From the forest to you……

I live in the Wombat Forest, on a small bush block in Porcupine Ridge, near Daylesford. The block is grassy dry forest, on the edge of the Central Victorian Uplands, with Mount Franklin nearby. I live in a small house filled with books and animal ornaments with my husband and little poodle cross Valli. I have an aviary outside filled with rescue parrots – mainly budgies but also a cockatiel, a bourke’s parrot and two gorgeous Princess Parrots. All were surrendered, or lost… I love them! 

I have been a mad keen naturalist since I was six or so – with Gerald Durrell and David Attenborough my biggest influences as both naturalist and writer.

In 2013, I published a book called Daylesford Nature Diary: six seasons in the foothill forests. This book is a collection of nature diary articles, set to a specially devised local calendar, and illustrated beautifully throughout by Anne Mason. It also features photos kindly donated by naturalists across Victoria.

In 2024, I am thrilled to present my next book: Living with Wildlife: a guide for our homes and backyards.

For daily updates on local nature happenings, especially insects, plants and fungi – check out my Instagram page @tansnaturediary

Every fortnight I join Jonno Kendall on ABC Central Victoria – talking all things nature in our backyards!