The Natural History of Selborne, Vol. 2

In this second volume of a beloved 18th‑century natural history, the narrator invites listeners to wander through the rolling hills and ancient woodlands that cradle the quiet village of Selborne. With vivid, almost poetic prose, he paints the scene of thatched roofs, beech‑clad slopes, and a bubbling spring that gave the hamlet its name. The introduction sets the tone for a series of letters that explore the subtle rhythms of rural life, from the echo of a storm‑bent oak to the gentle hum of a playground once called the Plestor.

From there the voice turns to close‑up observations of the local wildlife—a pair of white owls nesting in the church eaves, the unexpected arrival of breeding teals, and the diligent search for mice at dusk. Each entry reads like a small, friendly conversation with nature, noting timings, behaviors, and the quiet intelligence of the creatures. Listeners will feel as if they are strolling beside the author, notebook in hand, discovering the seamless blend of scientific curiosity and heartfelt reverence for the countryside.