Fingers in the Sparkle Jar

Chris Packham’s evocative memoir of his boyhood has enraptured readers. Recalling the the summers of his youth, Packham brings to life his unhappy, lonely childhood and touching relationship with his kestrel.

Our editor Fergus says: “Chris Packham’s moving and painfully honest account of a troubled 1970s childhood – alleviated in part by magical encounters with wildlife – has clearly connected with a wide audience and is a deserving winner of this award.”

Second place: The Outrun

Another personal memoir, Amy Liptrot’s account of her journey from alcoholism in London to salvation in her Orkney homelands pays tribute to the healing power of nature. It has already garnered several awards.