The River Cottage Handbooks are a much-loved series of practical, beautifully produced guides that celebrate traditional skills, sustainable living and good food. Compact yet richly informative, each hardback handbook focuses on a single topic, combining expert knowledge, clear step-by-step guidance, and inspiring photography. Written by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and the River Cottage team, alongside specialist contributors, they are designed to be accessible to beginners while still rewarding the more experienced reader.
All titles: 198 × 129 mm | Hardback.

River Cottage Handbook No. 5: Edible Seashore

In this foraging classic, John Wright reveals the extraordinary variety of food waiting to be discovered along the coastline. From shellfish and seaweeds to lesser-known coastal plants, he explains what to look for, where to find it and how to gather it safely. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and the River Cottage team then show how to cook your seaside harvest simply and deliciously, making the most of the freshest possible ingredients.

River Cottage Handbook No. 6: Sea Fishing

This practical and accessible guide introduces the pleasures of catching, preparing and cooking sea fish. Written by the co-author of The River Cottage Fish Book, it covers everything you need to know to get started, from choosing basic equipment and understanding tides and locations, to handling your catch humanely and sustainably. Clear guidance is followed by 30 delicious, straightforward recipes that show how to make the very best of ultra-fresh fish at home. Ideal for beginners and keen anglers alike, this handbook brings the River Cottage ethos to the seashore.

River Cottage Handbook No. 7: Hedgerow

Hedgerows, meadows, moors and woodlands offer a surprising abundance of free, wild food. In this informative and witty guide, John Wright teaches you how to identify edible plants, fruits, nuts and fungi found across the British countryside. He then explains how to prepare and cook them, turning foraged ingredients into satisfying meals. Packed with knowledge and encouragement, this handbook opens the door to confident, responsible foraging.

River Cottage Handbook No. 19: Bees and Honey

This practical guide shows you how to establish and care for a colony of honeybees while understanding the inner workings of the hive. It follows the bees’ year month by month, explaining what’s happening inside the colony and how to manage it responsibly. You’ll learn how to harvest honey and other hive products sustainably, then put them to use with recipes for cakes, sauces, marinades, drinks and tonics, plus creative ideas for beeswax. Includes an introduction by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and clear, step-by-step photography throughout.

River Cottage Handbook No. 17: Outdoor Cooking

River Cottage head chef Gill Meller reimagines the joys of cooking over fire, coals and embers. Starting with the basics of building and managing a good fire, this handbook expands the possibilities of outdoor cooking with recipes for breads, Indian-style kebabs, smoked fish, pizzas and slow-roasted joints of meat. It also offers practical advice on pizza ovens, Kamado-style barbecues, earth ovens and spit roasting. Introduced by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and illustrated with colour photography, this is an essential guide for anyone who loves cooking in the open air.

River Cottage Handbook No. 12: Booze

This handbook is a celebration of homemade drinks, from ciders, beers and wines to cordials, liqueurs and infusions. It demystifies fermentation and brewing, guiding you through traditional methods using seasonal fruits, hedgerow finds and garden produce. Clear instructions make it easy to start, while tips on flavour, storage and serving help you refine your results. Perfect for anyone interested in crafting their own natural, characterful drinks.

Together, these River Cottage Handbooks offer timeless skills, deep respect for nature, and endless inspiration for living and eating well.