Best Nature Writing & Essays Books of 2025

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a beautifully written book that combines indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge to explore our relationship with nature. As a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kimmerer shares her reflections on the gifts and lessons that nature offers us. She argues that we need to acknowledge and celebrate our reciprocal relationship with the living world to awaken ecological consciousness. The book is a hymn of love to the world and a reminder of the importance of listening to the voices of other beings. It is a unique and inspiring read that will change the way you see the world.

The Hidden Life of Trees is an eye-opening account of the science behind how trees communicate, feel, and live in social networks. Author Peter Wohlleben draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families, supporting each other as they grow, sharing nutrients, and even warning each other of impending dangers. This book is an engrossing primer on trees, brimming with facts and an unashamed awe for nature. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a better appreciation of the natural world around us.

Under the Henfluence is a fascinating memoir and culture report by Tove Danovich, a journalist who finds herself obsessed with raising chickens. In this book, she explores the quirky, mysterious world of backyard chickens and the people who love them. Through her interviews with breeders, trainers, and rescuers, Danovich uncovers the complex relationship between humans and chickens. Her heartfelt anecdotes from her own henhouse add depth and emotion to the story. This book is not just for chicken enthusiasts but also for anyone interested in the human-animal bond and the impact of industrial agriculture. Overall, Under the Henfluence is a unique and enjoyable read.

The Language of Trees: A Rewilding of Literature and Landscape by Katie Holten is an inspiring and beautifully illustrated collection of writings that celebrates the magic of trees. Through her tree alphabet, Holten invites readers to discover a new language to read and write the natural world around us. With contributions from over fifty writers, including Ursula K. Le Guin and Zadie Smith, the book considers our relationship with literature and landscape. It is a masterpiece that fuses storytelling and art, and a delightful celebration of trees through the ages. Unmissable for anyone who cares about the environment.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is a hilarious and informative account of the author's attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail. Bryson's witty observations and humorous anecdotes make for an entertaining read, while his descriptions of the trail and its history provide insight into the beauty and challenges of the journey. The book is a great choice for anyone interested in travel writing or outdoor adventures, and Bryson's unique perspective makes it stand out from other books in the genre.

The Cold Vanish: Seeking the Missing in North America's Wilderness is a gripping read that explores the real-life cases of those who have vanished in the wilderness without a trace. The author, Jacob Gray, weaves together the stories of those who have disappeared and the eccentric characters who try to find them. The book takes readers on a journey through the wilderness, highlighting the difficulties and challenges that come with searching for missing persons in the great outdoors. This book is a must-read for fans of Jon Krakauer and Douglas Preston, and anyone interested in the mysteries of the wilderness.

A Sand County Almanac by Leopold is a foundational text in environmental science and a national treasure. The book is a series of sketches based on the flora and fauna in a rural part of Wisconsin, where Leopold traveled through the woodlands of Wisconsin, Iowa, Arizona, Sonora, Oregon, Manitoba, and elsewhere. The book has sold over 2 million copies and remains beloved for its description and evocation of the natural world. The 2020 edition includes an introduction by Barbara Kingsolver, making it the perfect opportunity for those who haven't read this remarkable work of twentieth-century American nature writing.

The Hidden Life of Trees: The Illustrated Edition is an awe-inspiring book that combines breathtaking photos of forests with compelling text from the bestseller The Hidden Life of Trees. Peter Wohlleben’s writing highlights the interconnectedness of forest ecosystems, including the fungal communication highway known as the “wood wide web,” and the natural cleanup crews that recycle dying trees. The stunning images of trees from around the world provide the perfect complement to Wohlleben’s words, making this book a must-read for anyone who loves nature. This edition, published in partnership with the David Suzuki Institute, is a beautiful and timeless addition to any book collection.

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative is a highly informative and entertaining book that investigates the science behind nature's positive effects on the brain. Florence Williams presents the benefits of spending time outdoors with enough scientific detail to satisfy experts. In this concrete-centric world, Williams's findings offer a powerful environmental call to arms. The book is a beautifully written, thoroughly enjoyable exposition of a major principle of human life supported by evidence in biology, psychology, and medicine.

The Brambly Hedge Pop-Up Book is a charming addition to the classic children's series. The book features the mice of Brambly Hedge and their daily lives, from weddings to snow balls, all beautifully illustrated in 3D. The book is a celebration of Jill Barklem's original artwork and is sure to delight readers young and old. This pop-up book is perfect as a gift for children who love mouse and rodent books.