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 nature walks and hikes and fossil walks, she explores our connection with the natural world (see portfolio).
My new book!
My new book!
Planet Earth, a 4.5-billion-year story, my first book, tells the story of our planet and of life on Earth.
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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Biodiversity Hike, 15 August, Glen of the Downs
Celebrate Heritage Week with a guided hike through the beautiful Glen of the Downs, one of Wicklow’s most treasured native woodlands. In the height of summer, when wildflowers carpet the forest floor in the shade of native woodland, 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:
-Birdsong, wildflowers, 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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Deep time walk, Glendalough, 16 August, 10-1.45pm
On this guided walk, we will retrace Ireland's geological history and the lifeforms that existed here through time. Stopping to notice nature and biodiversity along the way, we will learn about what Ireland was like millions of years ago, and the catastrophic events that led to the rise and fall of volcanoes, oceans, ice sheets, and animals in Ireland, all the way to present day. Bring your curiosity and a desire to relax in nature.
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Earth Stories: Nature Writing Walk in Glendalough, 16 August, 3-6pm
On this guided nature writing walk through one of Ireland's most ancient and beautiful landscapes, you are invited to slow down, notice, and find your own words for what you see.
We will move gently through Glendalough and Derrybawn, pausing to learn about nature, landscape, and deep time. Through writing prompts, we will find ways of connecting with nature and geology in this evocative setting, and reflect on our natural heritage. No experience is needed. Nature writing begins with attention, and attention begins with simply being outside.
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Fossil Walks, Dublin coast, 22 August
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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![children and adults looking at fossils in rocks by the sea]()
Fossil Walks, 1 August, Dublin coast
Start August with a walk through millions of years along Dublin's coastline, between Portmarnock and Malahide. Together we will go fossil hunting! Guided by Anthea, an experienced science communicator with a PhD in Irish fossils (all about ammonoids, extinct relatives of squid and cuttlefish).
This event is open to children and adults. Booking essential! Spaces limited. Book early to avoid disappointment.
"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
“We joined Anthea and Koen on 10th Nov 2024 in Portmarnock for the Fossil Walk. It was an eye opener, hundreds of millions of years of history for us to discover.
My 10yr old son loved it, mostly because once he built up the courage to ask questions Anthea and Koen were very engaging and generous with their time.
I was amazed that after a couple of minutes of guidance the group could go and find fossils on our own. Once you found one, you then couldn’t stop finding them!
Highly recommend this for young and old.” David Power, Facebook Review
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
Irish Times video interview on Irish fossils
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 Wildlife Trust winning story
My story, “Meeting at the Hide”, won first prize in the Irish Wildlife Trust nature connection writing competition (2026).
Essay in Tamarind literary magazine, featuring tales of Eurasian jays, Italian marshes, and dazzling blue feathers.
In Search of Nature
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 on a fossil walk…
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.