In Conversation with Jonathan Mullard - The New Naturalists Library

We joined Brecon Beacons author Jonathan Mullard at the London Wetland Centre for a chat about the New Naturalist series.

Jonathan talks about his discovery of the books in the 1970s, whilst studying for a degree in biology, and muses on how much the editions have evolved since then.

Part One

We joined Brecon Beaconsauthor Jonathan Mullard at the London Wetland Centre for a chat about the New Naturalist series.

Jonathan talks about his discovery of the books in the 1970s, whilst studying for a degree in biology, and muses on how much the editions have evolved since then.

He offers an interesting insight into the authors and titles he most admires, and recalls the time he worked for a New Naturalist author in the early 1980s, before being inspired to write for the series himself.

As well as discussing some of his favourite editions, Jonathan reveals how many New Naturalist titles he owns.

Part Two

The second part of our interview with Jonathan Mullard, author of Brecon Beacons about the New Naturalist series.

He recalls his experience working with the Heritage Lottery Fund and ecologist David Streeter, and a particularly damp day on Gower.

Jonathan goes on to share his thoughts on the relative lack of literature on South Wales, the hidden beauty of the wildlife in the Brecon Beacons and his technique of focussing on the fascinating folklore of his subjects’ history.

Part Three

In the third part of our conversation, Jonathan Mullard discusses Robert Gillmor’s artwork for his book Brecon Beacons.

He comments on Gillmor’s watercolour technique and how he captures intricate details such as the reflections in the lake.

Just as Jonathan has tried to capture the sense of place with the text itself, he notes Gillmor’s ability to capture the essence of the Brecon environment on the cover.

Part Four

In part 4 of our conversation with Brecon Beacons author Jonathan Mullard, we asked him about his favourite British species.

He explains how different animals come into focus at different times of the year, and that his favourite Spring-time species is the bee fly.

Part Five

The Leaping Hare by Welsh teacher and folklorist, George Ewart Evans, is one of Mullard’s all-time favourites. He loves the integration of the oral history of the hare with its actual historic biology. Although things have moved on in the decade since the book was written, it is still a staple on Mullard’s bookshelves.