Richard Jefferies (1848-1887) was an authority on agriculture and rural life. Best known for his nature writing, he was also an essayist, novelist and mystic. The Richard Jefferies Society (Registered Charity No 1042838) was founded in 1950 to promote appreciation and study of his writing. 

The main event is a spring lecture held in Liddington Village Hall in May along with the Annual General Meeting.  PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EVENT PLANNED FOR 9 MAY 2020 HAS BEEN CANCELLED ALONG WITH THE JOINT MEETING WITH THE FRIENDS OF ALFRED WILLIAMS ON 4 APRIL AND THE FRIENDS OF DYMOCK POETS ON 28 MARCH. 

Publications include an annual Journal, spring and autumn newsletters, and an annual report along with leaflets and books by and about the author.  This includes the publication of Volume I of A Peculiarly English Genius: a biography of Richard Jefferies by Andrew Rossabi (a planned three-volume set). Volume I is an in-depth study of Jefferies' early years.  Volume II, covering the years of struggle, will be published on 8 July 2020. Volume III completes the years of maturity 1876-1887.

Short-list announced for best nature writing literary award

The Richard Jefferies Society and the White Horse Book Shop Literary Prize is awarded annually to the author of the publication considered by the judging panel to be the most outstanding nature writing published in a given calendar year. The winning work must reflect the heritage and spirit of Richard Jefferies’ countryside books.

The final short-list for 2019 publications was announced today as:

The Hidden World of the Fox by  Adele Brand,  (William Collins).

Incredible Journeys by David Barrie, (Hodder and Stoughton).

The Nature of Spring by Jim Crumley, (Saraband).

On the Marsh by Simon Barnes, (Simon and Schuster).

Rebirding by Benedict MacDonald (Pelagic Publishing).

Working with Nature by Jeremy Purseglove (Profile Books).

The award was first introduced in 2015. Last year attracted an unprecedented number of nominations reflecting the increasing number of books dedicated to the natural world.

Previous winners are: Gods of the Morning by John Lister-Kaye (2015), The Wood for the Trees by Richard Fortey (2016) The Seabird's Cry by Adam Nicolson (2017) and Wilding by Isabella Tree (2018).

The judging panel will meet on 3 June 2020 to agree and announce the overall winner of the £1000 prize.

The White Horse Bookshop has pledged to plant a tree for every short-listed book sold from its  shop in Marlborough until the winner is announced.

Richard Jefferies -- his life and work in Cirencester