EXPERTS want to find the nation’s favourite nature book.
Swindon-based Arts and Humanities Research Council hope to ride a wave of interest in nature writing, that have made stars out of hawk-lover Helen Macdonald and Ridgeway walk fan Robert Macfarlane.
The project, called Land Lines, is led by University of Leeds professor Graham Huggan.
He said: “Nature writing is probably as popular now as it has ever been. This, the first major study of its kind, will explore how our attitudes to the natural world have changed over the years.”
Researchers want to find out how reading has affected people’s view of nature and wildlife.
Mike Collins, of Swindon’s Arts and Humanities Research Council, said: “In the last decade books about nature have flown off the shelves, and now have a prominent place in bookshops.
“It seems that nature writing is very much speaking to the time we live in, with the power of words helping us to rekindle a love of nature, and find comfort in a rapidly changing world.”
Readers have until November 30 to nominate their favourite book about nature and wildlife. To vote, visit: www.ahrc.ac.uk/favouritenaturebook.
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