Here are 10 of the best nature and countryside books

Winner of much-loved Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing was announced at a virtual ceremony.Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty chronicles the turning of the then 15 year-old’s world and breaks the mould of modern nature writing.

Youngest winner of a major literary prize, Dara’s book is a portrayal of his connection to the natural world alongside his perspective as an autistic teenager juggling exams, friendships and a life of campaigning.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This year’s prize has been extended to include a second category for books about global conservation and climate change, and Rebirding by Benedict Macdonald was its inaugural winner.

Named after nature writer Alfred Wainwright, this year’s prize is more timely than ever as our need to reconnect with nature has never beenstronger.

Here are 10 of the best in nature and countryside books

Diary of a Young Naturalist: Dara McAnultyStar of BBC’s Countryfile and social media sensation Dara has autism. His book chronicles nature in his home patch in Northern Ireland.Hardback: £14.99

The Seabird’s Cry: Adam Nicolson (author), Kate Boxer (illustrator)Consists of 10 chapters, each dedicated to a different bird, and each beautifully illustrated.Paperback: £9.99

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rebirding: Benedict MacdonaldThe book sets out a compelling manifesto for restoring Britain’s wildlife, rewilding its species and restoring rural jobs.Paperback: £9.99

Dark, Salt, Clear: Life in a Cornish Fishing Town: Lamorna AshLamorna finds herself on a week-long trawler trip with a crew of local fishermen.Hardback: £14.99

The Frayed Atlantic Edge: A Historian’s Journey from Shetland to the Channel: David GangeKayak journey along the Atlantic coasts of Britain.Paperback: £7.49

Native: Life in a Vanishing Landscape: Patrick LaurieHymn to the ancient rural heritage of Galloway, the vanishing landscape and its customs.Hardback: £14.99

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On the Red Hill: Where Four Lives Fell Into Place: Mike ParkerA mixture of a love story, group biography, reflection on time, place and celebration of rural Wales.Paperback: £9.99

Dancing with Bees: A Journey Back to Nature: Brigit Strawbridge HowardAn account of her epiphany about the majesty of the natural world, the humble bee in particular.Paperback: £10.99

Underground: Robert MacFarlaneExploration of what lies beneath from the burial grounds of the Mendip Hills to the deep blue ancient ice of Greenland.Paperback: £8.99

Irreplaceable: The fight to save our wild places: Julian HoffmanTraversing jungle, mountain, reef and woodland, it traces the histories of remarkable habitats.Paperback: £9.99

Related topics: