NWT Chief Executive Mike Pratt with his new book. Image by Katie Berry.
Wildlife chief pens another gem
Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Chief Executive continues to indulge his passion for writing, by penning his eighth book.
Titled Infinite Wonder, the book comes as a result of Mike’s 40+ years working closely with nature and the environment.
The writing of the book started in 2019, almost a year before the pandemic. Travelling to the far flung corners of the UK initially, Mike recalls encounters with otters, orca whales and many other wonderful species until covid appeared, lockdowns began, all travel ended and everybody had to focus on nature on their doorstep - with many people appreciating for the first time what nature could do for them.
The book is an antidote to anxiety, exploring the healing power of nature and the importance of green prescribing as an alternative to the more traditional medical prescribing.
The health and wellbeing theme is very important to Mike whose practice of Tai Chi, mindfulness, watching wildlife and immersing in nature over the decades have seen him through many health, potential health and personal challenges.
Infinite Wonder is also a celebration of the intrinsic wonder of wild places and things we still have despite the climate and biodiversity crises. From gardens, backyards and balconies to wild lands, woodlands and waters. It carries an endorsement by Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts who calls it ‘a gorgeous book that celebrates the pure wonder of nature.’
Infinite Wonder. Image by Curlicue Publishing.
Author Mike Pratt says:
“I was inspired to write the book following my work over the last three years. I could see the despondency at times about the state of the world - the actual anxiety people felt, including colleagues and many professional environmentalists, campaigners and young people, at how badly we have damaged the planet and how we are witnessing a mass extinction of our making.
“I wanted to recognise this, but also give people (and myself) ‘active hope’ and remind people that nature and all its wondrous beauty has not gone yet. I began to feel we each need to deeply appreciate what we have still got and not be afraid to enjoy what we might lose if we don’t all invest in its survival.
“The more great experiences we have in nature - large and small, the more we need to regard it as our natural health service. Better still, there are no waiting times and it’s freely available.”
Priced at £12, Infinite Wonder is available from the Trust’s online shop www.nwt.org.uk/shop the Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre and Northumberlandia Visitor Centre. All money raised will be donated to the Trust.