The Walking Library for Forest Walks

Library book imageSubmissions for the Walking Library are now closed. 

Join us in creating a walking library

The Walking Library is a library that carries books by foot. It brings together people, books, walking and landscapes. Launched in 2012 by artists Dee Heddon & Misha Myers and supported by the University of Glasgow, each Walking Library edition is unique to its environment and the latest version is being created especially for the National Forest. 

We need your help to fill this new Walking Library with books to take for a walk in the forest by suggesting the perfect book to walk with. Below are some prompts to help with your suggestion:

  • Which book transports you to the forest without leaving home? 
     
  • What book would help you see the forest for the trees?
     
  • What book would provide seeds for thought and future forests?
     
  • What leaves would you want to turn and share?
     
  • What forest stories stretch both legs and minds?

The specially compiled library was to be presented at the National Forest Walking Festival in May and Timber in July, but due to both events no longer taking place this year, the library will instead open its pages digitally on 16th May. Over the course of a week the Walking Librarian will take over our Twitter feed to share some forest readings from books suggested as perfect to take into the forest. These books transport you to the forest without leaving home, help you see the forest for the trees, and provide seeds for thought and future forests. Join the Walking Librarian as she ventures virtually into the forest, selecting, turning and sharing leaves that speak to a selection of images of the National Forest.

New dates to bring the Library to the Forest are to be confirmed, when there will be the opportunity to explore the collection of books and join an artist-led walk to share texts along the way. The collection will then remain in the National Forest to be used by local libraries, walk leaders and community groups.Image of speaker

Books can be for adults, children and young people. Add your recommendation by filling in the simple online form below by 29 May 2020. We will then pass on your suggestions to artist Dee Heddon, who will be compiling the library. 

If you would like to send us a donated book to include in the Library please post to –

The Walking Library, C/o The National Forest Company, Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, DE12 6BA

And we would love to hear why you’ve selected this particular book for The Walking Library for Forest Walks. If you’d like to then include a note – even with just a few words – along with your name if you’d like your suggestion to be credited.