THE HEART OF THE WOODS
FROM THE WINNER OF THE ROGER DEAKIN AWARD
Throughout history, trees have determined the tools we use, the boats we build, the stories we tell about the world and ourselves, the songs we sing, and some of our most important rituals. As such, our lives are intertwined with those of the trees and woodlands around us.
In this journey deep into the woods, Wyl Menmuir travels the length and breadth of Britain and Ireland to meet the people who plant trees, the ecologists who study them, those who shape beautiful objects and tools from wood, and those who use them to help others. Wyl also explores our enduring relationship with trees and what it might look like in the future.
Comprising insightful conversations with makers, crafters, bodgers and foresters, The Heart of The Woods will delight anyone who enjoys walking among the trees, and anyone who, when lost, has found themselves in the woods.
Wyl Menmuir
Wyl Menmuir is a multi-award winning author based in Cornwall. His 2016 debut novel, The Many was longlisted for the Booker Award and was an Observer Best Fiction of the year pick. His second novel, Fox Fires was published in 2021 and his short fiction has been published by the BBC, Nightjar Press, Kneehigh Theatre and National Trust Books, and has appeared in Best British Short Stories. Wyl's first full-length non fiction book, The Draw of the Sea, won the Roger Deakin Award from the Society of Authors and a Holyer an Gof Award. His second non fiction book, The Heart of The Woods, was released in 2024.
A former journalist, Wyl has written for Radio 4, The Guardian and The Observer. He is a course leader for Curtis Brown Creative, co-creator of the Cornish writing centre, The Writers’ Block and is a senior lecturer in creative writing at Falmouth University.
Born in Stockport in 1979, Wyl now lives on Cornwall's north coast with his wife and two children. When he is not writing or teaching writing, Wyl enjoys messing around in boats.
BOOKS
TEACHING AND MENTORING
When I am not writing I do a lot of both teaching and mentoring. My roles include:
Lecturer on the MA Professional Practice in Creative Writing at Falmouth University.
Lead writer at The Writers' Block Cornwall.
Reader and mentor for Curtis Brown Creative.
Course leader at Arvon Foundation, where I teach on residential fiction and non fiction courses.
Associate literacy consultant for National Literacy Trust.
I also offer mentoring and manuscript assessment when I have space and time.