Spring Tides

A stunning book, exquisitely written and all of it observed with enormous compassion for the natural world. Every page of Spring Tides gives the reader everything they want: poetry, knowledge, bejewelled specifics of the ocean and its creatures. As we read, we grow richer, too. You will fall in love with this book, treasure it, and keep it somewhere safe. A book for our time. * Monique Roffey, author of The Mermaid of Black Conch, Costa Book of the Year 2020 *
Insightful and brimming with marvels, this story of one woman’s love of an island opens a window to our entire ocean, why it matters and how to protect it. At a time when the rampant decline of nature can feel overwhelming, Gell offers a reasoned and much-needed ray of hope, showing that it is possible to safeguard livelihoods and the ocean’s living treasures, and that it doesn’t have to be a choice between the two. * Helen Scales, author of The Brilliant Abyss and What a Shell Can Tell *
I loved Spring Tides. Seeding hope and wonder for future generations is a courageous calling and this is a beautifully-crafted triumph. The interweaving of motherhood with marine science, climate and the immeasurable pleasures of our own seashores is a pure delight. Please read this book! * Nicholas Crane, author of The Making of the British Landscape *
Fiona Gell writes with the understanding of a scientist and the soul of a poet. The result is a beautiful and bracingly honest account of her efforts to protect the island seas of her home. Her descriptions are so vivid that as you read you can almost feel the lick of saltwater on your skin and smell the desiccating seaweed of a summer low tide. * Callum Roberts, author of The Ocean of Life *
A beautiful, briny portrait of one woman’s infatuation with the sea. Fiona Gell has been steeped in salt water her whole life, and her deep understanding, knowledge of and love for her subject shines through. * Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment *
It’s a rare treat to read a book about the sea that is as professional as it is passionate. Fiona Gell’s experience and immersion in her subject is impressive. * Tristan Gooley, author of The Natural Navigator *
Anyone bound for the sea should be armed with this exceptional and engaging book. * Country Life *
A passionate, moving account of the transformative power of the sea – Martin Chilton * Independent ‘Book of the Month’ *
Elegantly written… a heartfelt and authoritative memoir by a person formed and sustained by the island’s natural environment… Spring Tides brims with quirky anecdotes rooted in love for a unique place as well as delivering an important message through expertise lightly worn. – Charlie Connelly * Geographic magazine *
Fiona Gell describes a life dedicated to the preservation of a delicate habitat with a stirring, even spiritual, commitment. * TLS *
Flowing between oceanic memoir and marine conservation on the Isle of Man, [Gell] lures readers with evocative descriptions of nature and personal histories of a life by the sea. It will appeal to the inner naturalist and to the child within who scours rock pools, seeks treasure troves of drifting shells, and marvels at a Maiden’s Purse… Gell’s writing is as enticing as it is informative… this luscious memoir in which readers learn how nature reserves are essential in the wider context of climate change. We yearn for that mutual exchange which occurs when we nurture nature as we wonder at horse mussel reefs, quahogs, and cephalopods, and we fall in love with the sea. – Lynn Buckle * The Irish Times *
An inspiring exploration of the fauna and flora around the beaches and coastal waters of the Isle of Man … This is a relaxing, interesting and delightful read, with a good dose of humour as well … it left me feeling hopeful for the future of marine conservation * Ocean Challenge journal *
Deeply knowledgeable, lyrical, and expansive … General and expert readers alike will be in debt to the insights of this gifted scientist and magical writer, as lovers of the sea search for ways to shake the human consciousness into meaningful action. – Matthew Bunce FMBA * Marine Biologist *

Dr Fiona Gell has a PhD in seagrass ecology and over twenty years of experience working in marine science, conservation and policy on small islands around the world. More recently she has worked on the Isle of Man’s response to the climate emergency and has completed an MSc in climate change. She grew up on the Isle of Man and still lives there with her husband and son. She is also a published poet.

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