Local: A Search for Nearby Nature and Wildness

'Agile, wryly funny and wise' – Robert Macfarlane‘Genuinely thoughtful writing about planet, place and political purpose’ – The Observer‘What really shines through its pages is Humphreys’ omnivorous curiosity… A paean to the benefits of determined noticing.’ – FT‘Alastair Humphreys is the consummate roamer: big of heart, curious of mind, light of step.’ – Amy-Jane Beer, winner of the 2023 Wainwright Prize for nature writing‘This looks wonderful. Localism isn’t better economically. It often isn’t more sustainable. But it is important because care and love can really only be local. Localism is about noticing the things and people you can actually affect.’ – Henry Dimbleby‘While a grand trip might offer novelty and excitement, there’s adventure to be found in territories much closer to home.’ – New York Times‘Genuinely thoughtful writing about planet, place and political purpose’ – The Observer‘Humphreys has long encouraged his readers to have “microadventures”, and this is a powerful thought — travel can be something you do close to home, and a place that feels as if a strange land might be merely a short walk away.’ – Financial TimesAfter years of challenging expeditions all over the world, adventurer Alastair Humphreys spends a year exploring the small map around his own home.Can this unassuming landscape, marked by the glow of city lights and the hum of busy roads, hold any surprises for the world traveller or satisfy his wanderlust? Could a single map provide a lifetime of exploration?Discovering more about the natural world than in all his years in remote environments, this is an ode to slowing down and the meaningful experience of truly getting to know your neighbourhood.Local is a celebration of curiosity, time spent outdoors, and a rallying cry to protect the wild places on our doorstep. It is a reminder for all of us that nature and wildness are closer than we think. Would you like to explore the undiscovered country of the nearby? Do you yearn to connect with wildness and natural beauty more often? Does everyone live on a map of small wonders in an unofficial countryside? Could your neighbourhood become a source of wonder and discovery? Do you like to search for wild places and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary? Are there any wild places left within your own community? Could exploring your own neighbourhood change the way you see the world? Do you find inspiration and wonder in the everyday moments of life? Have you ever felt the call of adventure, only to realise that sometimes the most remarkable journeys unfold close to home? Are there remarkable things waiting to be discovered on your doorstep? Read more