nature writing

Book Review: ‘Under the Stars’ by Matt Gaw

Matt Gaw‘s first book, The Pull of the River, was described as “excellent” by the Times Literary Supplement and yet I have to admit that I am yet to read it. However, having just finished his second – Under the Stars – I have written myself a note to buy a copy. You know you have readContinue reading “Book Review: ‘Under the Stars’ by Matt Gaw”

Book Review – The Hidden World of the Fox – by Adele Brand

The fox is one of those charismatic species that attracts strong opinions, especially in the countryside, but as they are also increasingly, if not more, visible in urban areas, from people in towns and cities as well. Ecologist Adele Brand, the author of this enjoyable and very readable book, clearly has a great intrigue withContinue reading “Book Review – The Hidden World of the Fox – by Adele Brand”

Book Review -The Wild Remedy by Emma Mitchell

Gritty, honest, lump-in-throat-inducing, sobering. The Wild Remedy is one of the most powerful personal accounts of a struggle with depression that I have read, and a signal to all of us of the power and importance of the natural world in alleviating times of great personal struggle. Emma Mitchell’s words strike a chord that inducesContinue reading “Book Review -The Wild Remedy by Emma Mitchell”

The Camomile Road

When Alice went down the rabbit hole or when the children stepped through the wardrobe they found themselves in a completely new and strange situation; unexpected; unimaginable; unbelievable perhaps. Their new world offered adventure and danger but also hope, intrigue and escape. The worlds of Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson) and CS Lewis have becomeContinue reading “The Camomile Road”

The Wood

Striding along the cow-parsley avenue my mind wanders, escaping the everyday. Jess the spaniel jumps among the sheaves of wheat in the field adjacent and I call her to my side. She initially ignores the demand, as usual, and then sprints towards me, overpassing on the path. I am sauntering towards the wood which liesContinue reading “The Wood”