Reading the Land
15-17 March, 2024
The theme 'Reading the Land' is an invitation to share in the passion, experience and insight of our authors as we explore the best of nature writing. We bring togethers authors for whom our natural world has significance, whether through observation, participation or experience. Join us as we explore themes from farming to wildflowers, beats to birds, and the importance of understanding our natural ecosystems, like waterways and UK rainforests.
Starting on Friday night and running through the weekend, with author talks at the Grosvenor Arms, and children's events at Shaftesbury Library and Shaftesbury Arts Centre, the event promises to be interesting and engaging.
"We hope to stimulate positive ways of living with nature, and encourage the audience to share our passion for the landscapes, coasts, and flora and fauna”
Tickets will be on sale Saturday 20 January.
Read about the 2022 Reading the Land Festival
Confirmed speakers for 2024
Winner of the James Cropper Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing, 2023
The Flow
A Tree a Day
Charles Foster
The Cry of the Wild
Being a Beast
Sophie Pavelle
Forget Me Not
Chris Smaje
Saying No to a Farm Free Future
A Small Farm Future
Where the Wildflowers Grow
Longlisted for the James Cropper Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing, 2023
Tim Laycock
Dorset Folk Tales for Children
Dorset Folk Tales
Anita Roy
A Year in Kingscombe
Gifts of Gravity & Light (contributor)
Yuval Zommer
The Big Book of; Bugs, Nature Art, Blue, Beasts, Belonging
Beastly
Shortlisted for the James Cropper Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing, 2023
Stephen Moss & Brett Westwood
Shortlisted for the James Cropper Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing, 2023
Ten Birds That Changed The World
The Accidental Countryside
The Biography of: The Owl, The Robin, The Swan, The Swallow, The Wren
Guy Shrubsole
Winner of the James Cropper Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing, 2023
The Lost Rainforests
Who Owns England