S1, E8: Wainwright Prize Shortlisted Author Paul Lamb on Writing, Nature and A Life in the Countryside

In this month’s episode, our host and bestselling author Theo Clarke speaks to writer and hedgelayer Paul Lamb about his book Of Thorn & Briar, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Wainwright Prize in 2025 and was an instant Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller.

They discuss: the origins of the book; his writing process; the craft of hedgelaying; supporting wildlife and climate resilience; rural life, tradition and modern agriculture; the rhythm of seasonal work; writing memoir and nature writing; balancing practical craft with reflective storytelling; and how writing has influenced his relationship with the landscape. Paul also shares his top tips for writing a book and his literary influences.

OF THORN & BRIAR

Of Thorn & Briar explores the craft of hedgelaying and a life lived close to the land. Following the rhythm of the seasons, the book reflects on the relationship between people, place and tradition, and considers the environmental and cultural significance of hedgerows in the British countryside.

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thorn-Briar-Year-Country-Hedgelayer/dp/1398535036

BIOGRAPHY

Paul Lamb was born in 1976. Four years later, he emigrated with his parents to New Zealand. It was here he first developed a love for the outdoors, spending much time in the wild places of the North Island. He returned to Britain in his teens and found employment as an itinerant farm labourer. In his early twenties, Paul took an apprenticeship with a Dorset woodsman in an isolated coppice and began his journey into woodsmanship. Paul has earned his living from the woodlands and hedgerows of the West Country ever since. This enthralling book celebrates the benefits of hedgerows and a way of living that has all but disappeared in recent decades. Following the rhythm of the seasons, Of Thorn & Briar describes Paul Lamb’s life on the road and the practical aspects of his craft, as he travels the South-West caring for an important but often forgotten part of the British countryside.

Follow @westcountry_hedgelayer

ABOUT THE HOST

Theo Clarke hosts ‘A Thread of One’s Own’ and the hit podcast ‘Breaking the Taboo’ which is in the Top 5% most listened to podcasts globally. She is the bestselling author of ‘Breaking the Taboo: Why We Need to Talk About Birth Trauma‘ which was shortlisted for the Westminster Book Awards. Theo was formerly the Member of Parliament for Stafford and won ‘Speech of the Year’ at the Parliamentarian of the Year Awards. She has been included multiple times in the Top 100 Women in Westminster list.