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.
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
It was great to catch up with 10 cohorts of MA students & hear some inspiring stories of writing and other successes. 💚
Heartwarming weekend at MA Nature & Travel Writing @bathspauni.bsky.social reunion 💚 so glad I joined this course 🌿 A main goal for was to final a community and here we are, fulfilled.
Thanks again to @stephenmossauthor.bsky.social @gailsimmons.bsky.social , @amandatuke.bsky.social & Jon Lorie
Thanks again to @stephenmossauthor.bsky.social @gailsimmons.bsky.social , @amandatuke.bsky.social & Jon Lorie
October 7, 2025 at 8:21 AM
It was great to catch up with 10 cohorts of MA students & hear some inspiring stories of writing and other successes. 💚
Hurray! Hurray! I'm delighted to see that David's new BBC documentary Wild London will be celebrating #urbannature and will reinforce some of the key messages in my book 'Wild Pavements - Exploring Britain's Cities with an Urban Naturalist', (Flint Books, 5 March 2026).
This morning our CEO, David Mooney, appeared live on BBC Breakfast to share exciting news. 🌿
London Wildlife Trust is co-producing Sir David Attenborough’s upcoming BBC documentary Wild London, made by Passion Planet and airing on BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
Read more
👉 ow.ly/ECOs50X5tl8
London Wildlife Trust is co-producing Sir David Attenborough’s upcoming BBC documentary Wild London, made by Passion Planet and airing on BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
Read more
👉 ow.ly/ECOs50X5tl8
October 3, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Hurray! Hurray! I'm delighted to see that David's new BBC documentary Wild London will be celebrating #urbannature and will reinforce some of the key messages in my book 'Wild Pavements - Exploring Britain's Cities with an Urban Naturalist', (Flint Books, 5 March 2026).
***It's official - Sep's London Glossy Ibis battle is well underway***. Brilliantly exotic, likely dispersing from breeding sites in W France & Spain & arriving in the Brit Isles in large nos., incl at some of my fave London sites #urbanbirds #30MinuteBirder #LondonBirds @lnhs.bsky.social
September 26, 2025 at 11:04 AM
***It's official - Sep's London Glossy Ibis battle is well underway***. Brilliantly exotic, likely dispersing from breeding sites in W France & Spain & arriving in the Brit Isles in large nos., incl at some of my fave London sites #urbanbirds #30MinuteBirder #LondonBirds @lnhs.bsky.social
Inspired by @concretebotany.bsky.social's fab #bloomscrolling, here are some #pavementplant finds. Undeniably attractive but alarming to see (v invasive in wetlands) Himalayan Balsam growing here on the edge of a dryish pavement in S London. #WildPavements
September 26, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Inspired by @concretebotany.bsky.social's fab #bloomscrolling, here are some #pavementplant finds. Undeniably attractive but alarming to see (v invasive in wetlands) Himalayan Balsam growing here on the edge of a dryish pavement in S London. #WildPavements
#Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) off Moyamensing in Pennsport, shot back in 2018.
#Bloomscrolling #Flowers #SidewalkFlowers
#Bloomscrolling #Flowers #SidewalkFlowers
September 18, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Fab pics from an orchid aficionado. Jon's 'Orchid Summer' is one of the most compelling (relatively) recent #PlantBased #naturewriting books I've read.
Too late for @wildflowerhour.bsky.social's grand finale #FavouritePlant challenge last night, so a rather belated post this morning. My favourite UK orchid finds this past year - a var. bicolor Early Spider Orchid, and a strange Fly Orchid with a rose-pink speculum.
#orchids
#orchids
September 16, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Fab pics from an orchid aficionado. Jon's 'Orchid Summer' is one of the most compelling (relatively) recent #PlantBased #naturewriting books I've read.
Impressive sea-watching pics from my pal Paul Bowerman @severnsidebirds.bsky.social who I had the pleasure of meeting back in Nov 2022 for a Bird Watching Magazine feature on birding in Bristol.
A few snaps of the Sabine's Gull, one of the Grey Phalaropes and a very distant Storm Petrel from the Severn Beach shore.
September 16, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Impressive sea-watching pics from my pal Paul Bowerman @severnsidebirds.bsky.social who I had the pleasure of meeting back in Nov 2022 for a Bird Watching Magazine feature on birding in Bristol.
Delighted to have contributed, albeit in a minor way, to inspiring my birder-acquaintance @markavery.bsky.social to rejoin @bsbibotany.bsky.social. Us urban botanists love a good S American fleabane discussion! #UrbanBotany #WildPavements #PavementPlants
September 15, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Delighted to have contributed, albeit in a minor way, to inspiring my birder-acquaintance @markavery.bsky.social to rejoin @bsbibotany.bsky.social. Us urban botanists love a good S American fleabane discussion! #UrbanBotany #WildPavements #PavementPlants
Reposted by Amanda Tuke
New regulations extend protections across more than 670,000 hectares of peatland, aiming to cut emissions, reduce wildfire risks and restore fragile ecosystems www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/B...
Burning Banned on England’s Deep Peat to Protect Wildlife
New regulations extend protections across more than 670,000 hectares of peatland, aiming to cut emissions, reduce wildfire risks and restore fragile ecosystems
www.rarebirdalert.co.uk
September 11, 2025 at 4:47 PM
New regulations extend protections across more than 670,000 hectares of peatland, aiming to cut emissions, reduce wildfire risks and restore fragile ecosystems www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/B...
Back in 2020 I set off on a #PlantBased journey... I committed to teaching myself to ID the wild plants I found growing in S London & beyond with the help of the fab @bsbibotany.bsky.social & others. If you are interested, this is how I did it… freelancenaturewriter.com/2021/07/20/t...
Turns out you can teach yourself quite a lot of wildflower identification in a year…
I’m checking my email at half hour intervals. Last Thursday I re-took the only professional botany exam in the UK – the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland’s Field Identifica…
freelancenaturewriter.com
September 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Back in 2020 I set off on a #PlantBased journey... I committed to teaching myself to ID the wild plants I found growing in S London & beyond with the help of the fab @bsbibotany.bsky.social & others. If you are interested, this is how I did it… freelancenaturewriter.com/2021/07/20/t...
This is such great news - I just know I'm going to enjoy Guy's latest book, if that's right word for such a challenging topic.
Absolutely delighted that my book THE LIE OF THE LAND has won the Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing!
This week, one of the book’s recommendations, a ban on moorland burning, became a reality. Next, we need a Nature Bill for England…
bsky.app/profile/wain...
This week, one of the book’s recommendations, a ban on moorland burning, became a reality. Next, we need a Nature Bill for England…
bsky.app/profile/wain...
The WINNER of the 2025 Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing...
The Lie of the Land, @guyshrubsole.bsky.social (@wmcollinsbooks.bsky.social)
#WainwrightPrize #StoriesThatConnect
The Lie of the Land, @guyshrubsole.bsky.social (@wmcollinsbooks.bsky.social)
#WainwrightPrize #StoriesThatConnect
September 11, 2025 at 11:47 AM
This is such great news - I just know I'm going to enjoy Guy's latest book, if that's right word for such a challenging topic.
Reposted by Amanda Tuke
Absolutely delighted that my book THE LIE OF THE LAND has won the Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing!
This week, one of the book’s recommendations, a ban on moorland burning, became a reality. Next, we need a Nature Bill for England…
bsky.app/profile/wain...
This week, one of the book’s recommendations, a ban on moorland burning, became a reality. Next, we need a Nature Bill for England…
bsky.app/profile/wain...
The WINNER of the 2025 Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing...
The Lie of the Land, @guyshrubsole.bsky.social (@wmcollinsbooks.bsky.social)
#WainwrightPrize #StoriesThatConnect
The Lie of the Land, @guyshrubsole.bsky.social (@wmcollinsbooks.bsky.social)
#WainwrightPrize #StoriesThatConnect
September 10, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Absolutely delighted that my book THE LIE OF THE LAND has won the Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing!
This week, one of the book’s recommendations, a ban on moorland burning, became a reality. Next, we need a Nature Bill for England…
bsky.app/profile/wain...
This week, one of the book’s recommendations, a ban on moorland burning, became a reality. Next, we need a Nature Bill for England…
bsky.app/profile/wain...