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A review of ‘Being in Nature’ highlights the value of a few minutes outside

hand holding book being in nature against autumn trees

A review of ‘Being in Nature’ by Bird Guides has highlighted the value of taking a few minutes to get outside.

The reviewer said:

We all know that ‘being in nature’ is good for us – all the research tells us so – but what exactly does it mean? And how do we really connect with it? That’s a little less clear.

Walking through the park on your way to work, headphones in while you worry about the day ahead, is unlikely to cut it. And that’s where this small, self-published book comes in…

Rebecca Armstrong – Bird Guides

You can pick up your copy direct from us, or via Amazon and usual outlets.

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‘Being in Nature’ book inspires ‘wilding workshops’ with NHS staff

wooden cards printed with nature images in colour

A new collaboration between The Human Nature Partnership, University of Brighton and Culture Shift has been bringing nature engagement to the NHS. Recent ‘Wilding Workshops’ have been inspired by the book ‘Being in Nature’ by James Farrell and Lee Evans from The Human Nature Partnership / Nature Connection Books.

The University design team created tactile prompt cards using images and words from the book, and others inspired by nature. Interactive workshops facilitated by Culture Shift CEO Julia Roberts helped staff from a range of NHS functions explore their own relationship with nature, and begin to envision outdoor spaces at NHS sites that benefited staff, patients, community and wildlife.

Staff also spent time outside in a brief ‘nature connection’ session led by James Farrell – and reported increased feelings of closeness, calm and peacefulness, and positive memories of being in nature as children. This ‘self coach’ is a feature of the ‘Being in Nature’ book.

The vast majority of NHS staff surveyed by The Human Nature Partnership said they wanted to see more natural spaces at work, including wildflowers, birds and sheltered spaces to rest and collaborate outdoors. 75% of staff wanted to learn more about how to incorporate nature into their work.

Why not get a copy of ‘Being in nature’ and see for yourself the benefits of a closer relationship with the natural world.

hand holding bird shaped note with 'green space ideas' written on it, with bird box
woman looking up at tall tree in the sun
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Author returns to island that inspired him 26 years ago

man curly hair sitting on a bench - 2 photos taken 26 years apart in the same location

‘Being in Nature’ author James Farrell has returned to the Shetland island that inspired him 26 years ago.

James was 26 years old in 1997, and managed the Isle of Noss National Nature Reserve.

This article in the Shetland News described how he felt on his return.

“[The jobs were] really, really different but still about a love of nature I think, and about the importance of nature to people,” he said. “I missed the space, the uncrowded space, [and] I also missed the people…Coming back here in a strange way, it feels like home.”

Working as a warden on the edge of Britain was formative for James. It deepened his appreciation for the natural world, his personal connection with wildlife, and helped him develop stronger human relationships too.

James is planning a book about his time there, and how things have changed since.

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It’s Springingtime! Some facts about spring and why it’s such a great time to be outdoors

bluebell wood

January and February felt like tough months this year, with widespread flooding and then bitterly cold weather sweeping northern Europe. However, March has seen a change in energy, with fresh optimism and positivity. Here are some facts about spring and why it’s such a great time to be outdoors.

And to encourage you to make the most of your time outdoors, we are offering 10% off all purchases during March and April. Simply add ‘Spring10’ to checkout.

The meaning of spring

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the earliest form of ‘spring’ was ‘springing time’. This comes from the Old English ‘springan’ – ‘to leap, burst forth, fly up; spread, grow.’ When the sun crosses the celestial equator on the March equinox (20 March this year), it triggers the start of spring in the northern hemisphere (and autumn in the southern).

There is a pacing to the progression of spring that feels comforting. The season travels north at a slow walking pace – approximately 2 miles per hour. It takes about three weeks to cover the UK. Studies in 2015 showed that wildlife accompany spring at a range of rates. Speedy ladybirds move northwards at 6.5mph, versus the more sedate first leafing of oak trees (1.3mph).

Benefits of spring

Greater light levels are essential for a range of health benefits, and trigger production of mood-boosting serotonin. But the appearance of more visible wildlife (including blossoming plants) is also part of the springtime bounce. Researchers at the University of Derby found that people who created more sensory wildlife features in their gardens reported a deeper connection with nature.A And vice-versa!

We are part of nature too. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that we respond to the seasons and their accompanying natural communities. There is a comforting inevitability to these cycles and their pacing, and our own inter-dependence with nature. As American author and naturalist Hal Borland put it, ‘No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn’. Perhaps reflecting on this may help us be kind and patient with ourselves, as we plan the changes in our own lives.

Blossoming through ‘being in nature’

Being in nature is a great way to blossom, and our book includes several practices which are ideal for a springtime jaunt outdoors.

‘Spring forward’ is one of these – tuning your senses in to natural sounds and sights, and thinking about what you intend for the year ahead. Whether that’s leaping, growing, or ‘bursting forth’, we wish you all the very best for the season.

Spring discount on ‘Being in Nature’ book

To encourage you to make the most of your time outdoors, we are offering 10% off all purchases during March and April. Simply add ‘Spring10’ to checkout.

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New film by ‘Being in Nature’ co-author explores vital role of nature in cities

Smiling man with glasses and climbing plants great green wall film poster

A new film by ‘Being in Nature’ co-author James Farrell explores the role of nature in cities.

‘The Great Green Wall of Brighton’ celebrates the role nature plays in the health and wellbeing, and focuses on some of the special features of Brighton & Hove in the UK.

First, the health-giving properties of the sea. Second, the ‘green wall’ on the eastern seafront in Brighton that was created by the Victorians 150 years ago as a unique and influential example of integrating architecture and planting for the benefit of people and wildlife.

Made with LatestTV, James interviews a range of national and local experts, and includes stunning new footage from Latest filmmaker William Ranieri alongside historic images.

The film can be watched here, and on LatestTV, and goes live primetime across UK local TV networks from 11 February.

The film was made by LatestTV with James in his role as Founder of community network Brighton & Hove Building Green – where you can find out more about this amazing green infrastructure.

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Booking now – a retreat for leaders and coaches with the author of ‘Being in Nature’

house mountains and pergola of flowers

We are taking bookings now for a nature retreat next June in Italy.

Hosted by James Farrell, co-author of ‘Being in Nature’, and Patrick Hobbs, Master Executive Coach, the retreat takes place in the mountains of Umbria, 11-17 June 2023.

We will be exploring the science and practice of nature connection, and our place in a shared world.

Further information can be found here at The Natural Coaching Company website https://naturalcoachingcompany.com/retreat

Please note bookings close on 20 January 2023.

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Celebrating the winter solstice – a time of connection and compassion

frosty leaves

Here at Nature Connection Books we’re celebrating the winter solstice, a time of connection and compassion.

Today at 9.48pm GMT/UTC, the sun will be exactly above the Tropic of Capricorn, and will seem to ‘stand still’ in the sky. Solstice is a Latin combination of ‘sol’ (sun) and ‘sistere’ (stand still). Tomorrow the days will be getting longer again and the darkest days will be behind us.

For nature in the northern hemisphere, it’s still winter of course. But with the additional light and warmth every day, new growth can happen.

For us humans that celebrate Christmas, it’s a time of celebration. To connect to friends and family, give gifts, and think about those less fortunate.

We can also include the natural world in our thoughts at this time.

Our ‘Being in Nature’ book includes a practice which can help us do that. ‘Winter Wonder’ encourages us to spend time noticing the cold, the colours and the quietness outdoors. And to consider the season as a metaphor – how are you taking care of yourself? Who is helping you rest and recharge? What have you learned this winter that prepares you for the season ahead?

So why not go outside more than you usually might this winter, and top yourself up with connection and compassion before spring arrives.

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Give the gift of nature connection this Christmas – with 15% off books until 15 December. Hurry!

book marketing christmas advert 'being in nature'

Give the gift of nature connection this Christmas – with 15% off books. You’ll have to hurry, as the sale ends on 15 December.

Winter is a great time to connect with nature. ‘Being in Nature’ contains 20 practices to help you – including several that are particularly tailored to those darker, colder days.

To receive 15% off books and ebooks, please enter ‘Christmas15’ at checkout.

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Meet the author of ‘Being in Nature’ and take part in a unique nature connection experiment!

man with glasses smiling in a field

Come and meet one of the authors of ‘Being in Nature’ at a special evening event at Kemptown Bookshop in Brighton on 12 January.

James will be conducting a unique nature connection ‘experiment’ live with the audience. He will also be reading from the book, and answering questions about the importance of nature in our lives.

It promises to be a fun, engaging and interesting evening, and James will sign copies of ‘Being in Nature’.

To register, please follow this link or use the form below.

Register on Eventbrite
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Autumn is a great time to connect with nature! Try one of our mindful practices as the leaves fall this season

Woman-throwing-autumn-leaves-Nature-Connection-Books

Our book ‘Being in Nature’ contains two mindful practices that are great to try out this season. Autumn in the northern hemisphere is a time of change, when nature stores up energy for the winter ahead, and the trees create a riot of colour across our landscapes.

Our practices point out the scientific benefits of getting out amongst the falling leaves. One of those is to experience the natural scent of damp soil – known as ‘petrichor’ – which helps us feel calmer and more relaxed.

‘Being in Nature’ makes a great Christmas gift, and you can buy it directly from us here in paperback or ebook – or from Amazon as a Kindle book.