Clarion call How human neurodiversity could help save nature

When Joe Harkness received a message from a friend about macerating moth abdomens to check their genitalia to identify the species, it sparked an idea for a book about wildlife obsessions. But over time, this developed into a different book – a clarion call to embrace neurodiversity in the fight against the extinction crisis.

- Patrick Barkham

Across Britain, 15% of people are thought to be neurodiverse. In the process of writing Neurodivergent, by Nature, Harkness discovered that an estimated 30% of conservation employees are neurodiverse. Why?

"People like myself, especially those who are undiagnosed, probably found nature was their balm from a mental health perspective," said Harkness, speaking beneath a peaceful ancient oak tree close to his home in rural Norfolk. "The other thing is – we're different from what we'd define as neurotypical people. Therefore we like more odd things. Special interests. Nature lends itself to people who are different."

He interrupted his explanation by repeatedly spotting micro-moths – his latest special interest – zipping across the path. "Did you see that? Is it a yellow shell? No, it's another one of those mother of pearl moths. Sorry. They're everywhere."

Harkness teaches children with autism and other neurodiversities. But he did not suspect he had ADHD until a fellow teacher said she thought he had. It took six years to obtain a formal diagnosis and access to medication that he has found extremely helpful – alongside his passion for the natural world.

Naturalists such as the broadcaster Chris Packham and the writer Dara McAnulty have flown the flag for neurodiversity in the environmental sector but Harkness interviewed dozens of less celebrated conservationists who have undertaken pioneering work.

Harkness, whose debut book Bird Therapy was a surprise self-published hit, explains why neurodivergent people can prosper in ecological jobs. But he also makes a strong case for the natural world needing a neurodiverse cohort of people to save it.