In Conversation with Mary Colwell
David’s recent guest on ‘How to Avoid Moving to Mars’ is the respected environmentalist, author, and activist, Mary Colwell.
Mary has authored several books, including Curlew Moon (2018) Beak, Tooth and Claw, (2021), and The Gathering Place, (2023). All highly recommended by David, and he describes them as “spectacularly written”.
In the episode, Mary talks about her 500-mile walk to raise awareness about the declining curlew population across the British Isles, her friendship with a famous musician, and her biggest inspirations.
How did you get to where you are now? And what sort of journey did you have?
My journey was convoluted, starting with studies in physics and earth sciences. I transitioned to natural history after being captivated by the subject through an old boyfriend, who studied animal behavior.
This led me to the BBC Natural History unit, where I worked as its first dual media producer. Later, my passion for environmental conservation grew, which ultimately inspired me to embark on the Curlew Walk, a 500-mile journey to raise awareness about the declining curlew population across the British Isles.
Were your interests in the natural world influenced by your parents?
Yes, my dad was interested in, everything. He was a wonderful sort of polymath, who instilled in me a love for exploration. Our walks together, including finding fossils, sparked my early fascination with the wonders of nature.
How did Curlew Moon come about?
Curlew Moon stemmed from documenting my 500-mile Curlew Walk, undertaken to investigate the drastic decline in curlew populations.
In the 1990s Southern Ireland had around between five and 7000 breeding pairs of curlews but when I did the Curlew Walk, there were about 130 breeding pairs left. In Wales, they were down from 3-4,000 pairs to 400.
These losses, which are jaw-dropping and devastating, propelled me on this walk, to dig down to find out what was going on. When I began to realise that the reason for the decline, the complexity of it, and see the interlocking of human needs and desires, with a bird just wanting to live its life, I was inspired to write the book.
Did you encounter curlews more frequently during your upbringing in the Peak District?
While curlews are synonymous with the Peak District, my childhood exposure to them remains a subconscious memory, although they were a significant part of the local landscape.
Your recent book, The Gathering Place, tells of your experiences walking the Camino de Santiago. What inspired this journey?
It’s a walk I’ve always wanted to do. It's massive. It's 500 miles.
As we came out of the first lockdown, it was this uncertain period, and life had changed a lot. The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage presented an opportunity to explore spirituality and nature amidst the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. It allowed me to reflect on the interconnectedness of the natural world and human experiences.
Do you have plans for another book?
While I have ideas for future books, time constraints are currently limiting my ability to pursue them!
How did you meet musician David Gray, and what role did he play in supporting your work?
David Gray is a lifelong naturalist with a genuine love for the natural world.
He has a particular fondness for curlews, drawn to their musical nature. During my solo efforts, I ran an online fundraiser to create a curlew field worker's toolkit. To my surprise, David Gray generously contributed to the cause, expressing his love for curlews and my book, Curlew Moon. His unwavering support demonstrates his integrity, intellectual passion, and emotional understanding, evident not only in his music but also in his commitment to conservation efforts.
You have a deep appreciation for poets like John Muir. How has his work influenced you?
I wrote the only British biography of John Muir, a 19th-century Scotsman.
He grew up in Dunbar, Scotland, before moving to Wisconsin with his family at age 11.
Despite a challenging upbringing, Muir had a deep love for nature. His transformative journey, including a 1,000-mile walk across America after the Civil War, led him to become a celebrated writer. Muir's writings inspire a love for nature and humanity, emphasising inclusivity and appreciation for all living beings. He remains a cherished figure for his spiritual connection to the natural world and his advocacy for conservation.
Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
Emphasising the importance of reconnecting with nature is crucial. Education and understanding of the natural world enable us to address environmental challenges effectively, fostering a deeper appreciation for our planet and our role in its preservation.