Nature lovers have a new book to guide them along their way thanks to a visiting biologist.

Amy Pearson a Bermuda Institute for Ocean Sciences (BIOS) visiting faculty member has released 'Coastal Bermuda 10 Walks and 73 Plants You'll See Along the Way'.

This 103-page guidebook contains photos and written descriptions to please the curious mind.

In the book, ten coastal walks are described that take readers to natural settings where beautiful vistas and many plants can be seen including Nonsuch Island, Spittal Pond, Botanical Gardens and the North Shore Railway trail.

The field book also includes some of Bermuda's natural history and provides directions, lengths of the walks and what plants should be seen along the way.

"I first came to Bermuda on a grant from my school to learn about coral reef ecosystems in order to enhance my teaching ten years ago," said Ms Pearson who teaches high school level biology, marine biology, and physics at an independent school in Worcester, Massachusetts.

"I wished to set up a summer course where I would teach students from New England about this unique habitat in Bermuda."

She came to BIOS in 1997.

"Helle Patterson and others at the Institute helped to show me the different Island habitats, plants, reefs and more," she said. "I loved the fact that everywhere I looked I saw something beautiful. I also liked the turquoise water."

The next year she brought down six students to BIOS on her first eco-tour and they all loved it.

The year after that she worked with teachers who were taking a course with the College of Exploration at BIOS. For each following year but one, she brought students to Bermuda, teaching a half-credit course 'Bermuda Marine and Island Ecology'.

"Since I came just once a year, I would often forget the names of some of the unique coastal plants that I would show my students," she said. "I looked for a field guide with colour photos and easy to understand descriptions, but none was available.

"About four years ago I began compiling information for a guidebook, taking photos but did not have the time to devote to the project."

She applied for a sabbatical from her school and received it for the fall of 2007. "I began organising the project during the winter of 2006-7 and during my trip to Bermuda in June of 2007, took many photos," she said.

"After reviewing them I realised I needed to return as I had missed some plants, and wanted to consult with Dr. David Wingate on my plant list.

"David Wingate was an enormous help in reviewing my plant list, and helping me locate hard to find species. Helge Wingate also helped me locate some species."

She was referred on to plant expert Lisa Greene at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ).

"She was a great resource for plant identification, and she was very helpful," said Ms Pearson. "Lauren Yelle-Simons at BIOS also referred me to Fiona Doe as a tree/plant resource. She has helped confirm photos of trees and some plants."

Eventually, Ms Pearson decided to add a section on coastal walks. "It is to help guide both native Bermudians and visitors to great natural spots to see the plants and enjoy coastal habitats," said Ms Pearson. "I have gained much joy from my time spent in Bermuda.

"The Island is so beautiful, unique due to it being a remote oceanic island, the people warm and friendly and I love learning new things each time I visit.

"I wanted to share this with others, and give back to Bermuda some of the joy it has given me. I hope this book will do this."

'Coastal Bermuda 10 Walks and 73 Plants You'll See Along the Way' is available at the Bermuda Bookstore or call 508-847-9910. It is published by BiosQuill Publishing.