Awful Creatures: Encounters with Britain’s Misunderstood Animals

Meet the British animals we tend to ignore – and discover why they matter more than we think. From midge clouds and riverside bat walks to slug-slick gardens and wasps’ nests in the eaves, Awful Creatures follows writer Saskia McCracken as she seeks out the British animals we dismiss, shun or quietly resent. Travelling across the country, she encounters species often labelled pests – midges, slugs, wasps, toads, pigeons, ravens and jellyfish – uncovering the remarkable roles they play in British ecosystems and asking what changes when we look at these animals with curiosity rather than discomfort. Along the way, she explores how these creatures have shaped our histories, folklore and everyday lives, from village superstition to modern conservation. Blending travel writing with natural and cultural history, McCracken reveals a world of unexpected connections between people, animals and place. Rich in observation and insight, Awful Creatures offers a fresh perspective on the hidden forces shaping British landscapes and the changing relationship between humans and the natural world.