research to nonplussed policymakers and members of the public. His experiences will resonate with many scientists and will provide the general reader with an interesting and accessible glimpse into the life of a naturalist. [1]: pending:yes