Nature Tales & Trails
Anthea Lacchia is a writer specialising in nature, science, and geology. With a PhD in palaeontology, and words published in The Guardian, Nature and many other outlets, she is the author of Planet Earth (DK) and other upcoming books. Through books and articles, as well as carefully designed walks and hikes, she explores our connection with the natural world (see portfolio).
My upcoming book!
My upcoming book!
Planet Earth, a 4.5-billion-year story, my first book, tells the story of our planet and of life on Earth.
Planet Earth is published by DK in April 2026.
https://dk.com/products/9780241716878-planet-earth-a-4-5-billion-year-story
This book tells the story of life on our planet, from its humble beginnings to present-day lifeforms. From giant millipedes, to grumbling triceratops, hungry sloths, frozen mammoths, and tentacled ammonites, travel back in time through the history of life on Earth, and the mass extinctions that shook our planet. This is a book for anyone interested in Earth and its stories.
Connect to nature and landscape
A small number of carefully designed walks and seasonal experiences are offered throughout the year: from fossils, to deep time, these guided walks reveal the hidden stories of nature and landscape beneath our feet, and offer different ways of engaging and connecting with the natural world.
Reading the landscape: upcoming walks & hikes
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![a person sitting beside a river]()
Renewal Retreat - mindful hike + sauna, 4 April, Glendalough
Join us this spring for a nourishing day in nature, celebrating renewal, light, and the gentle awakening of the season in one of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes - Glendalough and Derrybawn Mountain. Spring is a time of transition - a soft yet powerful shift from the stillness of winter into growth, possibility, and new beginnings. Together, we’ll honour this seasonal turning point by slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and creating space for fresh energy in our lives.
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Derrybawn & Glendalough, Wicklow
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![people pointing at fossils on a walk]()
Fossil Walks, Dublin coast, 23 May
This Biodiversity Week, join us for a walk through millions of years along Dublin's coastline, between Portmarnock and Malahide. Together we will go fossil hunting!
This event is open to children and adults - booking essential as spaces are limited.
What people are saying:
"We had a very enjoyable & informative walk along the beach in Portmarnock with Anthea on Sunday. She opened our eyes to the fossils in the rocks which we had never noticed before. Anthea patiently explained how it came about & what to look for. A young member in the group became an "expert" at spotting beautiful examples in the rocks. We are looking forward to joining her on future walks." Peter Curran, Facebook review
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![bluebells on a forest floor]()
Biodiversity Hike, 17 May, Glen of the Downs
Celebrate Biodiversity Week with a guided hike through the beautiful Glen of the Downs, one of Wicklow’s most treasured native woodlands. In the freshness of late spring, when bluebells carpet the forest floor and the scent of wild garlic lingers in the air, we’ll explore this rich and ancient valley together. This immersive walk is an opportunity to slow down, observe closely, and deepen your understanding of Ireland’s native trees and plants in one of their most vibrant seasons. We’ll also uncover the fascinating geological story of how this dramatic valley and the surrounding landscape were formed.
Run by qualified guides: Anthea (geologist, mountain leader, writer) and Kamila (botanist, certified forest bathing guide, lowland leader)
What to Expect:
-Bluebells, wild garlic, and native woodland plants
-Native trees: learn to recognise Ireland’s woodland species.
-Landscape stories about how the valley formed and the geology of the surrounding area.
-Slow exploration: a relaxed pace with moments to observe and connect.
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![people looking over Glendalough]()
Beltane retreat, Mindful hike & sauna, 3 May, Glendalough & Derrybawn
Join us for a nourishing Beltane (May Day) Retreat in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains on 3 May, as we gather to celebrate the beginning of summer, and our deepening connection with nature and the land through a mindful hike and riverside sauna.
What’s included:
A mindful hike at a gentle pace led by qualified guides.
Forest bathing and Beltane-themed reflection stops.
Nature learning, including insights into Glendalough’s famous landscape.
Time to notice wildflowers, birds, and early-summer sounds and sights.
A private riverside sauna session with optional cold-water dips.
Beltane-inspired nature craft by the fire and a calming tea ceremony.
About Nature Tales & Trails
Nature Tales & Trails was founded by Dr Anthea Lacchia, a writer specialising in science and nature, and a science communicator. With a degree in geology and a PhD in palaeontology from Trinity College Dublin, as well as a master’s degree in science communication from Imperial College London, she has previously worked as a journalist and in academic research. Her writing has appeared in The Guardian, Nature, Research Professional, and several children’s and adult books as well as literary journals. She is the author of Planet Earth (DK, 2026), and other upcoming books including An Anthology of Gemstones, and Geography in Graphics. Anthea offers guided outdoor experiences (as a qualified mountain and lowland leader) that deepen connection to Ireland's landscape and wildlife, telling stories about nature and science, from fossils to ancient volcanoes and mountains. For writing samples, including books and research papers, visit the Portfolio section of the website.
Some featured work
In this Irish Times video, I speak about Irish ancient organisms and their link to the current biodiversity crisis. We also hear from other palaeontologists and visit Fanore Beach, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Irish Times video interview on Irish fossils
Irish Wildlife Trust winning story
After the fox hunt, by Enagh Farrell (2025/2026), watercolour and pencil.
My story, “Meeting at the Hide”, won first prize in the Irish Wildlife Trust nature connection writing competition (2026).
In Search of Nature
Essay in Tamarind literary magazine, featuring tales of Eurasian jays, Italian marshes, and dazzling blue feathers.
Prism of Research brochure
This booklet, written to accompany a conference organised by the “Good Science Project” in Imperial College London, reflected on the many dimensions of research culture and academic life.
Some of the outlets and publications I've written for.
Interested in writing services and books?
Nature connection
The focus of our fossil walks and hikes is on connecting to nature and landscape, so we adopt a relaxed pace and enjoy our surroundings.
Take a walk through deep time…
Nature and geology walks and fossil walks are an opportunity to discover something new. Want to learn more about Ireland's wonderful geology, flora and fauna? From the landscape past and present, to birdsong, or extinct animals lurking in the rocks we stand on, our outdoor experiences invite you to connect with nature using a variety of methods, from using the senses, to writing and journaling. Get in touch to arrange a nature walk or fossil walk suited to your interests.