Simon Barnes has written a book that filled me from first to last with a rapture as transcendent and thrilling as that which spring yearly provides. He describes the season's prodigious generosity, power and reach with marvellous clarity and passion. Like all great writing on nature – all great writing on any subject in fact – Barnes makes you look and listen with new eyes and ears. Never have I read a book that so impelled me to get out and pay attention to great creating nature in all its force and splendour ... I cannot think of anyone who won't be entranced and grateful that this book exists. Reading it is like being taken for a glorious nature walk by a hugely knowledgeable and enthusiastic friend. Truly, I absolutely adored it!

Stephen Fry

As dynamic and ebullient as the season it celebrates ... There is no one I'd rather spring into spring with than Simon Barnes

Kate Humble

With his trademark blend of wit, fascination and knowledge, Simon Barnes has written an endlessly illuminating love letter to the most beguiling of the seasons. A book to make sun-worshipping pagans of us all

Lee Schofield, author of WILD FELL

An enjoyable and compelling read. Spring is undoubtedly the most important season. Barnes takes us through the many aspects of spring, from religion, poetry, agriculture and of course the song. He broadens our understanding of these magical moments, culminating in their importance. A fascinating and insightful book that shows why we need to maintain life's natural cycles.

Jake Fiennes, author of LAND HEALER

Barnes weaves together a tapestry of delights in this biography of the season of spring, and what it means to the planet and to human society - from migration to sports to poetry to climate change. Full of fascinating insights, Spring is the Only Season is a book you'll relish being carried along by, whatever the time of year

Chantal Lyons, author of GROUNDBREAKERS

Ultimately, this vivid portrait encourages us to contemplate the ever-shifting interplay between humanity and the natural world

Countryside