Dara McAnulty’s love for nature, his activism, and his honesty about autism has earned him a huge social media following from across the world and many accolades: in 2017 he was awarded BBC Springwatch ‘Unsprung Hero’ Award and Birdwatch magazine ‘Local Hero’; in 2018 he was awarded ‘Animal Hero’ of the year by the Daily Mirror and became ambassador for RSPCA and the iWill campaign; in 2019 he became a Young Ambassador for the Jane Goodall Institute and became the youngest ever recipient of the RSPB Medal for conservation. Dara lives with his mum, dad, brother Lorcan, sister Bláthnaid and rescue greyhound Rosie in County Down, Northern Ireland.
Dara has recently released a book called Diary of a Young Naturalist and today he’s on the blog to answer a few of our questions about it. Read on!
Tell us about your book, Diary of a Young Naturalist!
DM: My book chronicles the turning of a year from my 14th -15th Birthday (spring to spring). It details my observations as a young naturalist, my discoveries, research, and the connection between nature, mythology, and poetry. I think my book is about connection, my intense connection with nature, and my family. It also has a lot of detail on being autistic and the joy and challenges I face.
How did you come to discover your passion for the natural world?
DM: I think nature discovered me! I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t fascinated or curious about worms, ants, birds … and just about everything else! I think I realised very young, my place in this world. That I was most at home in nature.
What do you find is the most rewarding thing about being a naturalist and environmental activist?
DM: I think the constant questioning is the most rewarding thing. The idea that I can never know everything is so appealing to me, that there’s no race to get to the centre of knowledge. I also like ‘doing’ things. Being an active campaigner and speaker on issues affecting nature gives me purpose and fulfilment.
You’ve spoken a lot about your experience of being autistic and how living in such a busy world can be challenging. Can you tell us a little bit about how your love of nature has helped you to deal with that?
DM: When I’m in nature, my senses are not assaulted in the same way as say, being in a supermarket or busy place – even school. I hear and feel everything with such intensity; being in the quiet calm of nature gives my brain space to expand and think. The colours too, bright colours are very painful for me to process, the muted colours of nature are just so relaxing; they ignite peace and also contentment.
Who do you most admire in the world of environmental activism?
DM: The people I most admire are those who are defending nature with their lives. Indigenous activists. Rangers in areas of conflict. There are too many to mention and I send my heartfelt gratitude to them all.
What are some of your favourite books?
DM: I love fantasy books. I’ve read The Lord of the Rings many times. Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea Cycle books were a joy to read. Brandon Saunderson’s Stormlight Archives. I’m really getting into Greek myths and classics, I’ve nearly finished Homer’s The Odyssey. I’m a bit of a bookworm! I also love poetry, my favourite is Seamus Heaney – and 2000 AD comics too!
What’s the last book you read and loved?
DM: Can I choose two? Stephen Fry’s Mythos and Heroes – they brought a really fresh, humorous and accessible voice to Greek myths. They made me laugh, not something you associate with Greek myths! I also learned so much, they are incredible.
Do you have any advice for other young people wanting to get involved with nature-writing or environmental activism?
DM: I’m honestly very bad at advice, but what I can say is that we need many many more voices in the movement. We need more multicultural representation – so, if you are on the fence, know that you’ll be warmly welcomed and supported. I always try to reach out to people on Twitter and help them in any way I can. On nature writing, sharing your knowledge and thoughts are really powerful! People want to know what young people think. When teens especially give space to expression, I think it can really help with our mental health.
What do you hope readers will discover in Diary of a Young Naturalist?
DM: I hope that if you are a younger reader and have felt marginalised, that you are not alone. That if you are a teacher or anyone in general and wanted to know more about how autistic kids can feel and think, that you have learned something. That if you didn’t know much about nature and my native wildlife, you know a little bit more now.
And finally, what’s up next for you?
DM: I’m working on a second book for younger children and I will keep campaigning against the destruction of the natural world. I guess school, too!
Thanks Dara!
—Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty (Text Publishing) is out now.
Diary of a Young Naturalist
Diary of a Young Naturalist chronicles the turning of 15-year-old Dara McAnulty's world. From spring and through a year in his home patch in Northern Ireland, Dara spent the seasons writing. These vivid, evocative and moving diary entries about his connection to wildlife and the way he sees the world are raw in their telling.
Diary of a Young Naturalist portrays Dara's intense connection to the natural world, and his perspective as a teenager juggling exams and friendships alongside a life of campaigning...
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