Falling a bit behind but don’t worry the Winter book box is on it’s way. It will be up and and available by next Monday so watch this space.
In the meantime I thought I would just highlight some great Australian nature writing. Nature writing as a genre does not seem to be as huge here in Australia, as in the UK where writer’s like Robert Macfarlane (Underland) and Helen Macdonald (H is for Hawk) are instant best sellers. That is not to say we don’t have some fantastic nature writing but there is no denying it is not as popular or as mainstream here as it appears to be in the UK.
The Australian Nature Conservancy hosts a nature writing prize in Australia to help promote and celebrate Australian nature writing, you can access some of the wining and shortlisted essays via their website. It is a great opportunity to access some fantastic writing for free. While I enjoyed reading all of the essays they have posted my personal favourite was not one of the winners but the shortlisted essay by Marian McGuinness Mediation in Stone. I also really enjoyed Michael Bradley’s Crocodile Country. Anyway click on the link above and then follow the links to check out some fantastic Australian nature writing.
Why is nature writing not as huge here I wonder? So many UK authors like Macfarlane and Macdonald are popular here but we don’t seem to produce many Aussie counterparts. If you have any Australian nature writers you would like to recommend please make suggestions in the comments. I can think of a few but the genre of nature writing does definitely seem to be a minor one here. I would love to see more writing about Australia, we have such a magically unique environment, our flora and fauna are an endless source of wonder.
Australia is currently looking at the highest rate of extinctions in the world, (Guardian report for the curious), that is not a record anyone should want to hold. We run the risk of losing so much that is unique and amazing, how sad that we do not celebrate our amazing natural environment, perhaps if we did we would be more concerned about preserving what we have.
Gum trees and Galaxies 
Interesting question Sharon. With the variety of habitats in Australia, you would think there would be plenty to write about. Perhaps as more people are travelling and holidaying at home, we might see a rise in homegrown nature writing. Looking forward to the Winter box.
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Hi Sharon, I’ve just read your nature writing blog, and I’m the Marian McGuinness that you mention. Thank you so much for your kind words about my essay Meditation in Stone – it was a labour of love. You have inspired me to continue writing of nature and I’m such an admirer of Robert Macfarlane among others.
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You are very welcome I must confess your essay was my favourite of all of the shortlisted essays, well done and I look forward to reading much more of your writing .
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