Bluebird lands Crossley's guide to reconnecting with nature

Bluebird has landed an illustrated guide to reconnecting with the natural world by floral artist and nature writer Willow Crossley.

Carole Tonkinson, publisher of the Pan Mac imprint, acquired world rights in all languages from Clare Hulton to The Wild Journal: A Year of Nurturing Yourself through Nature. It will be published in March 2020.

It includes craft activities inspired by the outdoors, tips for identifying wild flowers, star-gazing and bird-watching, plus guidance for plotting and planting according to seasons. The synopsis states: “This beautiful, highly giftable book will help readers counteract the chaos of everyday life by engaging with nature around them. Crossley also draws on her own experiences of mental health struggles, and explores how connecting with nature helped her overcome them.  

“Part fill-in journal, part practical guide, and part personal account of a nature-lover’s life, The Wild Journal celebrates the potential of nature to mend, heal and transform moods. Whether living in a house or a flat, in town or in the country, this stunning book will appeal to anyone looking to feel more grounded and rooted in their surroundings.”

Crossley is a writer who regularly hosts floral workshops and works with brands including Vogue, Mulberry, Chanel and Liz Earle. She is the author of three books on flower arranging and craft activities.

She said: “I believe that just a little taste of nature every day, be it going for a walk with friends, planting bulbs or simply spending 20 minutes outside, can have a wonderful impact on wellbeing. I am so pleased to be able to share my ideas about the positive, calming and healing power of the natural world with a wider audience. In Bluebird I feel I have found the perfect publisher. I’m completely delighted by their faith in me.”

Tonkinson added: “Willow has hugely impressed all of us at Bluebird with her imaginative, practical and enjoyable ideas to encourage us to re-connect with nature every day. What I love about The Wild Journal is that it applies as much to a flat-dwelling urbanite as it does to someone living deep in the countryside. Recent evidence has provided conclusive proof that nature can boost well-being and mental and physical health and Willow’s light touch and creative flair will help readers to do this throughout each and every season.”