Amanda Tuke
@amandatuke.bsky.social
Nature writer, urban naturalist, 30-minute Birder columnist in Bird Watching Magazine. Author of #WildPavements, due out 5 March 2026. Pre-orders here https://lnk.to/WildPavements
A lovely diary piece from one of my favourite nature writers and namesake. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#naturewriting #birds #Amandas
#naturewriting #birds #Amandas
Country diary: Everything is frozen, but still the finches come | Amanda Thomson
Abernethy Forest, Cairngorms: Thanks to a local collaborative effort, linnets, bramblings, green and goldfinches are coming to this field in joyful flocks
www.theguardian.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:24 PM
A lovely diary piece from one of my favourite nature writers and namesake. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#naturewriting #birds #Amandas
#naturewriting #birds #Amandas
I'm so so grateful to David & @ldnwildlifetrust.bsky.social for making this trailer for my book Wild Pavements - Exploring Britain's Cities with an Urban Naturalist, which is available to pre-order & out 5 Mar. 😀💚 www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Wild London review – honestly, telly does not get any better than this
Mischievous and glorious, David Attenborough brings his lifelong sense of wonder to the city’s wildlife, from foxes to peregrine falcons, in this exquisite and endlessly moving special
www.theguardian.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:56 AM
I'm so so grateful to David & @ldnwildlifetrust.bsky.social for making this trailer for my book Wild Pavements - Exploring Britain's Cities with an Urban Naturalist, which is available to pre-order & out 5 Mar. 😀💚 www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Please read @markavery.bsky.social in BirdGuides on access. Like Mark, increasing access to sensitive sites concerns me, particularly in urban areas. I wrote about this in Bird Watching Magazine back in Sep 24 the-urban-naturalist.com/2024/09/11/3... & explore further in Wild Pavements, out 5 March.
January 5, 2026 at 9:27 AM
Please read @markavery.bsky.social in BirdGuides on access. Like Mark, increasing access to sensitive sites concerns me, particularly in urban areas. I wrote about this in Bird Watching Magazine back in Sep 24 the-urban-naturalist.com/2024/09/11/3... & explore further in Wild Pavements, out 5 March.
2nd challenge in *Chirrups & Trills* (the programme I've devised to help me & others get better at identifying bird calls) is no. 2 of 3 about 'garden frequenters'. Do have a go & let me know what works/doesn't work for you. the-urban-naturalist.com/2025/12/31/t...
The ‘garden frequenters challenge part 2’ – calls of Blue, Great and Coal Tits
***Feedback on this challenge gratefully received as a comment on this post.*** Part 2 of the ‘garden frequenters challenge’ covers the calls of the common ‘true’ tits. Thes…
the-urban-naturalist.com
December 31, 2025 at 10:49 AM
2nd challenge in *Chirrups & Trills* (the programme I've devised to help me & others get better at identifying bird calls) is no. 2 of 3 about 'garden frequenters'. Do have a go & let me know what works/doesn't work for you. the-urban-naturalist.com/2025/12/31/t...
1st challenge in *Chirrups & Trills* (the programme I've devised to help me & others get better at identifying bird calls) is 1 of 3 about 'garden frequenters'. Do have a go & let me know what works/doesn't work for you. 🙏 the-urban-naturalist.com/2025/12/29/t...
The ‘garden frequenters challenge part 1’ – calls of Robin, Wren, Dunnock, and a couple of warblers
***Feedback on this challenge gratefully received as a comment on this post.*** I’m going to start with the assumption that you can already recognise the songs of common garden birds. With th…
the-urban-naturalist.com
December 31, 2025 at 10:44 AM
1st challenge in *Chirrups & Trills* (the programme I've devised to help me & others get better at identifying bird calls) is 1 of 3 about 'garden frequenters'. Do have a go & let me know what works/doesn't work for you. 🙏 the-urban-naturalist.com/2025/12/29/t...
Seeking testers for Chirrups & Trills, a programme I'm devising for building identification confidence with commoner bird calls. If you're up for trying one of the call challenges, I'll be sharing them on my blog over the next few days the-urban-naturalist.com. Many thanks in anticipation. 💚🙏
The Urban Naturalist
Amanda Tuke - nature writer and urban nature champion
the-urban-naturalist.com
December 29, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Seeking testers for Chirrups & Trills, a programme I'm devising for building identification confidence with commoner bird calls. If you're up for trying one of the call challenges, I'll be sharing them on my blog over the next few days the-urban-naturalist.com. Many thanks in anticipation. 💚🙏
Glee as I got my best xmas present ever - a soft-back advance reader copy from Team Wild Pavements at Flint Books. Can't wait to see it in hardback come March. #urbannature #naturewriting #1stBookDiary
December 11, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Glee as I got my best xmas present ever - a soft-back advance reader copy from Team Wild Pavements at Flint Books. Can't wait to see it in hardback come March. #urbannature #naturewriting #1stBookDiary
Us urban botanists aren't often put off by inclement weather. An annual tradition is a 1st Dec hunt for wild plants in flower in Deptford, SE London. Here I am in the rain on Mon checking the seed shape of Beaked Hawk's-beard, more usually in flower in London in May. #urbanbotany #urbannature
December 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Us urban botanists aren't often put off by inclement weather. An annual tradition is a 1st Dec hunt for wild plants in flower in Deptford, SE London. Here I am in the rain on Mon checking the seed shape of Beaked Hawk's-beard, more usually in flower in London in May. #urbanbotany #urbannature
More Shrubsole wisdom, we'd do well to heed.
Today the Government announced they will publish a new Trees Action Plan in 2026.
Here's what I think a Trees Action Plan needs to do to meet nature targets, restore rainforests and 'ghost woods', & support the natural regeneration of trees & scrub:
lostrainforestsofbritain.org/2025/11/25/a...
Here's what I think a Trees Action Plan needs to do to meet nature targets, restore rainforests and 'ghost woods', & support the natural regeneration of trees & scrub:
lostrainforestsofbritain.org/2025/11/25/a...
A new Trees Action Plan for England is in the works. Here’s what I think it should focus on
This is a post by Guy Shrubsole. Photo: Sticta sylvatica, a temperate rainforest lichen, taken by the author near Colliford Reservoir, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall. Recently I was contacted by DEFRA, who …
lostrainforestsofbritain.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:46 AM
More Shrubsole wisdom, we'd do well to heed.
Seems only right for a massive shout out today for Rach Appleby (www.instagram.com/rachapplebya...) - who was chosen to illustrate my book cover. Do have a peek at Rach's fab portfolio... I particularly like her #birdart #nature #natureart #wildlifeart #urbannature #naturewriting
November 28, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Seems only right for a massive shout out today for Rach Appleby (www.instagram.com/rachapplebya...) - who was chosen to illustrate my book cover. Do have a peek at Rach's fab portfolio... I particularly like her #birdart #nature #natureart #wildlifeart #urbannature #naturewriting
Our crab-apple scrumpers... which don't actually like crab-apples very much. One year will they remember how sour they are? #parakeets #parrots #urbanbirds #birdbehaviour
November 25, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Our crab-apple scrumpers... which don't actually like crab-apples very much. One year will they remember how sour they are? #parakeets #parrots #urbanbirds #birdbehaviour
We might approaching the end of peak fungi season, but there's still lots of interesting things to find in an inner London woodland after a rainy night. the-urban-naturalist.com/2025/11/24/h... #fungi #urbanfungi
Hunting for fungi in an Inner London woodland
It’s November so it would be extremely rude not to go and look for interesting urban fungi, at least once. I’m a beginner when it comes to identifying fungi species, but I’m hopin…
the-urban-naturalist.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:45 PM
We might approaching the end of peak fungi season, but there's still lots of interesting things to find in an inner London woodland after a rainy night. the-urban-naturalist.com/2025/11/24/h... #fungi #urbanfungi
The countdown to my 1st book being published is almost unbearably exciting, & there's been so much to learn. I've kept a #1stBookDiary along the way, & here's diary ch 1. #naturewriting #creativewriting #urbannature #publishing #non-fiction freelancenaturewriter.com/2025/11/13/c...
Chapter 1 – the proposal
One chilly Thursday in December 2023, I was volunteering in my local nature reserve, Sydenham Hill Wood. Over lunch round folding tables, I confessed to my friend Chris, fellow volunteer and writer…
freelancenaturewriter.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:10 PM
The countdown to my 1st book being published is almost unbearably exciting, & there's been so much to learn. I've kept a #1stBookDiary along the way, & here's diary ch 1. #naturewriting #creativewriting #urbannature #publishing #non-fiction freelancenaturewriter.com/2025/11/13/c...
Nature writers are invariably a delight to talk to & when I asked for top tips on editing, this is what they said... @nicwilson.bsky.social @drmjwarren.bsky.social @amyjanebeer.bsky.social @jensoilandpen.bsky.social @derekniemann.bsky.social shorturl.at/y1IiL Here's me chatting to lovely Nic Wilson.
When I asked some of my favourite nature writers for their top tips on editing, this is what they said…
Dr Jen Jones – “My tips would be: always read your work out loud, don’t be precious about your words, and remember the edited piece will be better. It is hard getting rid of words…
freelancenaturewriter.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Nature writers are invariably a delight to talk to & when I asked for top tips on editing, this is what they said... @nicwilson.bsky.social @drmjwarren.bsky.social @amyjanebeer.bsky.social @jensoilandpen.bsky.social @derekniemann.bsky.social shorturl.at/y1IiL Here's me chatting to lovely Nic Wilson.
Next Tuesday 28th Oct 12-1pm, I'll be talking online about my forthcoming book, Wild Pavements: Exploring Britain's Cities with an Urban Naturalist, as part of the interesting eARTh Spotlight programme. & it's a free event.💚 www.ticketsource.co.uk/cccibathspa/...
October 20, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Next Tuesday 28th Oct 12-1pm, I'll be talking online about my forthcoming book, Wild Pavements: Exploring Britain's Cities with an Urban Naturalist, as part of the interesting eARTh Spotlight programme. & it's a free event.💚 www.ticketsource.co.uk/cccibathspa/...
A richly deserved standing ovation last night at @guildhallschool.bsky.social for Haydon Thorpe's interpretation of @robertmacfarland.bsky.social's prose poem Ness. A luscious recipe of recorded soundscape, #spokenword, song & visuals supported by the amazing Guildhall music students. Just fab.
October 17, 2025 at 7:41 AM
A richly deserved standing ovation last night at @guildhallschool.bsky.social for Haydon Thorpe's interpretation of @robertmacfarland.bsky.social's prose poem Ness. A luscious recipe of recorded soundscape, #spokenword, song & visuals supported by the amazing Guildhall music students. Just fab.
This will be fab - I just wish I was nearer. 💚
Taunton / Somerset peeps! Am at #TauntonLiteraryFestival with the lovely @brendonbooks.bsky.social & in an incredible line up. Would LOVE to see you for all things #GhostsoftheFarm @chelseagreenbooks.bsky.social #booksky
October 16, 2025 at 3:44 PM
This will be fab - I just wish I was nearer. 💚
I love a great data visualisation - the sweet spot between art and science - & this is packed with them. Respect is due to @phoebeweston.bsky.social & the other authors www.theguardian.com/environment/... #birdmigration #datavisualisation #birds #ornithology
Bird migration is changing. What does this reveal about our planet? – visualised
Bird migrations rank as one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Thanks to GPS tracking, scientists are uncovering extraordinary insights into ancient and mysterious journeys – and new threats that are re...
www.theguardian.com
October 16, 2025 at 3:43 PM
I love a great data visualisation - the sweet spot between art and science - & this is packed with them. Respect is due to @phoebeweston.bsky.social & the other authors www.theguardian.com/environment/... #birdmigration #datavisualisation #birds #ornithology
How exciting! A new book. 😀
Enjoyable session in North Herts Museum getting stuck back into local field notebooks from a century ago. New research for a new book! #makesmehappy
October 16, 2025 at 3:37 PM
How exciting! A new book. 😀
I had such a fun time at the Centre for UK Nature @nhm-london.bsky.social yesterday planning a collaboration with the team at NHM's Urban Nature Network for a #WildPavements event in spring 2026. www.the-urban-nature-network.mn.co/ These #urbannature champions are my kind of people. 💚
The Urban Nature Network
The Urban Nature Network is hosted by The Natural History Museum's Urban Nature Project. It brings together community groups, individuals, researchers, conservation organisations and many others acros...
the-urban-nature-network.mn.co
October 16, 2025 at 3:28 PM
I had such a fun time at the Centre for UK Nature @nhm-london.bsky.social yesterday planning a collaboration with the team at NHM's Urban Nature Network for a #WildPavements event in spring 2026. www.the-urban-nature-network.mn.co/ These #urbannature champions are my kind of people. 💚
Absolutely next on my autumn reading list. 💚
Land Beneath the Waves paperback has been chosen for Waterstones pre-order promotion!! Pre-orders make such a difference & if you could support & share, I'd be so grateful.
Enter “OCTOBER25” at checkout for 25% off RRP.
www.waterstones.com/campaign/oct...
@summersdalebooks.bsky.social
#WPreorder
Enter “OCTOBER25” at checkout for 25% off RRP.
www.waterstones.com/campaign/oct...
@summersdalebooks.bsky.social
#WPreorder
October 15, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Absolutely next on my autumn reading list. 💚
Lovely #naturewriters, what would be your top tip for editing #naturewriting. 🙏 @nicwilson.bsky.social @nicolawriting.bsky.social @drmjwarren.bsky.social @jensoilandpen.bsky.social @derekniemann.bsky.social @janevadams.bsky.social @levparikian.bsky.social freelancenaturewriter.com/2025/10/14/e...
Editing and polishing your nature writing
[Author’s note – I’d very much welcome readers’ comments on this blogpost.] The difference between ‘nice’ and ‘great’ creative nature writing often c…
freelancenaturewriter.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Glorious #bloomscrolling
I love a colorful camera roll. Yesterday's excursions:
October 9, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Glorious #bloomscrolling
New term special offer. #ThumbnailNature journals for just the price of P&P. Offering ideas to get your #naturewriting underway and inspiring #ThumbnailNature pieces contributed by a cornucopia of talented workshop participants. Visit my shop to grab your copy. freelancenaturewriter.com/shop/
October 9, 2025 at 10:53 AM
New term special offer. #ThumbnailNature journals for just the price of P&P. Offering ideas to get your #naturewriting underway and inspiring #ThumbnailNature pieces contributed by a cornucopia of talented workshop participants. Visit my shop to grab your copy. freelancenaturewriter.com/shop/
Is attracting wild birds with sound ethical? If you're a birdwatcher of any sort, I'd love to hear your views by 10 Oct in response to this v short survey for a feature... &, as always, very grateful for reposts.
forms.gle/3jZyeJw8qngC... #birds #pishing #birdsounds #birdwatching #birding
forms.gle/3jZyeJw8qngC... #birds #pishing #birdsounds #birdwatching #birding
October 7, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Is attracting wild birds with sound ethical? If you're a birdwatcher of any sort, I'd love to hear your views by 10 Oct in response to this v short survey for a feature... &, as always, very grateful for reposts.
forms.gle/3jZyeJw8qngC... #birds #pishing #birdsounds #birdwatching #birding
forms.gle/3jZyeJw8qngC... #birds #pishing #birdsounds #birdwatching #birding