Described as “an absolute delight” by naturalist and TV presenter Iolo Williams, ‘Flowers of the West Wales Coast’ is a stunning treasury of the beauty and abundance of wildflowers along the Welsh coastline.

Having spent decades capturing the most spectacular image of each species, in this beautiful hardback author and photographer Mike Alexander imparts his love of these flowers and his hope that “if this book can bring people just a little closer to the magnificent wild landscapes around our coast, it may make some contribution towards protecting them for the future”.

A respected figure in nature conservation, Mike sadly died suddenly during the final editing of the book. In the acknowledgements, his widow, Rosanne Alexander says: “Looking back over these words and pictures from a new perspective, I see a whole life here, crammed with the places he adored, which truly encompasses his vibrant personality.”

In his introduction, Mike discussed his obsession with wildflowers and the pleasure they brought to his life. He said: “This is not an identification book, but a celebration of wildflowers: a picture book with just enough text to encourage you to go and explore further… This book is for the casual or inexperienced observer, as well as the committed plant lover, and I want the text to be as widely accessible as possible.”

Flowers of the West Wales Coast was finished with the help of Rosanne, botanist John Rodwell, botanist and award-winning nature author Goronwy Wynne; and editor Carolyn Hodges, Y Lolfa Head of English Publishing.

Carolyn said Mike’s book “brings together some of the things he most loved in his life: flowers, photography, poetry, walking the coast path, and his beloved Wales. It’s an absolutely beautiful book and if it encourages people to value and help conserve our coastal flora, it will be a great part of the legacy of a truly remarkable man.”