The Nature Guide to the Hortobágy by Crossbill Guides. 2008. 192 pages, with colour maps and colour photographs throughout. Softback £18.95.

The Crossbill Guides Foundation is a European organisation dedicated to increasing public involvement with nature conservation. One of its goals is to produce comprehensive guides for nature enthusiasts and tourists to all major European natural areas. The seven titles so far include the Camargue and Cévennes in France, Biebrza marshes and Bialowicza forest in Poland, and the Coto Doñana, the Andalusian Sierras, and Extremadura in Spain. This new one on the Hortobágy was, they claim, the most challenging to produce thanks to a lack of good background information in languages other than Hungarian, which forced the team to rely all the more on local experts rather than textbooks. This has resulted in a guide which really does (as the publishers intend) 'combine an insight into the wildlife and landscape of an area with up-to-date and practical tourist information'. It is pocket-sized and lightweight. Yet it is packed with nearly 200 pages of really useful information.

The information is not only up-to-date but beyond date - such as the inside knowledge of a new venue especially for visiting ecotourists under construction at Balmazujvaros and due to open in 2009. It is full of sensible facts and figures: a series of routes (walks, car drives, bike rides) carefully selected to give a good flavour of all the habitats, flora and fauna that the Hortobágy has to offer; a dozen clear and uncluttered maps; down-to-earth tourist information and observation tips; and more detailed discussion of the flora, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and insects and other invertebrates.

There are also 13 'text boxes' on fascinating asides (such as on 'well communication' and on the oldest testimony of human habitation in Hungary), plus 131 colour photographs. But most of all the descriptive section of the guide focusses on explaining the natural and ecological features of an area rather than merely describing the site. This approach was chosen because the nature of an area is more interesting, enjoyable and valuable when seen in the context of its complex relationships. The publisher's intention is 'to introduce more people to the joys of Europe's beautiful natural heritage and to increase the understanding of the ecological values that underline conservation efforts'. This guide is therefore meant for all those who enjoy being in and learning about nature, whether you already know much about it or not.

It is significant that no author is credited on the cover (although very small print attributes 'initiative, text and research' to Dirk Hilbers, with additional text, additional research and editing by 12 others, and a further 15 people acknowledged for their specialised contributions and field assistance). A splendid team effort. At the beginning of the guide, they declare 'We describe the how, the why, the when, the where, and the how come of Europe's most beautiful areas. In clear and accessible language we explain the Hortobágy and refer extensively to routes where the area's features can be observed best. We try to make the Hortobágy come alive.' They have succeeded.

The Hortobágy is a vast plain dominated by grassland, steppe and marshes, through which the River Tisza flows. It belongs to Hungary but in a sense, with its glorious wilderness, it belongs to us all.

The book is aimed at the naturalist and tourist alike who wish to know more about the geographic and historic features of the area and want to explore its striking landscapes and wildlife. Following an account of the geology, climate and habitats of the region, the types of flora and fauna to be found is fully dealt with, listing all birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and plants known to be present.

A large part of the book is taken up with prescribed walks and drives detailing the scenery, remnants of ancient cultures and, particularly, the wide range of fauna and flora of this picturesque region.

Fully illustrated, it will be an essential companion on any visit to the area.