A Chat with Dara McAnulty: Sharing Insights and Experiences

*A Tale of Seasons and Life's Harmony* chronicles the ever-evolving rhythms of life, tracing profound changes as the seasons turn. What deeper meanings do these seasonal shifts hold for you? Do they reveal any significant truths about humanity and nature?

Living in a perpetual dance, we're all partakers in an intricate ecosystem—the sprawling web of life. A silent symphony, the seasons entwine us forever. How often do we share stories of the weather, or feel an overwhelming sense of joy when spring arrives?

My profound connection to the earth imbues me with a heightened sensitivity to these seasonal transitions. I'm drawn to the way the air shifts, to the subtle changes in scent that herald each season. I revel in the first birdsong of blackbirds and thrushes, in the bloom of celandine and primroses. I find solace in the turning of autumn leaves and the arrival of whooper swans from Iceland. Each tiny unfurling serves as a confirmation that, amidst chaos, nature's consistent, unyielding forces still thrive. There's something comforting and reassuring in this eternal constant.

The seasons link us to the land, tapping into an ancestral echo within our souls. They unite us with others in our communities, while regulating the ebb and flow of our minds. There's a primal instinct within us all to be in sync with nature, even when we may not be consciously aware of it. Farmers and those deeply rooted in the land often possess a keen awareness of this interconnectedness.

Soothing the Overactive Brain

"Observing daphnia, beetles, pond skaters, and dragonfly nymphs is like a salve for this overactive mind." Share your secrets, Dara. How can others embark on a self-healing journey by immersing themselves in nature's embrace, shedding their worries, and finding peace?

Nature is second nature to me. My curiosity and passion for the world were birthed long before I realized the soothing effect it had on my spirit. When facing adversity—like the times I was mercilessly bullied—mother nature became my refuge, my escape. Nature served as a safety net, distracting me from the negativity, berating thoughts, and harsh realities that threatened to consume me. I found solace by observing the tiny details of the world I inhabited, delighting in the intricacies of the countless species that shared my corner of the world.

Nature didn't provide me comfort; instead, my love for it developed from a love that was already present. For anyone seeking a path toward healing, I can only offer one recommendation: take the time to observe, appreciate, and cherish our precious planet.

Go for a walk and do so intentionally—take the time to immersse yourself in your surroundings. Photograph plants, insects, and birds. Learn more about them. Ask questions and broaden your knowledge. Though it may seem like a simple exercise, it is integral that we rediscover our connection to nature. In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that we depend on our only home for clean air, water, and a thriving ecosystem.

Under lockdown, many have experienced the joy of slowing down and reacquainting themselves with nature. Here's to hoping that this newfound appreciation continues to deepen and grows into genuine respect for our beautiful earth.

The Magic of Poetry, Punk, and Puffins

"Blending poetry, punk, and puffins," you write with such infectious energy. How does this amalgamation of art forms influence your writing? Is each medium a separate tool, or do they serve different purposes?

Art serves not to command, but to enlighten, to infuse our lives with meaning, and to strike our emotions with quiet, subtle force. My curiosity drives me to seek out objects, ideas, and experiences that spark my imagination. My parents played a significant role in cultivating my tastes, from the punk music blaring in our car to the value placed on knowledge and art. The simplicity of our upbringing expanded my world in ways that poured joyfully onto the page. These influences dwell within me, surfacing spontaneously on the page.

I often listen to music as I write, and punk music helps me focus intently, while Irish folk music soothes my mind and awakens my spirit. I can differentiate the lines in my book by the music I was listening to when I wrote them! Music and poetry often oscillate within my thoughts, their rhythms and melodies weaving together to create something immense and enchanting.

I can't help but think of Seamus Heaney, who seems to dance through my thoughts as I gaze upon the world. The lines of certain poems echo within me when I witness nature's splendor. Heaney's influence undoubtedly shapes the rhythm of my writing, the beat of each word.

Family Roots

Family lies at the heart of "Diary of a Young Naturalist." The McAnultys are as close as otters, you say. How has your family inspired you—in your writing, values, or broader aspirations?

My family inspires me every day. It's often said that families like ours stand somewhat apart from society, yet I see us as rooted in what's good and beautiful about the world. I didn't delve deeply into our family life in the diary, but our close-knit community forms a crucial part of who we are.

But perhaps it's easy to see us as different. Our love for nature is innate within our family. Our boundless curiosity was never stifled, but instead nurtured through trips to the library, free museum visits, and countless hours spent outdoors. My parents encouraged individuality and celebrated our differences and talents without the need for money or material possessions. They have taught me empathy and always prioritized unconditional love.

My siblings are incredible human beings, and despite our many arguments (typical of siblings!), we remain as close as otters. I still share a room with my brother and converse late into the night—as young as it sounds, those conversations often trigger sparks for my writing. My sister remains obsessed with insects, though her fascination with fairies has waned. Her humor adds levity to my sometimes-grave teenager demeanor, and I can hardly help but hear her voice in the snippets of dialogue that find their way into my notebook. We support and rely on one another within our miniature familial ecosystem, and I hope that will never change.

The Call to Action

You've sounded the alarm to save our planet in "Diary of a Young Naturalist." What changes do you hope your readers will undergo, and what actions must they take?

I've been overwhelmed by the responses I've received from readers, all of whom have seen things differently since picking up my book. I never anticipated the profound impact it would have, nor the array of responses it would inspire.

I can only hope that readers will change in ways that feel meaningful to them. Whether it's a small shift in their perspective, a newfound connection to nature, or a commitment to being more mindful of their ecological footprint, every change is significant.

Individual actions are important, but what's truly imperative is a systemic shift. We need politicians who will place the natural world at the heart of their decision-making processes, as this approach benefits us all.

I've never been one to dictate how others should act or behave, yet I implore everyone to think consciously about how their actions affect the planet. If I had to choose three central ideas, they would be: observe more, buy less, and waste nothing. These guiding principles govern my family's way of life. Despite our meager means, we have learned to cherish and appreciate every thing, never wasting a single thing.

A New Horizon

"Diary of a Young Naturalist" marked the beginning of your literary journey as a teenager, and much has changed since then. What new ideas or projects occupy you, and is another book brewing on the horizon?

I'm thrilled to announce that my first book for young readers, Wild Child, will be published in July of this year. It's a multi-sensory exploration of nature, including poetic prose, accessible science, activities, and advice for young people on strengthening their connection to the natural world.

Next year will see the release of Wanderings of a Young Naturalist, my next narrative non-fiction work. In it, I'll embark on a journey around Ireland to examine our evolving relationships to the land. It won't follow a diary format like this book but will instead serve as a natural sequel, continuing my fascination with understanding the world by revisiting ancient sites, archaeology, and the transformative changes in our natural landscapes. I feel humbled by these opportunities to write about pressing and timely issues, to question myself, and to learn along the way. I never expected to be a teenager embarking on such a singular journey, but writing has become like breathing for me. I can't stop. At least not yet.

Dara McAnulty is a 17-year-old autistic naturalist, conservationist, and activist from Northern Ireland after penning "Diary of a Young Naturalist" as an online blog for over three years. He published his debut book in 2020 and went on to win the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing, becoming the youngest winner of a major literary prize, as well as multiple other accolades. Dara is a passionate and impassioned defender of the environment, a dedicated fundraiser, volunteer, and wildlife recorder. He is also the youngest recipient of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Medal for services to conservation and nature, as well as receive the "Points of Light" award from 10 Downing Street and the "Young Animal Hero" award from The Daily Mirror. He resides with his family and Rosie, the rescue greyhound, at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Don't forget to take the time to appreciate nature, my friends.

Sources:

The Guardian - Naturalist Dara McAnulty wins £10,000 Wainwright Prize
The Irish Post - Northern Irish teenager Dara McAnulty named as writer in residence at Ulster Museum
The Future of Silent Spring - Environmental Literature and Ecocriticism
Nature and Narrative - History of the Prose Poem in British Literature 1910-1970
As a participant in the intricate web of life, I find solace and inspiration from the changing seasons, observing changes in the air and scents that mark each transition.
My profound connection to the earth and environment has been nurtured through self-healing journeys, engaging with nature's embrace and finding peace, leaving worries behind.
The pursuit of personal growth and self-development can be enhanced by exploring educational resources in environmental science, sustainable living, and other related subjects.
In the journey toward preserving our planet, it's crucial for individuals to embrace knowledge, take action, and practice conscious living—observing more, buying less, and wastefully, fostering a harmonious lifestyle within our homes and gardens that benefits both ourselves and the environment.