
Patrick Barkham
Patrick Barkham is a renowned British journalist and author, celebrated for his insightful writing on natural history and environmental issues. He is a regular contributor to The Guardian, where he explores the intricacies of wildlife and the importance of biodiversity. Through his engaging narratives, Barkham raises awareness about the often-overlooked roles of invertebrates and other small creatures in our ecosystems, encouraging readers to appreciate the wonders of nature. His recent work includes coverage of the Invertebrate of the Year contest, highlighting the resilience of microscopic life forms like Milnesium tardigradum, which embodies hope in times of ecological distress.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
In The Butterfly Isles, the Guardian writer Patrick Barkham wrote about the curse of the purple emperor.
I used to embrace my manic episodes – until a therapist’s advice set me straight, and out on a butterfly hunt | Claire JacksonPatrick Barkham writes for the Guardian on natural history.
It’s heroic, hardy and less than a millimetre long: meet the 2025 invertebrate of the year | Patrick Barkham

