Fuerteventura is well known to tourists for its beaches and its windsurfing. But there is much more to it than this. This book is a passionate and authoritative account written by someone who really knows the island.
It describes a walk over the mountains and remote desert landscapes of the island, referring in particular to wildlife and places of historic interest, but also including personal anecdotes from visits over more than thirty years. The book provides an enthusiastic account of the island, its wildlife and history as seen through the eyes of its most passionate exponent.
"If you'd like to know more about Fuerteventura and its wildlife, just follow David Collins on his journey across the island. A privileged few have had David as their guide on Fuerteventura. Now everyone can enjoy his knowledge and passion, which are weaved into this enjoyable travelogue." Chris Durdin, Honeyguide Wildlife Holidays
"This book is filled with interesting anecdotes and information revealing the true spirit of Fuerteventura and its flora and fauna" Rod Casey, Villaverde, Fuerteventura
David Collins is a lifelong naturalist and a professional ecologist. He graduated from Royal Holloway College, University of London, where he completed an honours degree in Biological Sciences in 1979. This was followed by two years studying the behaviour and ecology of the rare and endangered Houbara Bustard in Fuerteventura for which he was awarded a Master of Philosophy degree. He has subsequently visited the island on many occasions to lead wildlife holidays, to study bird migration and wildlife, and on holidays with his family. He is co-author of the definitive guide to birdwatching in the Canary Islands and has also written popular articles on the Canary Islands for birdwatchers.
His varied career began with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, where he contributed both to the society's research and conservation planning activities. Since then he has worked as an environmental consultant, as senior ecologist for major infrastructure projects, and as environmental advisor both to the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
He is a Chartered Environmentalist and a founder member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), of which he is a past member of Council.