Someone planning a visit to the Falkland Islands in the near future is in luck with the publication of the second edition of Debbie Summers’ A Visitor’s Guide to the Falkland Islands from Falklands Conservation, 2005. First published in 2001, this handy spiral-bound book by a native Falkland Islander fits easily into your jacket or the pocket of a rucksack. It is also chock-full of maps, history, photographs and information about the islands. Each site covered in the guide has a box listing features, a detailed map and useful pointers to keep in mind when visiting. There are also sections by Tony Chater on photography and expedition leader Allan White. A glossary of terms and acronyms is included in the back, as well as useful addresses and a checklist of the fauna and flora mentioned in the text, all of which adds up to an excellent “hands-on” guide to bring along when you visit these remarkable islands.

This same format also works well with Sally Poncet and Kim Crosbie’s A Visitor’s Guide to South Georgia, another 2005 Wild Guides publication. Full of maps, history and beautiful photographs, this guide highlights sites from Elsehul and Prion Island to Dryglaski Fjord and King Haakon Bay, all with lists of features and helpful pointers. There is also a checklist of the fauna and flora described as well as a bird breeding calendar. Also in the back is a pretty good bibliography and a list of useful addresses and web sites. This spiral-bound book is a handy size and can easily sit flat, freeing one’s hands for the camera or binoculars. For further information contact: Brian Clews at sales@Wildguides.co.uk.