If you know somebody who is fascinated by nature or who simply wants to know more about it, anything from this list of nature-related books would an excellent gift. Each is intriguing and informative, and many are incredibly beautiful as well.
The Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to 2026 by Lia Leendertz
Leendertz’ Almanac is one of the best things I have bought in recent months. Taking us through the year, month by month, it helps us to “reconnect with the seasons” with guides to what to look out for, what’s happening in nature at any given time of year, and stories and even songs that relate to the season.
It is beautifully illustrated (though I wish it was in colour!) and would be appreciated by anybody with even a passing interest in what’s happening in the world around them.
There is also a podcast that can accompany your reading.
The Hidden Life of Garden Birds: The unseen drama behind everyday survival by Dominic Couzens
If you ever find yourself watching robins on your bird feeder, or pondering the nature of life and death while watching magpies or crows, The Hidden Life of Garden Birds by Dominic Couzens promises to tell you all about what’s actually going on with these beautiful creatures.
Described by the publishers as: “A glimpse into the secret lives of over 50 garden birds, with beautiful illustrations and intriguing facts”, this book would be a wonderful gift for anyone who wonders what is going on behind the behaviour of the birds we might see every day.
It’s the kind of thing we might not always give much thought to. But anything that makes us give more thought to such things – and ask why – should be welcomed.
Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane
You may already be familiar with the exquisite writing of Robert Macfarlane, and Is a River Alive? sets out to prove that yes, a river is indeed alive.
Is a River Alive?’s publishers say,
“At once Macfarlane’s most personal and most political book to date, Is a River Alive? will open hearts, spark debates and lead us to the revelation that our fate flows with that of rivers – and always has.”
This book was nominated for multiple awards and anything from this celebrated author is worth reading for anyone who wants a read that expands the way they view the world.
The Secret Network of Nature: The Delicate Balance of All Living Things by Peter Wohlleben
As somebody who has become increasingly fascinated by the interconnectedness of nature – how every aspects of life relies on and is impacted by the things around it, I have added The Secret Network of Nature: The Delicate Balance of All Living Things by Peter Wohlleben to my personal reading list.
The publishers say:
“Drawing on the latest scientific discoveries and decades of experience as a forester, Peter Wohlleben shows us how different animals, plants, rivers, rocks and weather systems cooperate, and what’s at stake when these delicate systems are unbalanced.”
Losing Eden: Why Our Minds Need the Wild by Lucy Jones
Anybody with an interest in wellbeing and mental health will find Losing Eden: Why Our Minds Need the Wild by Lucy Jones an informative and passionate read.
Losing Eden starts with the premise that we know that nature is good for our mental health, but asks why it is. And, given that we’re losing biodiversity by the week, Jones also asks what will happen to the mental health of younger generations if they have less access to it.
I have been reading Losing Eden this year and it’s one of those where I keep texting my friends with the things I learn.
Interesting, and very applicable to the lives of anyone who cares about nature and the people who need it to thrive.
The Hidden Seasons: A Calendar of Nature’s Clues by Tristan Gooley
The Hidden Seasons by Tristan Gooley is not dissimilar to Leendertz’ Almanac (above) in that it takes us through the months of the year, telling us what to look out for and helping us to understand what’s happening around us.
However, it has quite a different vibe and could be a great way to complement the Almanac with further, more extensive knowledge.
A review of The Hidden Seasons will be coming to Global Comment in the new year, but suffice to say it’s a fascinating text and you – or the person you give it to – are guaranteed to learn plenty of new facts that will help you to look at the world differently.