Sherlock & Pages is a small independent bookshop in Frome, Somerset owned by Luke Sherlock and Agathe Cavicchioli. We opened our doors in October 2023. Both Luke and Agathe worked in the field of climate change mitigation and sustainability before making the decision to open the book shop. Whilst Agathe continues to work full time for an environmental NGO, Luke runs Sherlock & Pages on a day-to-day basis. After Luke experienced an intense bout of climate anxiety the couple were prompted to take the leap with the shop and create a positive place for community building, discussion and understanding on environmental topics.
Why is nature writing so important to you?
Nature writing is at the heart of Sherlock & Pages because of a desire to see the natural world valued, protected, and restored. Such books provide a gateway into a whole range of topics which readers can be inspired and moved by. Luke and Agathe are also keen long-distance walkers. Indeed, the initial idea for the bookshop was kindled on the footpaths of England and the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route across the north of Spain. To immerse yourself in beautiful landscapes, whether these be physical or literary, is to find time for solace and reflection. Sherlock & Pages is therefore an outlet to share a range of passions with the world. “Long Live the Hedgerows” is the shop tagline and a hibernating dormouse logo. The natural world runs through everything Sherlock & Pages does.
Why does the Wainwright Prize matter to you?
The Wainwright Prize is a wonderful way to shine a light on some of the most important literature of our times. If you look at the long and short lists down the years, so many ideas are discussed and articulated by authors, whether these be on ocean health or food systems, climate impacts or hedgerow restoration. From the small local scale to works of global synthesis, so much is in these books. There are a variety of entry points, from those seeking a bit of escapism and wonder, to others who want to inform their political activism and policy knowledge. What’s more, it’s been interesting to observe how the nature writing section of mainstream bookshops is expanding. No doubt, the Wainwright Prize has played a significant role in this, which contributed to building a culture of positive change and awareness – something we aim to do through Sherlock & Pages too.
What’s your stand-out nature book of the last 10 years for ‘Nature’, ‘Conservation’ and ‘Childrens’?
Amy Liptrot – The Outrun
Guy Shrubsole – The Lost Rainforests of Britain
David Lindon and Sara Boccaccini Meadows – Fly