Since the short-list was announced I’ve been torn. Two of my absolute favourite nature writers – Stephen Moss and Amy-Jane Beer – had books on the list. And I wanted them both to win.

It was reading an earlier book of Stephen’s – Wild Hares and Hummingbirds – which inspired me to become a nature writer and it’s a total honour being his colleague and friend. So he’s not only an engaging, thoughtful and knowledgeable writer whose enthusiasm for the natural world is infectious, Stephen is fantastically inspiring mentor who makes anything seem possible.

And it was talking to Amy-Jane Beer about nature writing while the book – The Flow – was in progress that helped me define what kind of nature writer I wanted to be. There is both a lyricism and precision in Amy’s nature writing which I will always be aspiring to achieve. And, like Stephen, she’s a kind, generous and supportive member of the nature writing community.

And last night the winner was announced. It was brilliant to hear that Amy had won the prize for The Flow. Just a shame Stephen didn’t get the highly commended…

Two lovely books to read for September.