Increasing numbers of urban dwellers has led to many of us feeling alienated from the natural world. This is not how we are meant to live, and we don’t have to. Even in the most built-up environment, nature makes its presence felt. All we have to do is let it in.

This book offers 50 invigorating activities and step-by-step projects to do exactly that, for anyone craving a connection with the natural world, but especially those living in cities and towns with limited daily access to it.

Green refuges and outdoor spaces are more important now than ever – a break from our stressful, tech-consumed lives. It is well researched that being in nature radically improves our mental health, just minutes from your doorstep. Nature is waiting for us to discover it, even in the most urban environment. Go on a night safari, make a worm farm or create a one-pot allotment. With 200 smart illustrations, this practical and accessible guide will expand your horizons and increase your appreciation of wild spaces, whether on the street, in the park, or in nearby nature reserves.

Chapters include:

Be an Urban Naturalist

Go on a night safari, appreciate winter trees, spot moths or build a weathervane

Engage with the Elements

Wild swimming, mudlarking, barefoot walking and creating art with found natural objects

Look to the Skies

Cloudspotting, the dawn chorus and looking for murmurations

Make Space for Nature

Building for biodiversity, make a worm farm, green up all your space

Dig for Victory

Grow microgreens or create a one-pot allotment

Find Your Wild Tribe

Join a community garden, adopt a street tree or take a city hike