THE RSPB is spreading its wings. For it is under its banner that this lavish coffee- table book covering the full span of wildlife in Britain appears.

Birds even yield first place to mammals. Following on come reptiles and amphibians, fish, invertebrates and plants (including trees) and, bringing up the rear, fungi. Species are succinctly described and well illustrated, and habitats, ranging from beaches to heathland, rivers and canals to parks and gardens, and even that apparent desert, arable farmland, are also profiled.

Stunning photographs complete what is sub-titled The Definitive Visual Guide. A very useful reference book it would make a good present for a youngster interested in wildlife, or perhaps for a whole family.