Running Wild by Mike Tomkies

If author, well-known naturalist and film-maker Mike Tomkies were 30 or 40 years younger he would almost certainly be a prolific nature blogger. His latest book, Running Wild, is billed as the 'concluding part of Mike's eagle studies' though it is as much about Mike and his search for places to live his chosen way of life as it is about the natural history with which he is so intrinsically connected.

Running Wild is perhaps as apt a title for Mike's constant restless roaming as is it is for the wildlife, most notably birds of prey, that he seeks to capture on film. Intertwined with his tales of seeking eagle eyries in our wildest places are the detailed accounts of seeking out-of-the-way locations to call home for a short period before the human equivalent of zugunruhe once again kicks in and spirits him elsewhere.

Mike's tale is of an unconventional life, funded by an unusual passion. The equal helpings of eccentricity and passion make for an entertaining read, though he could have spared the reader the various details of house prices and rents. For a wildlife cameraman and film-maker the images section is a little disappointing, but made up for by the intricate stories surrounding their capture in Mike's words. His yarns are underpinned by an upbeat enthusiasm for his subject, and who could fail to crack a smile at his love affair with 'Caballo', his camper van.

At a retail price of £18.99 Running Wild isn't cheap, but if you're looking for a good companion for a fortnight in a log cabin or a long holiday flight it's certainly worth a punt.