With our latest project with the Wildlife Trusts underway, Philip Parker shares an update on what’s happening and what’s coming up.
The briefs are delivered. Maps are being consulted. And 26 writers are commencing their journeys in nature around the UK – from hedgerow to peatland. A successor to last year’s hugely successful 26Wild, each writer is composing a centena on an endangered habitat. Their work will be published online and on social each day starting in September, and we are very fortunate to have the services of the artist Lydia Thornley who will create illustrations for us. But this is just part one of a trilogy of interlinked projects.
26Pledges will follow in October, featuring the work of 28 writers who will reflect on 26Habitats and on what we as individuals can do to have a positive impact on the biodiversity and climate crises.
The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) is held in Glasgow in November, at which point part three commences. Underlining the global nature of the crises, our friends in New Zealand will launch a similar project to 26Habitats, with writers focusing on their priority endangered environments such as drylands and offshore islands. Like the UK project, each will compose a centena, and will work with an artist. Their partner is Forest and Bird, the country’s leading independent conservation organisation.
Watch out for more updates later this summer. In the meantime, Our UK partner organisation for 26Habitats, The Wildlife Trusts, is recommending we go wild throughout June. They are encouraging the public to experience nature every day throughout the month. Several of our members took part last year and enjoyed the experience. To discover more, visit
30 Days Wild 2021 – Sign up for your pack | The Wildlife Trusts
– Philip Parker