We have added a page of reviews of our walks and publications: just CLICK HERE
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At last, after many years and false starts, May 2024 brought the first PUP/WildGuides volume on which I appear as one of the authors, British & Irish Wild Flowers and Plants (more details here).
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2023 was a bumper year for publication of the things we have been working on. First an online-only paper was available from the start of the year:
GIBSON, C. (2023) Rewilding the skeleton: A vision for nature’s rebounding on a crowded island. The Ecological Citizen Vol 6 No 1: epub-076-1 to epub-076-4 Rewilding the skeleton
In February, this came out, a magnificent achievement by the Essex Wildlife Trust, Tendring Local Group, to which I contributed a short paper :
GIBSON, C. (2023) Unique to our part of Essex: Tendring Rock Sea-lavender. p.206 in Colne Point: Life between Land, Sea and Sky, eds. Marsden. K. & Bain. D. pp 290. Essex Wildlife Trust, Tendring Local Group
The long-awaited Plant Atlas 2020 from BSBI (published by PUP) finally hit the shelves (and how, at 8.5kg!). Although we had nothing to do with the physical books, a huge numeber of my photos are used to illustrate the accompanying website https://plantatlas2020.org/atlas
March brought two books:
Teesdale’s Special Flora (much of which we copy-edited, and m
ore) – its publication is a huge tribute to a true botanical and conservation legend, one of few to be recognised just by her initials ‘MEB’! More details here
Also in the PUP/WildGuides stable is the interesting and wonderfully illustrated Edible Fungi – on this one we copy-edited the Danish translation, and this too is expected in February 2023 see here 
From Dorling Kindersley comes this on which I acted as consultant:
How to Attract Wildlife to your Garden (see here) by Dan Rouse.
in June, Colchester Natural History Society published its semi-annual Nature in North East Essex, with two papers we contributed to:
HALLADAY, M., GIBSON, C. & EVANS, G. (2023) Letting the grass grow: the Wivenhoe Green Spaces project. Nature in North-East Essex 2022, 27-47.
GIBSON, C. (2023) Great Bentley Village Green: a once and future Essex heathland?. Nature in North-East Essex 2022, 48-52.
And in October, it was DK again with this on which I acted as consultant. One for us to road-test on Eleanor in the future!
Just a few of our earlier projects:
My botanical photos have also been used extensively in the following website and app:
Online Atlas of the British And Irish Flora http://www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/
BRC Rare Arable Flowers App www.brc.ac.uk/app/rare-arable-flowers-app
Books, booklets and chapters
HAMILTON, R., GIBSON, C. & STILL, R. (2024) British & Irish Wild Flowers and Plants – a Pocket Guide. WildGuides/Princeton University Press, pp320.
GIBSON, C. (2023) Unique to our part of Essex: Tendring Rock Sea-lavender. p.206 in Colne Point: Life between Land, Sea and Sky, eds. Marsden. K. & Bain. D. pp 290. Essex Wildlife Trust, Tendring Local Group
GIBSON, C. & GIBSON. J. (2020) The Essex Coast—its wildlife & conservation. pp32. Privately published PDF.
GIBSON, J. & GIBSON, C. (2020) Celebrating the Essex Coast. pp16. Privately published PDF.
GIBSON, C. (2015) Foreword, pp ii-iii. In EAGLE, B. Pushed to the Edge: a history of The Naze and Walton Hall. pp252 (at https://completelynovel.com/books/pushed-to-the-edge-a-history-of-the-naze-and-walton-hall/read)
GIBSON, C. (contributing author) (2010) The Natural History Book: the ultimate visual guide to everything on earth. Dorling Kindersley, pp648
GIBSON, C. (contributing author) (2010) Chris Packham’s Nature Handbook. Dorling Kindersley/RSPB, pp255
GIBSON, C. (contributing author) (2009) Where to go Wild in Britain. Dorling Kindersley/RSPB, pp336.
GIBSON, C. (contributing author) (2009) Pocket Nature: Wildlife of Britain. Dorling Kindersley/RSPB. pp600
GIBSON, C. (contributing author) (2008) Wildlife of Britain – the definitive visual guide. Dorling Kindersley/RSPB. pp512
GIBSON, C. (2008) Pocket Nature: Seashore. Dorling Kindersley. pp224 (plus several foreign editions).
GIBSON, C. (2007) Wetland Bird Survey in Essex. pp20-49 in WOOD, S. The Birds of Essex, Helm.
GIBSON, C. (2005) Canvey Wick – a space for wildlife and people. English Nature, pp8.
GIBSON, C. (2005) Pocket Nature: Wild Animals. Dorling Kindersley, pp224. (plus French x 2, German and Polish editions)
GIBSON, C. (2005) Foreword, in FORSYTH, L. Island of wildlife: the story of Fingringhoe Wick. Essex Wildlife Trust.
GIBSON, C. (2004) Recent population trends: the view from my garden. pp 17-32, in GOODEY, B (2004) The Moths of Essex. Lopinga Books.
GIBSON, C (2003) The Essex Coast – its wildlife and conservation. English Nature, 32pp.
GIBSON, C. (2000). The Essex Coast . . . beyond 2000. English Nature, Colchester, 40pp.
British Red Data Books 1: Vascular Plants, 3rd Edition (1999). Species accounts of Filago lutescens, Limonium binervosum (with S. Leach), Peucedanum officinale, Rhinanthus angustifolius
GIBSON, C. (1993) Wildlife & Conservation of the Essex Coast. English Nature, 20pp.
GIBSON, C. (1990) Portugal. pp213-233, in Mediterranean Wildlife, the Rough Guide, ed. RAINE. P. Harrap-Columbus, London.
GIBSON, C. (1990) The Essex Coast. Nature Conservancy Council, 12pp.
Peer-reviewed scientific papers
HALLADAY, M., GIBSON, C. & EVANS, G. (2023) Letting the grass grow: the Wivenhoe Green Spaces project. Nature in North-East Essex 2022, 27-47.
GIBSON, C. (2023) Great Bentley Village Green: a once and future Essex heathland?. Nature in North-East Essex 2022, 48-52.
GIBSON, C. (2023) Rewilding the skeleton: A vision for nature’s rebounding on a crowded island. The Ecological Citizen Vol 6 No 1: epub-076-1 to epub-076-4
GIBSON, C. (2021) Getting under the skin of the Essex coastline. Country-side 35 (7) Winter 2021,10-12.
HALL, J & GIBSON, C. (2021) Not just bats and reptiles: the importance of species recording in planning decisions. British Wildlife 32: 565-572.
HALL, J. & GIBSON, C. (2020) An Essex case study: Lawford Tye – species records add wight to planning decision. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 37: 55-74.
GIBSON, C. (2020) Hiding in plain sight: new plant finds in the Wivenhoe area. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 37: 76-84.
GIBSON, C. & GIBSON, J. (2020) Murder at the garden pond: Thalia dealbata – the (not very) beautiful assassin. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 37: 85-89.
GIBSON, C. & GIBSON, J. (2020) Two new bugs for Essex: Eurydema ornata and Pyrrhocoris apterus. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 37: 137-140.
GIBSON, C. & COUCH, Y. (2020) The sawfly Pamphilus sylvarum, new to Essex – twice…. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 37: 151-154.
GIBSON, C. (2017) The Essex coast. Conservation Land Management 15 (1) Spring 2017, 17-21. The Essex Coast CLM Spring 2017
GIBSON, C. (2016) At your service? The limits of enterprise with nature at stake. ECOS 34, 21-23. At your service_ The limits of enterprise…
ROSS-SMITH, V., ROBINSON, R., BANKS, A., FRAYLING, T., GIBSON, C. & CLARK, J. (2014) The Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus in England: how to resolve a conservation conundrum. Seabird 27: 41–61.
ADAM BATES, JON SADLER, DAVE GRUNDY, NORMAN LOWE, GEORGE DAVIS, DAVID BAKER, MALCOLM BRIDGE, ROGER FREESTONE, DAVID GARDNER, CHRIS GIBSON, ROBIN HEMMING, STEPHEN HOWARTH, STEVE ORRIDGE, MARK SHAW, TOM TAMS & HEATHER YOUNG (2014) Garden and landscape –scale correlates of moths of differing conservation status: Significant effects of urbanization and habitat diversity. PLOS ONE 9 (1) e86925: 1-11.
ADAM J. BATES, JON P. SADLER, GLYN EVERETT, DAVE GRUNDY, NORMAN LOWE, GEORGE DAVIS, DAVID BAKER, MALCOLM BRIDGE, JON CLIFTON, ROGER FREESTONE, DAVID GARDNER, CHRIS GIBSON, ROBIN HEMMING, STEPHEN HOWARTH, STEVE ORRIDGE, MARK SHAW, TOM TAMS & HEATHER YOUNG (2013) Assessing the value of the Garden Moth Scheme citizen science dataset: how does light trap type affect catch? Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 146: 386–397.
MORRIS, R.K.A. & GIBSON, C. (2007) Port development and nature conservation – experiences in England between 1994 and 2005. Ocean & Coastal Management 50: 443-462.
GIBSON, C. & GIBSON, M. (2007) Halo phenomenon over Dovercourt. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 24: 43-44.
GIBSON, C. (2006) Climate change and north-east Essex. Nature in North-east Essex 2006: 91-95.
GIBSON, C. (2006) Wildlife & conservation review of 2005. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 23: 18-30.
GIBSON, C. (2006) Some like it hot…: adaptation strategies. Suffolk Natural History 42: 19-23.
GIBSON, C. (2004) Wildlife and conservation review of 2003. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 21: 27-41.
RINGWOOD, Z., HILL, J. & GIBSON, C. (2004) Conservation management of Gortyna borelii lunata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the United Kingdom. Journal of Insect Conservation 8: 173-183.
GIBSON, C. (2003) Wildlife & conservation review of 2002. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 20: 19-36.
RINGWOOD, Z.K., HILL, J. & GIBSON, C. (2002) Observations on the ovipositing strategy of Gortyna borelii Pierret, 1837 (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) in a British population. Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 48(2): 89-99.
GIBSON, C. (2002) Wildlife and conservation review of 2001. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 19: 43-62.
GIBSON, C. (2001) Wildlife & conservation review of 2000. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 18: 38-53.
GIBSON, C. (2000). Profile of a naturalist: Geoffrey Arthur Pyman MBE (1920-1999). Essex Naturalist (New series) 17: 16-20.
GIBSON, C. (2000). Wildlife and conservation review of 1999. Essex Naturalist (New series) 17: 38-49.
GIBSON, C. (2000). Notes on Essex specialities. 3. Annual Sea-purslane Atriplex pedunculata. Essex Naturalist (New series), 17: 129-132.
GIBSON, C. (2000). The conservation of Gortyna borelii lunata Freyer (Lep: Noctuidae). Entomologist’s Record 112: 1-5.
RINGWOOD, Z., HILL, J. & GIBSON, C. (2000) A study of Gortyna borelii lunata Freyer (Lep.: Noctuidae): results from the first season of behavioural observation sessions. Entomologist’s Record 112: 93-99.
GIBSON, C. (1999) Wildlife and conservation review of 1998. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 16: 19-24.
GIBSON, C, (1999) Celypha arbutella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) – a new micromoth for Essex (and England?). Essex Naturalist (New Series) 16: 31.
RICH, T.C.G., GIBSON, C. & MARSDEN, M. (1999) Re-establishment of the extinct native plant Filago gallica L. (Asteraceae), narrow-leaved cudweed, in Britain. Biological Conservation 91: 1-8.
GIBSON, C. (1998) New protection for Fisher’s Estuarine Moth. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 15: 22.
GIBSON, C. (1997) Conservation in Essex: a view from English Nature. Essex Naturalist (New Series) 14: 143-153.
GIBSON, C. & WATKINSON, A.R. (1992) The role of the hemiparasite annual Rhinanthus minor in determining grassland community structure. Oecologia 89: 62-68.
GIBSON, C. & WATKINSON, A.R. (1991) Host selectivity and the mediation of competition by the root hemiparasite Rhinanthus minor. Oecologia 86: 81-87.
GIBSON, C. & WATKINSON, A.R. (1989) The host range and selectivity of a parasitic plant: Rhinanthus minor L. Oecologia 75: 401-6.
WATKINSON, A.R. & GIBSON, C. (1988) Plant parasitism: the population dynamics of parasitic plants and their effects on plant community structure. pp393-411 in Plant Population Ecology, eds. DAVY, A.J., HUTCHINGS, M.J., WATKINSON, A.R. Blackwell.
WATKINSON, A.R. & GIBSON, C. (1985) Life-history variation and the demography of plant populations, pp105-113 in Structure & Functioning of Plant Populations 2:Phenotypic and Genotypic Variation in Plant Populations, eds. HAECK, J. & WOLDENDORP, J.W. North Holland.
Other less formal articles and notes
GIBSON, C. (2024) The Use and Misuse of Apps in Nature. BNA NATURE GAZETTE – The Newsletter for Young Naturalists. August 2024, pp 4-5.
GIBSON, C. (2021) Going green or greenwash? The trouble with trees… https://esgfoundation.org/going-green-or-greenwashing-the-trouble-with-trees
GIBSON, C. (2021) Ten top plants to bring wildlife into your garden https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/discover/our-blog/guides/ten-top-plants-to-bring-wildlife-into-your-garden.htm
GIBSON, C. (2020) The wonderful wildlife of the Pyrenees Naturetrek e-news May 2020 https://www.naturetrek.co.uk/news/wonderful-wildlife-of-the-pyrenees
GIBSON, C. (2010) An alternative view from my moth trap: the by-catch. Nature in North-east Essex 2010: 44-54.
GIBSON, C. (2007) What decline of the caddisfly? Atropos 32: 39-40.
SUTHERLAND, W. & GIBSON, C. (1988) Habitats to order. New Scientist, 28/1/2008: 70.
GIBSON, C. (2001) Olive Crescent Trisateles emortualis larvae in Essex. Atropos 12: 81.
RICH, T., GIBSON, C. & MARSDEN, M. (1996) Narrow-leaved cudweed (Filago gallica) report for 1996. Plantlife project report 75.
RICH, T., GIBSON, C. & MARSDEN, M. (1995) Narrow-leaved cudweed (Filago gallica) is back from the brink… Plantlife project report 67.
GIBSON, C. (1992) Jackdaws feeding on horse-chestnuts. British Birds 85(3): 138.
GIBSON, C. (1992) Wildlife and conservation in north-east Essex. pp18-22 in Lepidoptera of North-east Essex, GOODEY, B. & FIRMIN, J. Nature in North-east Essex Special Edition 1992.
GIBSON, C. (1987, 1989). A Natural History of the UEA Campus (with first supplement). pp 218 + 39.
GIBSON, C. (1987) Parasitic plants as gall-causers. Cecidology 2: 41-43.
GIBSON, C. (1986) Turnstones feeding on cliff ledges. British Birds 79(8): 402.
Other significant published uses of my photos
WIDDOWSON, K. (2020) Flick Guide to Common Species of Trees in Leaf. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust/ Love Lincs Plants (pdf)
LOWEN, J. (2018) 52 European Wildlife Weekends. Bradt.
ALLISON, K. (2011) A Guide to Plants Poisonous to Horses (Revised Edition). J.A. Allen.
CHATTERS, C. (2009) Flowers of the Forest: plants and people in the New Forest National Park. Wildguides.
GUNTON, T. (2008) Explore Wild Essex: a guide to nature reserves and country parks of Essex and east London. Lopinga.
PORLEY, R. (2008) Arable Bryophytes. Wildguides.
WOOD, S. (2007) The Birds of Essex, Helm.
FLETCHER, N. (2007) Pocket Nature: Mediterranean Wild Flowers. Dorling Kindersley.
ENGLISH NATURE (2005) The East of England’s Best Wildlife and Geological Sites.
LANG, D. (2005) Britain’s Orchids. Wildguides.
PRICE, M. & WALSH, K. (2005) Pocket Nature: Rocks and Minerals. Dorling Kindersley.
ROYAL HASKONING (2005) Saltmarsh Management Manual. Defra / Environment Agency.
ENGLISH NATURE (2005) Our Coast & Seas: making space for people, industry and wildlife.
McGAVIN, G. (2004) Pocket Nature: Insects and spiders. Dorling Kindersley.
STERRY, P. & MACKAY, A. (2004) Pocket Nature: Butterflies and Moths. Dorling Kindersley.
COOMBES, A. (2004) Pocket Nature: Trees. Dorling Kindersley.
FLETCHER, N. (2004) Pocket Nature: Wild Flowers. Dorling Kindersley.
STACE, C.A., van der MEIJDEN, R. & de KORT, I. (2004) Interactive Flora of the British Isles. ETI DVD-ROM.
DEFRA (2004) Code of Practice on how to Prevent the Spread of Ragwort. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69264/pb9840-cop-ragwort.pdf
GOODEY, B (2004) The Moths of Essex. Lopinga.
WILSON, P. & KING, M. (2003) Arable Plants – a field guide. Wildguides.
ENGLISH NATURE (2003) / NATURAL ENGLAND (2007) Gardening with wildlife in mind. CD-ROM
MOD (2001) Photographic competition winners 2001. Sanctuary 30.
ENGLISH NATURE (2001) Practical Solutions Handbook, Edition 2.
GUNTON, T. (2000) Wild Essex: a guide to nature reserves and country parks of Essex and east London. Lopinga.
Also see
HONEYGUIDE website www.honeyguide.co.uk
DTA Publications www.dtapublications.co.uk
Other books and publications with significant editorial input
HOARE, Ben (2023) Weird and Wonderful Nature. Dorling Kindersley, pp 192 [consultant]
ROUSE, D. (2023) How to Attract Wildlife to your Garden. Dorling Kindersley, pp 192.
PETERSEN, J.H. (2023) Edible Fungi of Britain and Northern Europe. PUP/WildGuides, pp 154.
BRADSHAW, M.E (2023) Teesdale’s Special Flora: Places, plants and people. WildGuides/Princeton University Press, pp288. [copy-edit and substantial rewrite]
COLE, S. & WALLER, M. (2020) Britain’s Orchids: A field guide to the orchids of Great Britain and Ireland. WildGuides/Princeton University Press, pp288.
MERRYWEATHER, J. (2020) Britain’s Ferns: A field guide to the clubmosses, quillworts, horsetails and ferns of Great Britain and Ireland. WildGuides/Princeton University Press, pp280.
COUZENS, D., SWASH, A., STILL, R. & DUNN, J. (2017) Britain’s Mammals: A field guide to the mammals of Britain and Ireland. WildGuides/Princeton University Press, pp328.
BEE, L., OXFORD, G. & SMITH, H. (2017) Britain’s Spiders: A field guide. WildGuides/Princeton University Press, pp480.
BEHRENS, K & BARNES, K. (2016) Wildlife of Madagascar. WildGuides/Princeton University Press, pp344.
ALLISON, K. (2011) A Guide to Plants Poisonous to Horses (Revised Edition). J.A. Allen.
CHATTERS, C. (2009) Flowers of the Forest: plants and people in the New Forest National Park. Wildguides.
DORLING KINDERSLEY (2009) Where to go Wild in Britain. Dorling Kindersley/RSPB, pp336.
DORLING KINDERSLEY (2008) Wildlife of Britain – the definitive visual guide. Dorling Kindersley/RSPB. pp512.
GUNTON, T. (2008) Explore Wild Essex: a guide to nature reserves and country parks of Essex and east London. Lopinga.
BENTON, T. & DOBSON, J. (2007) The Dragonflies of Essex. Lopinga
BENTON, T. (2006) Bumblebees. Collins New Naturalist.
FORSYTH, L. (2005) Island of wildlife: the story of Fingringhoe Wick. Essex Wildlife Trust.
STERRY, P. & MACKAY, A. (2004) Pocket Nature: Butterflies and Moths. Dorling Kindersley.
COOMBES, A. (2004) Pocket Nature: Trees. Dorling Kindersley.
FLETCHER, N. (2004) Pocket Nature: Wild Flowers. Dorling Kindersley.
GOODEY, B (2004) The Moths of Essex. Lopinga
WILSON, P. & KING, M. (2003) Arable Plants – a field guide. Wildguides.
ENGLISH NATURE (2003) / NATURAL ENGLAND (2007) Gardening with wildlife in mind. CD-ROM.
PRESTON, C., PEARMAN, D. & DINES, T. (2002) New Atlas of the British & Irish Flora. OUP.
BENTON, T. (2000) The Bumblebees of Essex. Lopinga.
GUNTON, T. (2000) Wild Essex: a guide to nature reserves and country parks of Essex and east London. Lopinga.
CROOKES, J. (1999) Watching over Essex 1959-1999. Essex Wildlife Trust.
DOBSON, J. (1999) The Mammals of Essex. Lopinga.
ESSEX BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP (1999) Essex Biodiversity Action Plan – a wild future for Essex?
TARPEY, T & HEATH, J. (1990) Wild flowers of North-east Essex. CNHS.
English Nature’s Patchwork 1 (1996) – 11 (2003).
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 16(1999) to date.
An unabridged version of this document is available!
