The southern & south-western Cape, which has a richer plant life than that of the whole British Isles, forms one of the major floral kingdoms of the world, & is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles & insects. In A Fynbos Year, the author portrays a selection of the diversity of plant & animal life encountered in this region over the course of a year. This is not a land of large, conspicuous animals which typify much of southern Africa & after which visitors often hanker. The title demonstrates that small is beautiful & that a multitude of fascinating plants & animals awaits the patient observer. It also highlights present threats to fynbos, especially those posed by urban & agricultural development & invasion by alien plants; & outlines current research & conservation efforts.