Extraordinary Books on the Power of Nature

If you want a library of books to inspire on the power of the natural world (and why it’s more important than the digital world, the political world and the media world, these reads are for you!

And for extra bang for your buck, read the real books (ordered from the library or indie bookstore) – never from Amazon to read on a kindle!

Against the Machine is the latest publication from writer Paul Kingsnorth, whose previous book Real England (a quite depressing tour around the country, seeing how big business was destroying local markets, orchards, canals and pubs) is what first inspired this website, many moons ago!)

Now as interested in his newfound Christian faith as the natural world, this is kind of a blasting of both philosophies together, an almost terrifying account of where we could end up, if people don’t retain their personal boundaries with everything to do with Paul calls ‘modernity’:

Internet billionaires controlling what we watch and know, big media, AI-gone-wrong, techno-capitalism, and a refusal to see the link between our survival and both spirituality. And a respect that Nature is more important than technology.

Of course (like electricity), the Internet can be used for good (that’s what this site hopes to do!) And Paul needs the Internet to share his writing and feed his family. But we’re talking here about ‘big Internet’ – youngsters who can’t be apart from their smartphones for more than a few minutes, bots controlling what we see and how we learn, what we buy and how we vote. We’re talking about online porn and cyber-bullying.

The internet and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race. This is an extreme statement, but I’m in an extreme mood.

Paul has been described as various things (his favourite is ‘environmental activist turned apocalyptic mystic’).  But two things he has been called (to inspire you to read the book!) are ‘furiously gifted’ (The Washington Post) and ‘England’s greatest living writer (Aris Roussinos).  High praise indeed!

How Earth’s Wisdom Ensures Life’s Storms

Weathering is a book by a qualified psychotherapist, exploring our connection to the rocks and mountains that have withstood aeons of life on our planet – gradually eroding, shifting, solidifying and weathering.

We might spend a little less time on earth, but we are also weathering – evolving and changing due to the shifting climates of our lives.

So what might these ancient natural forms have to teach us on resilience and change? In a stunning exploration of our own connection to nature, the author takes us on a journey through deep time and ancient landscapes, showing how geology can offer a new way of thinking on grief, change and boundaries.

In a world shaken by physical, political and medical disasters, the book argues for a deeper understanding of the ground beneath our feet, to better serve ourselves and the world we live in.

Originally trained as a geologist, Ruth Allen PhD has a doctorate in Himalayan mountain-building, and now teaches a unique woodland-based educational programme for teenage girls in northern England, when not exploring mountains.

 

A Year in the Woods with a Norwegian Writer

A Year in the Woods is the story of Norwegian writer Torbjørn Ekelund who spent a whole year taking a little time away each month, to spend alone in the woods.

He communes with nature in quiet reflection, leaving the city after work one day each month to camp near the same tiny pond in a forest, then returns to work the next day. 

Being alone is something that many people used to do a lot anyway. Getting away from the rat race does not have to mean becoming a hermit, but being a hermit for just a little while is good! The ritual is far from rigorous and never perfect.

One evening, Ekelund grows so cold in his tent, that he hikes out before daybreak (it’s Norway!)

But as Torbjørn greets the same trees and boulders each month, he begins to appreciate the sameness alongside their quiet beauty. He wonders how long they have stood silently in this place, and reflects on his own short existence among them.

The book asks us to reconsider our relationship with nature. Are we anxious wanderers or mindful observers? Do we honour the seasons, or let them pass by? The perfect book for anyone who longs to connect with nature, but is realistic about time.

Maybe it is not true at all, that when you go alone into the woods, your head fills with great thoughts. Maybe it is the opposite? Maybe your head is then simply emptied of great thoughts. And what is precisely what seems liberating to us. Because the thoughts that arise in the woods are always very primitive. Warm, cold. Easy, hard. Wet, dry. Happy, sad. Hungry, full. Tired, awake.

Walking Through Time & Nature

Also read Torbjørn’s other book In Praise of Paths. This tells the story of how he took up hiking, when an epileptic fit prevented him from driving. He began to venture more into nature, and walks with shoes and Torbjørn Ekelund started to walk everywhere, and the more he ventured out into nature, and walks through forest creeks and across urban streets.

Contemplating the early tracks made by ancient snails and traces the wanderings of Romantic poets, amongst other musings. He asks ‘What do we lose in an era of car travel and navigation apps? And what will we gain from taking to paths once again?’

Follow 24 Trees (over 24 hours)

Tree Day is a short book that guides us through the global forest, introducing a single tree during a single hour, with 24 species from around the world. Includes the dragon blood tree in Yemen, where nocturnal geckos carry the pollen in their snouts.

The coastal redwood in the Pacific Northwest, that absorbs morning fog through its roots. and a sugar maple tree in New England that has leaves that have stopped producing chlorophyll, to turn a vivid crimson. A cocoa tree in Mexico lets tiny insects pollinate to make chocolate!

Stories from Women Who Work in Nature

Wild Woman is an engaging blend of conservation stories and personal humorous anecdotes by TV presenter Philippa Forrester who has chosen to live and work in the wild (wildlife fans will know her from programmes filming otters with her husband Charlie Hamilton-Jones).

In this book, she studies and celebrates women who have chosen to live and work in wild and challenging landscapes.

Relating some of her own experiences (she has a degree in ecology & conservation) from 30 years of travelling to some of the wildest places on earth, she looks how at how women benefit from a life spent in the wilderness, and considers what the natural world gains from them.

And as she explores our relationship with the wild, Philippa contemplates what we expect and need from nature, and ponders why we still feel a pull towards it.

For six years, Philippa lived in Wyoming, encountering wolves, grizzly bears, moose and the odd cowboy. But after returning to live here in summer 2020, she is rediscovering her own patch of wilderness and the joys of the English countryside (especially her favourite wild animal – otters!)

When I see a fox run by, my immediate thought is ‘What’s he up to? Where’s he going?’ Journeys are so much of life. Philippa Forrester

Kate’s Book (on Connections with Nature)

Connections with Nature is a wonderful read, by one of our favourite wildlife bloggers and campaigners. Kate has a first-class English degree, and has used her writing skills for 15 years to help all animals.

She’s made friends with everyone from Sir David Attenborough and Chris Packham to wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan and Queen guitarist Brian May (who campaigns to save badgers).

This is basically an anthology by 50 members of her ‘wildlife crowd’, on a journey to meet the wild. From wondering at the moon (rather than stare at a screen), studying the details of a barn owl feather (along with a 7-year old!) and watching the ‘moorland fairground’ at dusk.

This book shows how entwined we are with the natural world. And you’ll be hooked, once you visit her upbeat and interesting blog.

Kate is a conservationist and campaigner for animal welfare, who is passionate on educating future generations. She was the youngest trustee of Born Free and head of communications at Whitley Fund for Nature.

She also has our site as one of 100 wildlife bloggers who are bettering the world. Thank you, Kate!

A Family Guide to 20 Nature Cycles

Nature Explained is a beautiful children’s book, illustrating 20 cycles of nature, to blend art and science in a fascinating visual tour.

Discover:

• How trees lose their leaves
• What makes flowers bloom
• Why seeds travel

The book is split into six sections:

• Trees
• Leaves
• Flowers
• Seeds
• Mushrooms
• Seasons

The spreads present different scenes and explain the stories of nature, including:

• Pollination
• Photosynthesis
• Germination
• Decomposition

Anatomical profiles feature at the start of each section, so children will learn as they go, with detailed diagrams to pour over. Learning about how nature works has never been so much fun!

Helen Brown is a writer/editor based in London. She studied English Literature at University of Sussex, before deciding to write children’s books, which have been translated into over 15 languages.

Illustrator Claire Scully works in pen, ink and digital. She loves to explore themes of nature and environment, from her London studio.

A Calendar of Nature’s Clues and Signs

The Hidden Seasons shows how to read the clues that the sun, moon, stars, plants, fungi, weather, animals and water give us.

• Spring is the time of wildflower signs, unique cloud shapes and curious animal behaviour.
• Summer is the time of coastal clues, astronomical extremes and secret grass patterns.
• Autumn is a time for reading leaves, deciphering scents and investigating fungi (only if safe, keep pets away).
• Winter is the time to read snow, deepen our star knowledge and use rare methods to find clues in overlooked places, including indoors.