The Portico announces new Rambler in Residence and exciting series of radical walks

The Portico has announced that author and nature writer Anita Sethi will become the venue’s new Rambler in Residence from March to June.

As part of this latest season, Anita has curated an exciting series of radical walks and events exploring protest, the right to roam, wellbeing and access to nature.

Anita was born in Manchester where her love of walking and nature first flourished, in wild urban spaces. She is the author of the acclaimed book I Belong Here: a Journey Along the Backbone of Britain.

The Portico Library’s Events Producer and historian, Dr Debbie Challis said: “Anita has developed the themes in her powerful writing about nature and walking for wellbeing, as well as who can walk where, into a series of creative walk-write workshops and stimulating events. We are really pleased that we can explore the benefits of walking, and writing about walking or reading rambles, with more people through this dynamic series.”

The walks mark the beginning of Spring, Earth Day, protest and the right to roam and the Summer solstice with events that explore related themes in literature, including in the work of Elizabeth Gaskell and Jane Austen with Elizabeth Gaskell House and Jane Austen House.

The role of walking for women as a radical act will be further explored in a panel event and The Manchester Rambler and the ongoing fight for the right to roam and appreciate nature will be marked in a special folk music evening. The series will culminate in the headliner of an online in-conversation between Anita and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas.

The walks will take place in different parts of (mainly) central Manchester. Joining directions will be provided on booking. You can see the full list of upcoming events here.