The Wildlife Trust's winter reading list

The Wildlife Trust's winter reading list

Danny Green/2020VISION

Cosy up with a wild read this winter, as The Wildlife Trust's Meg Dobson guides you through some of our best loved titles from Bloomsbury Wildlife.

This winter, unwind and reconnect with the natural world – all from the comfort of your home. As frost glitters on every surface and the low winter sun casts shadows across the ground, it feels only fitting to reach for a good book. One that will deepen our understanding of the landscapes, species and stories that shape and inspire us. 

Discover a wide selection of new and notable titles from Bloomsbury Books – works that illuminate the untamed, celebrate the overlooked and offer fresh perspectives on our relationship with nature. These books promise exploration from the comfort of your favourite reading spot, so get cosy and lose yourself in nature without leaving the glow of your Christmas tree. 

For the birdwatcher...

Swoop Sing Perch Paddle by Carry Akroyd

Be enchanted by Carry’s vibrant artwork, as you are transported through the seasons via the comings and goings of birdlife. 

For the explorer...

The Dark Stuff by Donald S.Murray 

Journey over peatlands and uncover how these dramatic landscapes have shaped culture and preserved history — and how the moors could, in fact, be the key to our planet’s survival.

For the natural historian...

Endemic by James Harding-Morris

Meet the irreplaceable species that are unique to Britain and discover what makes our natural history so special, and worth saving. 

For the thinker...

Neurodivergent by Nature by Joe Harness

Reflect on why wild spaces have such profound effects on neurodivergent people, as Joe explores his own connection with nature through personal and professional experiences.

For the story seeker...

The Cuckoo’s Lea by Michael J. Warren

Travel to the past and untangle the history of our connection to wild spaces and their birds. Through early literature, history and ornithology, prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through time.

For the gardener...

One Garden Against the World by Kate Bradbury

Open the garden gate and discover how Kate inspires gardeners, communities and individuals to take action for nature beyond their fence panels.

For the nature advocate...

Wild Woman by Philippa Forrester

Be in awe of the grit and determination of the women working and living in nature, as Philippa celebrates wild women from across the world.

For the curious...

Stowaway by Joe Shute

How can one creature inspire both love and loathing? Explore the fascinating life of rats as they navigate their complex, entangled relationship with humankind.

For the philosopher... 

To Have or To Hold by Sophie Pavelle 

Rest your chin thoughtfully on your hand and ponder, as Sophie guides you through an exploration of eight symbiotic relationships surviving the climate crisis, and what they reveal about our own role in nature.  

For the seasonal soul...

Ebb and Flow by Tiffany Francis-Baker

Fall in love with the beautifully illustrated, nature-led calendar that helps you feel closer to the natural world with every passing season, with crafts, wildlife to spot and so much more. 

For the field explorer...

Lichens of Britain & Ireland

Discover the hidden kingdom of lichens with this beginner-friendly field guide, including tips on where to look and how to identify them. 

Our friends at Bloomsbury Wildlife will have lots of fantastic titles released throughout 2026. You can follow them on Instagram or X to discover new publications.