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Book launch with a difference takes a walk on the wild side
For the first of a series of environmentally-minded events, Bookhaus has organised “a book launch unlike any we have done before”.
The bookshop, situated at Rope Walk in the centre, is launching the latest from Bristol-based writer and all-round nature enthusiast Andy Hamilton with a nature walk and writing workshop.
Hamilton – who, geniality at the fore, describes himself as both ‘the other Andy Hamilton’ (in reference to the Radio Four comedian) and as ‘author, forager, nice chap’ – is well known for his First Time Forager guide and the wild brewing antics which led to the creation of the Booze for Free manual.
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In his latest book, New Wild Order, he sets out to demonstrate the profound difference spending time in the natural world can make to human health and wellbeing.
The workshop, on April 27, embodies this message by inviting participants to reflect in and on nature.
Hamilton will get the juices flowing with some examples of great nature writing, then lead a walk to the tranquil God’s Garden spot beside the New Cut where participants will contemplate and write on the nature surrounding them.
Back at Bookhaus those that want to can share their writing, and there will be discussions around Hamilton’s new book.
New Wild Order was inspired by the pull of the natural world, backed up by evidence demonstrating nature’s transformative effect for physical health as well as its therapeutic properties.
“I followed the hunch that human beings need to live like the wild animals they are. I tried to do this in a city, the unnatural habitat we have created for ourselves,” Hamilton said of the journey that led to the book. “Simply engaging with the natural world is all we humans need to do.”
Noting the profound benefits to his mental and physical health it brings, Hamilton now regularly makes the effort to switch off and enjoy nature whenever he can – photo: Andy Hamilton
He conducted several experiments to see if he could quantify the impact of nature on his health.
“Humans have spent 99.9 per cent of our existence on this planet away from screens, in environments consisting of – predominately green – natural colours. It is of no surprise that we feel better when surrounded by green,” Hamilton said.
“They know this at Bristol Airport which is why, when you go through security, they have a wall that looks like you are looking down on a forest.
“I experimented extensively with sitting outdoors to research New Wild Order. Even just a three-hour burst of the natural world can reduce inflammation, decrease blood pressure and increase feelings of wellbeing. Five hours a day increases deep sleep.
“During a bout that was threatening to turn to depression I decided to fast for 24 hours and sit halfway up a mountain (which) stopped my negative thought patterns and allowed me to think more clearly.”
He now takes regular time out to immerse himself in nature, as well as making the effort to spend time outside in shorter bursts:
“I’ve just got back from a seven-night trip without a phone or any screens deep in the Somerset countryside. I try and sit out under a tree, on a bench, or in my hammock whenever I can. It helps me stay happy, less stressed and I find it easier to cope.”
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There are opportunities to connect with the natural world even in urban and residential areas, he said:
“Here in Bristol we have a number of parks, but even just looking up at the clouds can be enough. There are plenty of trees around, choose one and sit under it! And don’t forget to leave your phone at home, or off.”
With the workshop, Hamilton hopes to encourage participants to unlock the magic of nature writing and the natural world itself.
“It’s not about finding a great nature writer, it’s about finding what works for you – finding a way to appreciate the natural word,” he said.
“But the nature writers I admire are ones who can convey how they lose a sense of self when in natural environments. Writers like Nan Shepherd, David Abram or local St George writer Michael Malay.
“I hope the experience gives people the quiet superpower of nature appreciation.”
Find out more and sign up for the workshop at Bookhaus on April 27 at bookhausbristol.com/events/#e125427
The bookshop will also be holding launch events for A Wilder Way by Poppy Okotcha on May 12 and The Joyful Environmentalist by Isabel Losada on May 27.
Main image: Andy Hamilton
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