The Learned Pig

Art – Thinking – Nature – Writing

A Field Guide to East London Wildlife

A Field Guide to East London Wildlife

Humans are not the only species undergoing a process of urbanisation. It is well documented that we have made a mess of this planet, and – depending on who you speak to – it may be too late to do anything about it. But as the world gradually turns to concrete, and species extinction continues to accelerate, there are some animals out there for whom proximity to humans is not a curse but a blessing. Often it is these species who are considered pests, or accused of spreading diseases. Rarely do they have the glamour of the panda, say, or the bird of paradise (glamour and scarcity being so inextricably intertwined). But perhaps one day they are all we’ll have, so it’s about time we started to appreciate our next-door neighbours a little bit more.

Thankfully, the process is already underway, with the publication this week of A Field Guide to East London Wildlife – the work of illustrator Ian McDonnell and writer Harry Ades. “Imagine,” say its publishers, Hoxton Mini Press, “a 19th century nature guide that has been squarely dropped into 21st century urban life.” McDonnell’s illustrations are delightful, Ades’ text both witty and informative, and we’ve been lucky enough to publish a bit of a preview.

Scroll down for a few of our favourite animal acquaintances…

 
 

The Learned Pig

 

A Field Guide to East London Wildlife

 

A Field Guide to East London Wildlife

 

A Field Guide to East London Wildlife

 

A Field Guide to East London Wildlife

 

A Field Guide to East London Wildlife

 

A Field Guide to East London Wildlife

 
 

A Field Guide to East London Wildlife is available to buy now through Hoxton Mini Press, and there’s a special collector’s edition too, for all you fancy pants out there.

 
 

The Learned Pig