BBC journalist and environmentalist Rory Spowers wanted to finally live his dream and abandon life in London for a more ecologically sustainable lifestyle. Moving with his wife and two toddler sons to a 60-acre abandoned tea estate in Sri Lanka, Rory sets out to create a model organic farm there and earn his livelihood from the land. The fascinating story begins with the tsunami and Rory's sudden involvement with the relief efforts, and charts the course of his adventures over 12 months culminating in the launch of his new business (making a living by selling the produce he grows). It chronicles the highs and lows of this radical change, and reveals what it takes to live a sustainable life. It will also include tips for those of you who wish to live a more environmentally friendly life. Spowers' writing in 'Three Men on a Bike', which recounted his story of buying the Goodies' bicycle and riding it across Africa for charity, was compared with Bryson, Palin and Hawks' for his storytelling, humour and intrepid spirit. Spowers' narrative brims with adventure, harrowing moments, and small triumphs as he comes to know the people and the land and works toward creating his dream of a sustainable, model forest garden.

About the Author

Rory Spowers is an environmental writer and broadcaster whose last book, Rising Tides, was critically acclaimed by The Sunday Times and The Observer (May 2002). Rory also has a background as a travel writer, and previously worked as a researcher, developing environmental documentaries for TV. In 2002, Rory co-founded The Web of Hope (www.thewebofhope.com), a UK registered charity compiling an expanding on-line database of role models for sustainability, social justice and positive change.

Prizes

/ Lead title BBC journalist and environmentalist Rory Spowers wanted to finally live his dream and abandon life in London for a more ecologically sustainable lifestyle. Moving with his wife and two toddler sons to a 60-acre abandoned tea estate in Sri Lanka, Rory sets out to create a model organic farm there and earn his livelihood from the land. / There will be endorsements from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Zac Goldsmith. / Rory has a good media profile already which will be increased with extensive publicity around publication. His diary was featured in a four page feature in the Telegraph magazine. / To be supported with marketing activity including 3rd party partnerships initiatives with the Sri Lanka tourist board, ethcial travel companies and ecological organisations. Strong online D2C opportunities including working with author website. / Rory's website, The Web of Hope (WoH) (www.thewebofhope.com), is a UK registered charity compiling an expanding on-line database of role models for sustainability, social justice and positive change. This database provides the basis for an educational roadshow performed in schools and allows extensive D2C initiatives with his information hungry fan base. / Rory is working on a documentary for television about his experience. / Strong appeal for anyone who has wanted to abandon the urban grind and live a more idealistic life elsewhere. / Competition: Driving over Lemons Under the Tuscan Sun A Year in Provence

Reviews

"Rory Spowers writes with candour and wit about the agony and ecstasy of trying to live the green dream with his young family in an abandoned Sri Lankan tea plantation...Inspiring stuff." Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall "This is a book of great charm and warmth that captures perfectly the restless spirit of all of us. I heartily recommend it." Tim Smit, co-founder of The Eden Project