WHAT’S ON – MARCH 2023
World Wildlife Day (March 3)
The theme for this year’s UN World Wildlife Day, which coincides with the 50th birthday of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), is ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’. It celebrates the planet’s wild animals and plants, along with conservation efforts at all levels, from intergovernmental to local partnerships.
International Women’s Day (March 8)
International Women’s Day encourages worldwide engagement and collective action in advancing women’s equality. It has been observed since the early 1900s and its symbolic colours are those of the suffragette movement (purple, green and white). This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity, a call to action for accelerating women’s equality through actively combatting discrimination and dismantling systemic injustice. At its heart, it’s about working collectively to ensure that “the future for girls is bright, equal, safe, and rewarding.”
Spring Equinox (March 20)
We have inched our way out of the depths of winter and it’s now officially the first day of astronomical spring. From this point of equilibrium, we have longer, warmer days to look forward to.
International Day of Forests (March 21)
Forests purify our water, clean our air, fight climate change by capturing carbon, provide food and life-saving medicines, improve our wellbeing… and the list goes on. Organise or join forest-friendly events such as tree plantings and art exhibitions. Join the conversation and share your favourite forest photos using #IntlForestDay.
BOOKS
Why Women Grow by Alice Vincent
“I wanted to know what had encouraged them to go out, work the soil, plant seeds and nurture them, even when so many other responsibilities sat upon their shoulders.” In Alice Vincent’s quest to find out why women grow, she shares stories that span motherhood and creativity, grief and retreat, progress and protest, and the complexities of womanhood. Published by Canongate on March 2 (£16.99).
Mud, Salt + Medicine
Julia Lawless inherited the knowledge of using plants, herbs and oils from her mother, a Finnish biochemist who was involved in researching essential oils and the healing potential of natural aromatics “long before the term ‘aromatherapy’ became fashionable.” In her latest book, she shares recipes for skincare and beauty treatments, and blends to boost energy, relieve stress and support sleep. Published by Welbeck Publishing Group on March 2 (£18.99).
Sensitive by Hannah Jane Walker
If you’ve ever been told you’re too sensitive and felt a flush of shame, you are not alone. According to research cited in Alice Jane Walker’s exploration into the role of sensitivity in our lives and wider society, around one fifth of the population could be classed as highly sensitive. In a society where sensitivity is frequently equated with weakness, being considered a highly sensitive person (an HSP) might not seem particularly desirable. In her book, Walker rewrites the story of sensitivity, turning a negative into a positive and shining a light on the strengths of this undervalued trait. Published by Aster on March 3 (£9.99).
The Long View by Richard Fisher
In an age that’s characterised by short-term thinking and dominated by rapid news cycles with attention-grabbing headlines, BBC journalist Ricard Fisher examines our relationship with time and explores the biases that discourage long-term thinking. He looks at how we can reorient our approach and recapture our far-sighted vision to tackle long-term challenges. Published by Wildfire on March 30 (£25).
- Lead picture credit: Delphine Gillard
