The latest adventures of ‘The Pen’ and the newest pen-pal and book buddy!

Launched on the 8th June 2023, World Oceans Day, in Plymouth UK.

A special book this, for a special and rare fish, written by Angela Gall and published by Natural England.

The Allis Shad start life up in the gravel beds of the Tamar River. They then make their way down river to the sea off Plymouth Sound. Later they swim back up the river to their home base, where they themselves in turn lay their eggs.

It is a long and challenging journey, through many different marine and river habitats, and this book helps children (and their grown-ups!) understand the challenges and how we can assist.

It was a delight to collaborate with Angela Gall to produce her book.

Angela is a senior marine adviser in Natural England’s Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly Area Team and her knowledge of the reefs, seagrass beds, the estuary and the Tamar river – and their inhabitants, formed the solid base for the story and the illustrations. The marvellous people around her so generously shared their knowledge, advice, photos and videos. With the added perspective gleaned from virtual earth maps, I spend a glorious time (virtually) swimming with the fishes, through anemone reefs and sponges, seagrass, salt marshes, mussel beds and the Tamar river.

Then it was time to relay these wonders on through hand and pen on their own journey into the pages of this book.

All proceeds from sales of this book go to Westcountry Rivers Trust to fund conservation work.

For more on the book and links to where to buy the book, from Westcountry Rivers Trust, go to the ‘Author, Author’ page on this site. (See top of page)