We Are Nature

by Ray Mears

A journey of discovery through our natural world.

Bushcraft and survival legend Ray Mears takes us on his own lifetime's journey through the natural world, into the British countryside and across continents, and shows us how to tune our senses, enhance our experience of nature, and understand our place within it.

Guiding us through practical fieldcraft tips, Ray brings us up close with creatures we share our planet with, and reveals how we can learn from them, from the stealth of the leopard to the patience and stillness of the crocodile, and even the colour-changing camouflage of the octopus.

With Ray as your companion, you will unlock the hidden secrets of the wild and begin to see, instead of merely look.

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Published March 25, 2021

Reviews

[Luke Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are nature: How to reconnect with the wild is a book that got my interest from the very first page and held it to the very end. Ray Mears has the same gentle yet firm, teacher-like tone in his writing as he does on TV. It therefore comes across very reassuring and familiar - it's very clear from the style and the language that this is a book Mears has written with passion and insight.

Mears offers a comprehensive guide on spending time in nature and outdoors - from being able to make observations of our fauna and flora, to spending significant time wild camping. He introduces us to the fieldcraft and disciplines that will be necessary for success in our endeavours and doesn't pull any punches about what is required from us.

For me, the second half of the book was perhaps a little too focused on the types of equipment to have - often involving quite long lists. And although Mears goes into significant detail about how to choose each item - it is perhaps a little heavy handed for a book about reconnecting with nature. In short, I would have perhaps preferred more of Mears' insights, stories, and philosophies about spending time in the wild rather than what seemed like an over emphasis on some of the more equipment based practicalities.

However, I came away better educated and far more mindful about how to watch wildlife and to spend time in nature more successfully. I even put some stalking skills into action on a recent woodland walk and was rewarded with really lovely views of a nuthatch. So the advice is definitely well worth heeding, and the book very well worth reading!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this after watching Ray speak about the book at Hay Festival. He was an interesting chap to listen to, and so I thought I’d give his book a try.

I loved the chapters about the senses, and how to make the most of them. And have bought myself a loupe as a result of it and have had some fun looking at different plants, fungi and insects. I’m not likely to be going stalking or calming in the bush anytime soon, so those chapters weren’t as fascinated, but I still enjoyed reading about Ray’s experiences.

[Ian Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Mears and thought this was an excellent book. The attention to detail and example tales in particular in relation to use of senses was excellent.
I felt that there was a danger in getting bogged down in a subjection which was excellently addressed by digressions via tales to other topics for a short while.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting a different narrative in this book, focusing more on travel stories and experience (yes, there is this stuff here as as well), but it was anyway interesting to look on the world of wilderness from the angle of a professional naturalist (rather than an amateur hiker as myself). Worthy tips on the gear and behaviour, helping encounter wildlife and remain alive.

[Lee D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring book that gives you lots of tips to make the most of your time out in nature, to engage all the senses and optimise your experience, as well as encounters with wildlife. A very good reference manual for any nature enthusiast.

[George Foord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every page is full of interesting information that could save your life but also helps you with nature.

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this one.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, great stories by Ray Mears like only he can tell based on worldly expeditions.