Discover nature in urban places. Even if you live in a city, there is nature to be found and learned about. The Curious Nature Guide by American artist Clare Walker Leslie is a beautiful guide, to help you discover nature all around you. With dozens of simple prompts and exercises, step outside for just a few minutes a day, to reignite your sense of wonder of the natural world. Use your senses to notice the colours, sounds, smells and textures of the trees, plants, animals, birds, insects and clouds. Learn to identify cloud types and the weatehr they bring, or create a record of what you see each day.
Wild City takes us on a journey to find nature in human-engineered environments. This gorgeous lyrical book invites us to celebrate the natural world, a compelling manifesto for city wildlife, and how we might take action to protect the often-overlooked residents who live among us:
- The badgers of Brighton’s most exclusive postcode
- The water voles of Glasgow
- The Black Country bats who have found a haven in old industrial tunnels
- The peregrine falsons nesting on the ledges of tower blocks
- The mosquitoes found on the London Underground (and nowhere else on earth)
Urban Wild is a book of 52 ways, to find wildness on your doorstep. This practical book is crammed with 52 varied activities, illustrated with beautiful colour photographs. Get out and about, whatever the weather. Featuring a combination of creative, culinary, herbal and mindful activities, all have nature at their heart. You’ll be surprised how much wildness to find on your doorstep, if you know where to look. Organised by month, this book features seasonal activities that open the door to nature, in urban and suburban landscapes. Avoid essential oils and scented candles near young children and pets. If growing your own food, see make your garden safe for pets.
Take the first steps on a journey of discovery, towards a lifelong connection with our beautiful natural world. If you have an increasing workload, nervous tension or trouble sleeping – and wondering if there is more to life – this is not a mid-life crisis. You are feeling the call of the wild!
Helen Rook has worked to bring art and nature to people from all walks of life, for over 20 years. From forest therapy to urban herbalism and home spas, she uses her knowledge to use natural mindfulness, to help people cope with stress and trauma. She has a degree in psychology and is studying for a Masters in Positive Psychology.
