It’s only natural
Want to capture the wonders of nature in your writing?
Nature writing is the celebration of all things natural, including landscapes, wildlife, bodies of water, weather, and our relationship with them. It can encompass culture, lifestyle, economy and environment.
Writing about nature is a wonderful way to explore sensory immersion, observation, perspective, narrative and form while engaging with the subject matter, often based in science and/or tradition. It can be a way to connect with ancestry, past culture and even folklore.
‘I’m put to shame by the natural world all together, because we’re surrounded by creatures that are doing the most extraordinary things that we don’t even begin to notice or think about.’
– Nick Acheson, The Meaning of Geese
What’s on — upcoming events, workshops & courses
Appreciate nature and develop your research and writing skills , gain insights from industry experts, and refine your nature writing technique through our upcoming events and practical courses.
Structuring non-fiction with Nick Acheson
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Programme Officer Ellie is joined by author and presenter Nick Acheson to discuss structuring non-fiction, and how to create rhythm with your writing.
Together, Ellie and Nick discuss his book The Meaning of Geese, and why he decided to build the book with journal entries, and structuring non-fiction. They also touch on writing about climate change, the editing process for non-fiction books, and how to interest readers with a topic that they may not have previously considered.
Writing about nature with Chloe Dalton
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, writer Chloe Dalton shares her insights into nature and landscape writing.
13 January 2025
Case study: Fiona Gell
‘The course really inspired and motivated me to make sure that I got my story and my message about the importance of the ocean and our connections to it out into the world.’ – Fiona Gell
25 July 2023
Five non-fiction writing tips for beginners
Try out this step-by-step process for writing non-fiction, biography or memoir from Polish journalist and blogger Marcin Wilk.
19 February 2021
NCW recommends… five books inspired by gardens
Five books as recommended by garden enthusiast and CEO of National Centre for Writing, Peggy Hughes.
In this article, Peggy shares her top five garden-themed books that make her want to flee from her desk and stop to smell the daisies.
From poetry to essays, gardening tips to memoir inspired by gardens, here is a list to please anyone.
Writing through place: Heidi Williamson & Rebecca Goss on poetry, memory and healing
In this episode of The Writing Life, poets Rebecca Goss and Heidi Williamson discuss using place in poetry to write about difficult memories.
7 October 2024
Discovering the joys of neighbourhood nature
Patrick Barkham pays tribute to one of the bright spots of life in lockdown: the spirit of the natural world
24 May 2020
How to incorporate climate change solutions into your writing
Five tips to improve your writing and make the world a bit greener
19 February 2021
Writing a Biography & the Nature Writing Movement with Patrick Barkham
In this episode of The Writing Life, Chris Gribble speaks with writer Patrick Barkham about the process of writing a biography, his new book The Swimmer, and how he found ways to ‘hear’ the voice of an author whose work he knew well, but who he never met.
Patrick Barkham is an award-winning author and natural history writer for the Guardian. His books include The Butterfly Isles, Badgerlands, Islander and Wild Child. He is President of Norfolk Wildlife Trust and lives in Norfolk with his family.
‘little river’: a commission by Juliette Bernatchez
As part of a Norwich-Québec virtual residency exchange, Juliette Bernatchez traces Québec history in ‘little river’
7 March 2023
‘Walking on Water in Norwich’ by Vahur Afanasjev
‘I was walking with history in the making.’
6 July 2020
‘Following the whims and currents’ by Soje
Follow poet and translator Soje on a journey from bustling New York to the cobblestones streets of Norwich.
2 October 2024
One-stop shop for genre
Find all the resources you need for the genres you love, designed for readers and writers alike. From upcoming events, courses and workshops to articles and podcast episodes with award-winning authors and experts, plus how to find support for your writing.
More for nature writers and readers
For nature writers:
- The Society of Authors is a UK trade union for writers, illustrators and literary translators.
- Society of Environmental – Authors and Journalists is a network of supporting writers who focus on environmental issues.
- Association for the Study of Literature and Environment represents and supports writers and scholars who want to combine their love of the environment with creative and cultural expression.
- Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild is a a guild for outdoor enthusiasts and content creators.
Nature writing prizes:
- The Wainwright Prize is a UK literary award celebrating books about nature and the UK landscape. It provides a major focal point for the nature writing community, writers and works.
- Green Stories Project offers free competitions for nature writers for stories that celebrate sustainability.
- East Anglian Book Awards is an annual award celebrating writers shaped by the region of East Anglia.
Nature writing festivals:
- North Norfolk Festival of Literature & Landscape is an annual celebration of the unique nature of North Norfolk, welcoming writers, artists, conservationists and more.
- Wealden Literary Festival is an annual festival based in Kent celebrating nature and creativity.