Joe Harkness
Exploring the connection between the natural world and our mental wellbeing.
About Joe
Joe Harkness is a highly acclaimed author, speaker, and mental health advocate; known for his insightful explorations of the transformative power of nature. Drawing from his personal experiences with mental health challenges, Joe discovered solace and resilience in the natural world, particularly through bird watching. This journey led to his groundbreaking debut, Bird Therapy, which swiftly became a bestseller, inspiring countless readers to find their own peace in the natural world.
His subsequent works, Inside Outside and Neurodivergent by Nature continue to delve into the intricate relationship between our inner landscapes and the external natural environment. Joe’s writing is characterised by its honesty, empathy, and practical guidance, making complex topics accessible and relatable. He champions the idea that connecting with nature isn’t just a hobby, but a vital tool for cultivating a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Through his books, talks, and workshops, Joe hopes to empower individuals to harness the therapeutic benefits of nature, fostering greater self-awareness, reducing stress, and finding joy in the wonders of the natural world around us.
Joe Harkness has written for a variety of publications, including The Guardian, iNews, Eastern Daily Press and the Observer as well as BBC Wildlife Magazine, Birdwatching magazine, Birdwatch magazine, The Curlew, The Wildlife Trusts and the Outdoor Guide.
He works as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and Lead Teacher. In this role, he leads and coordinates provisions for pupils with special educational needs in a specialist schools working with young, marginalized people, including those who are autistic, helping them connect with nature to build emotional literacy and manage their feelings.
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Books
Joe Harkness is a distinctive voice in contemporary nature writing with an ability to weave deeply personal experiences with broader insights into the connection between humans and nature. With a background rooted in his own journey of discovery and resilience, Joe’s work offers a fresh and honest perspective and an examination of how we can use the natural world to shape our experiences, heal, and understand our own minds better.
Neurodivergent by Nature
The book explores the vital connection between neurodiversity and the natural world. Building on his own ADHD diagnosis, Joe investigates how nature profoundly benefits neurodivergent individuals, offering sensory stimulation, fostering curiosity, and enabling connections with like-minded people.
The book weaves Joe’s personal story with those of other neurodivergent individuals who find solace and purpose in nature, often leading them to nature-related careers. He highlights the societal barriers they face in education and employment, advocating for inclusivity and necessary adjustments. Ultimately, Harkness argues that embracing neurodiversity is crucial, as the unique talents and passions of neurodivergent people can significantly enrich communities and workplaces, emphasizing a symbiotic relationship between human neurodiversity and biodiversity.
Publication Date: July 31, 2025
ISBN: 9781399413367 (Hardback)
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Where to buy:
Inside/Outside
Inside/Outside: A Nature-Themed Resource Book for Embedding Emotional Literacy
A unique educational resource designed to foster emotional literacy in secondary school-aged young people. Divided into three key sections – emotions and feelings; self and situation; and mental health and wellbeing – the book offers a wealth of tried-and-tested activities.
For each theme, Joe provides both “inside” activities, encouraging self-reflection and empathy, and “outside” activities, which leverage nature and outdoor learning. Adaptable to any outdoor space, these activities can be used individually or sequentially. The core aim is to equip young people with tangible skills to recognize, identify, and express their emotions, making it an invaluable guide for teachers, youth workers, and anyone seeking to promote introspection and a connection with nature.
Publication Date: September 28, 2023
ISBN: 9781032364445
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Where to buy:
Bird Therapy
Reclaim your peace, One bird at a time.
In Bird Therapy, Joe Harkness shares a deeply personal story of how bird watching became a lifeline during a period of severe anxiety and depression. More than just a memoir, the book offers a unique blend of personal narrative, insight, and practical advice on how to engage with nature for improved mental health, quiet the mind, appreciate the present moment, and find a renewed sense of purpose. An uplifting and essential read for anyone seeking solace in the natural world.
ISBN Hardback: 9781783527724, 1783527722. Publication dates June 13, 2019
ISBN Paperback: 9781783528981, 17835289822
. Publication dates April 16, 2020
Publisher: Unbound
Where to buy:
Reviews
Neurodivergent by Nature
“A persuasive and passionate book that explains the vitally important connections to be made with nature that can radically improve neurodivergent lives (and everyone else’s too).” – Robin Ince.
“A fascinating and necessary book. Joe Harkness captures the deep connection between neurodivergent people and the natural world.” – Katherine May
“A humane and timely perspective into our relationship with the natural world. Joe Harkness writes with a rare authority and insight. The scales should fall from all our eyes.”– Jon Dunn
“A fascinating insight into how nature works for neurodivergent folk, and how neurodivergent folk work for nature. What a wonderful symbiosis.”– Kate Bradbury
“Truly enlightening – I learned such a lot.”– Melissa Harrison
“A thoughtful, well‑researched and very powerful call for diversity and inclusivity, for the benefit of both people and nature.” – Stephen Moss
Inside/Outside
“I couldn’t wait to start trying out Joe’s ideas which take personal development beyond the classroom … Joe’s breadth, depth and clear ‘how tos’ make this book indispensable.” – Pooky Knightsmith, Mental Health Ambassador & Educator
“There are so many fantastic ideas in Inside/Outside that Schools can implement … helping to support, boost young people’s health and wellbeing.” – Edd Moore, Award‑Winning Primary School Teacher & Eco Coordinator
“Joe Harkness is a force of nature. Full stop … He challenges the reader to identify their own triggers to an emotional response. … A must read.” – Darren Hollingsworth, Principal, Cromer Academy
“Inside/Outside is written with insight on so many levels – it is perceptive, intuitive, and shines with his love for the natural world and the power it contains for positive change.” – Jon Dunn, Author
Bird Therapy
“I can’t remember the last book I read that I could say with absolute assurance would save lives. But this one will.” – Chris Packham
“Fabulously direct and truthful, filled with energy but devoid of self-pity… I was impressed and enchanted. Highly recommended.” – Stephen Fry
“A manifesto for transformation, Bird Therapy is inclusive, unpretentious and evangelical in the best way.” – Melissa Harrison
“This is a generous, honest and gently inspirational book, a touching exploration of the solace we find in neighbourhood nature. Beginners at birdwatching and beginners at life – all of us – can learn something from Joe Harkness.” – Patrick Barkham
“An antidote to the stress and confusion of modern life. This is an honest, warm and positive guide to decompression… one bird at a time.” – Nick Baker
“Gripping, funny, moving and at times brutally honest… One of the most important books I have read for a long time.” – Stephen Moss
Events and talks
Joe Harkness is a sought-after speaker, delivering engaging and inspiring talks on topics ranging from the benefits of nature for mental health to the unique perspective of neurodivergence in the outdoors. Whether for corporate events, literary festivals, or community groups, Joe’s presentations are always insightful, relatable, and often moving.