Dara McAnulty: The Author

As this is a biography book too, for me it is important to understand who is Dara McAnulty.

Dara is a 17-year-old teenager based and was born in Northern Ireland. He is a naturalist activist and a writer. he is also on the autism spectrum. He had a blog for 3 years before publishing his book. On both of them, he showed his relation to nature as a conservationist. Dara lives with his mum, dad, brother Lorcan, sister Bláthnaid and rescue greyhound Rosie in County Down, Northern Ireland.

'Dara is a passionate and fervent campaigner for the natural world and a dedicated fundraiser, volunteer and wildlife recorder. Dara is a prolific environmental campaigner and has worked with Chris Packham, the Royal Society Protection of Birds, the National Trust and the Wildlife Trusts. He is an ambassador for the RSPCA and the Jane Goodall Institute.'

He is in high demand for conferences and events which focus on the challenges our world faces, in its disconnection from nature.

Autism and Nature (his voice)

"Nature was the source of all wonder and curiosity to me. Every part filled me with a desire to learn more and now that I can understand it, feel connected to a world that was overwhelming and confusing. Nature was and is as big a part of me as my own heartbeat – it governs the beat of the best part of me. I was diagnosed with autism, like my siblings. The city was too much. After we moved from Belfast, we discovered quiet places so alive with wildlife.

"I thought people might like to hear my thoughts, but mostly I wanted to have a journal of sorts, where all my collection of days and moments could be in one place. A place where I could express myself and feel a freedom to ‘speak’, a freedom which life couldn’t quite give me, in real-time. I started my blog in June 2016 and have had extraordinary opportunities. I want people to know though, that those who are autistic or Asperger’s can achieve things – in a nurtured environment especially if it’s related to something you love and feel passionately about. People are out there, waiting to help and support us, keep looking if you haven’t found the right person or place.

"I volunteer with my local Red Squirrel Group, record sightings and monitor Hen Harriers with Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group and I organise wildlife awareness displays for schools and organisations. I’m also a young bat worker and help my dad with the many rescue bats which he brings home. I’m a proud Scouter and I was awarded the Chief Scout Award in July 2017, for my service to environmental work. In June 2017 I was awarded the BBC Springwatch Unsprung Wildlife Hero Award. The highlight…when Chris Packham said I was his ‘hero’ too. I’ve also appeared on BBC Northern Ireland’s ‘Homeground’ to promote my local area and its biodiversity. I’ve given quite a few talks now and every time, it gets easier! I speak at conferences and events – speaking about how to engage young people in nature and conservation.

"Writing about Asperger’s and how nature has helped me cope with my difficulties and differences is really important to me because through the rays of positivity. I hope to further grow and spread the message of environmental awareness, local biodiversity and conservation through my writing and campaigning in the future. Words, as a means of communication and compassion, have become incredibly important to me.

"I couldn’t do all of these things alone. I’m lucky to have amazing people who support and mentor me. I would be lost without their knowledge and understanding. Special thanks to my family... Thanks also to all the young naturalists and conservationists who inspire me and decrease those feelings of isolation that we sometimes feel – as young people with specialised interests.

One big positive about having Autism? We never give up, we keep going until the job is done. Protecting nature will never be done, so we need more people…like me.

My passion is involving young people, showing my excitement for nature and seeing their eyes light up too – it’s magical and necessary if we are going to solve the many ecological problems we now face.

source: www.daramcanulty.com

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