Chris Hamilton developed his love of nature while living by the River Lea in Wheathampstead from the age of 15, canoeing up and down the river observing birds and animals in tranquillity .

Now that he is retired and living in North London he travels to Wales and the Lake District whenever he can, for the amazing scenery and more inspiration.

His love of nature coupled with his life in the city providing limitless inspiration, Hamilton’s wonder and awe at the world around him is infectious, willing the reader to see the dark beauty in the natural world around us; whether it’s the simplistic elegance of a flock of starlings or the tangible mysticism of a woodland stream. Each of the poems has been brought to life through the delicate, high contrast, line art of Joanna Scott.