William Collins lands timely spotlight on endangered birds by journalist Galbraith

William Collins has landed a “timely spotlight” on Britain’s endangered birds by journalist Patrick Galbraith. 

Myles Archibald, publishing director, bought world English rights, excluding North America, to In Search of One Last Song from Katie Fulford at Bell Lomax Moreton. It will publish on 28th April. 

The publisher described the book as an “urgent call to arms highlighting the desperate plight of 10 of Britain’s most admired and endangered birds and a paean to the people trying to save them”.  

The book follows Galbraith around the British Isles to find, observe, and understand its disappearing birds. Along the way, from Orkney and the Western Isles to post-industrial towns, he meets a fascinatingly eclectic group of deeply committed people on the front line of conservation, tirelessly doing everything they can to save 10 key species – the nightingale, hen harrier, lapwing, black grouse, kittiwake, capercaillie, turtle dove, grey partridge, bittern and corncrake – many of which are dangerously close to being lost.  

Archibald said: “Patrick Galbraith is a wonderful new voice with a perfect combination of a deep knowledge of the realities of the countryside and a profound understanding of the animals and people who live there. His ability to mix his travels around Britain with a unique literary take on the countryside is an absolute joy.” 

Galbraith added: “It started out as a pretty simple idea. I was going to spend a few years travelling the country in order to try and see Britain’s beloved birds that are edging towards extinction. I suddenly realised that if I didn’t get round to doing it, they’d soon be gone. I also wanted to meet the people who’ve devoted their lives to saving these species. I wanted to understand why it matters so much to them and to understand too, why some people don’t realise that it matters at all. 

“When I was on the road, the idea grew and grew, and it quickly felt as though I’d gone in search of something that was disappearing before me. I met coppicers, hedgelayers and reed cutters whose ancient crafts sustained habitats for nightingales, grey partridges and bitterns. I arrived to meet a farmer who’d been weeping in his kitchen – the first turtle dove of the year had returned, and I met poets, musicians and artists who told me they will lose their greatest source of inspiration when these birds have gone. Working with Myles Archibald and the team at William Collins to tell the story of my journey and to explore the painful human consequences of the destruction of nature, has been terrific.”