This week’s Book on the Bird Table is Being in Nature by James Farrell, published by Nature Connection Books. Passionate about his subject matter, the author offers readers 20 mindful practices in this pocket guide, all of which unleash the benefits of the great outdoors and explain the science that underpins his recommendations.
Chapters include ‘Break herbs’, Draw something’, ‘Falling leaves’, ‘Pining for wellbeing’ and those focusing on appreciating the different seasons, and are accompanied by beautiful vintage illustrations of a particular inspiration from nature that represents each exercise.
Farrell pulls on expertise gained working as both an environmentalist and coach to inspire and motivate people to connect with nature and boost their wellbeing, consequently increasing a sense of responsibility for protecting the natural world.
Being in Nature is a book you can return to again and again, using it little and often, and it comes with a checklist of pro-environmental and pro-nature actions such as supporting conservation-friendly legislation, practising wildlife-friendly gardening and improving home energy efficiency.
It also highlights the five pathways to nature connection:
- Contact
- Emotion
- Beauty
- Meaning
- Compassion
The author says:
“Science shows it’s not just the time we spend outdoors that counts, but what we do. For example, taking time to stop and notice the nature around us helps us feel calmer, happier and more satisfied with life.”
Use this book as a constant companion to remind you of the importance of stopping to appreciate and connect with nature every day.
About the author:
James Farrell’s connection to nature began in early childhood. What started with hunting for spiders in walls on the way to school, continued with a career in nature conservation and the environment. James has managed a Shetland Isle, studied birds in Borneo, and led environmental policy, partnerships and programmes across England for a range of organisations. James is also an accredited coach who specialises in coaching with nature, and the science of nature and health. He is co-Founder of The Human Nature Partnership, Director of The Natural Coaching Company and he works at a Government agency.
About the co-author:
Co-author Lee Evans is a leading expert in urban nature and green architecture.
Being in Nature is available from bookshops including
Useful links:
The Human Nature Partnership – expert consultancy services for wellbeing and wildlife in nature-connected organisations
The Natural Coaching Company – leadership coaching inspired by the natural world
Inspired by Nature – a playlist of songs inspired by the natural world
Biodiversity Heritage Library – inspiring discovery through free access to biodiversity knowledge
Being in Nature: 20 practices to help you flourish in a busy world
£8.58
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