First published in 1982 by Liverpool University Press, this was the first book entirely devoted to a study of the Hilbre islands, which are situated about one mile from the extreme north-western corner of the Wirral Peninsula. This reissued edition includes the original, classic text, plus a new Preface by David Gregson, Chair of The Friends of Hilbre. These tidal islands have been famous amongst bird watchers for many years, during which time the ringing and continuous recording of birds has provided much information about migration patterns. The Hilbre nature reserve with its various species of marine algae and spiders, and the particularly interesting Grey Seals is also of great importance to anyone carrying out serious research in the fi elds of botany and zoology. All the contributors to this volume are specialists in their field, and have been engaged in work on Hilbre for many years; much of the data contained in their essays is based on research carried out especially for this publication. This comprehensive account of the human and natural history of the Hilbre islands, richly illustrated with line drawings and photographs, will be of importance to all natural historians and will also be of considerable interest to many general readers.