Over the years I have taken much of the wildlife for granted, but in putting this book together I have learnt to appreciate the many hundreds of different animals, flowers, butterflies, birds, insects, fungi, trees and even reptiles that one could come across. I would not pretend to be an expert and my knowledge is basic, but I have tried to cover everyday sights for the walker to look out for – along with the odd rarity. From the back of a horse one has a good vantage point and I often stop, look and listen and I gather leaves and branches from the hedgerows to paint when I get home. As an artist I think I have learnt to look at things differently. Now I feel that it is important to leave something behind for the generations to come.