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), An Anthology of Gems (DK, November 2026) 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 upcoming children's book!

My upcoming children's book!

A book titled 'An anthology of gems' by Dr Anthea Lacchia

An Anthology of gems is out November 5th 2026!

My second book after Planet Earth (2026), An Anthology of Gems invites young readers on a thrilling journey through the world of precious stones, from deep red rubies and ocean-blue sapphires to opalescent moonstones and sparkling emeralds. Uncover the secrets behind every stone's sparkle, how it forms beneath the earth's surface, and is enriched by the myths and meaning that make it timeless.

Learn more:

https://dk.com/products/9780241819692-an-anthology-of-gems

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.

October 10

Biodiversity hike, Wicklow

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October 30

Fossil Walks, Dublin Coast

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November 1

Samhain Retreat: mindful hike and sauna

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November 7

Fossil walks, Dublin coast

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November 8

Deep Time walk, Glendalough

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November 12

Fossil walks, Dublin city centre

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Reading the landscape: upcoming walks & hikes

Anthea with a backpack holding a small book, standing outdoors in front of a stone wall and greenery.

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.

A person sitting at a white desk with a computer keyboard, mouse, and notepad, reading a book titled 'Planet Earth', with a window in the background and various objects like rocks and an ammonite soft toy on the desk.

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:

Collection of logos from various news organizations, including Research Professional News, Penguin Random House, BBC Digital Planet, The Guardian, The Irish Times, Nature, RTÉ Brainstorm, and The Journal, arranged in a collage.

Interested in writing services and books?

Nature connection

A woman wearing beige pants, a beige shirt, and a navy vest, sits on a moss-covered rock in a forest, looking through binoculars into the forest canopy.

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…

People walking along a rocky shoreline with a body of water and an island in the background under a cloudy sky.

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.


Our walks and hikes are rated Excellent on Trustpilot: read the reviews here.