Anna
Turns
Environmental journalist
Listen now
Sixty Second Stories
In 2023, I launched my weekly mini-series, Sixty Second Stories, to distil some of the biggest sustainability, climate and biodiversity issues down into fun and catchy one-minute recordings. So far, so good – feedback has already included: ‘a cracking 60 secs’, ‘awesome bitesize information’, ‘a beautiful initiative’ and my favourite response: ‘Anna, congrats. Less is indeed more. Compelling and insightful. It’s challenging to get anyone’s attention these days. You succeed.’
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1: A is for ants
3: Chemical catalysts
2: Winter wonderings
4: Ocean treasures
“The South West is my patch but my writing is without borders.”
About me
I specialise in crafting features and radio documentaries about sustainability, from climate change and renewable energy to marine issues, food and farming. My first book, Go Toxic Free: Easy and Sustainable Ways to Reduce Chemical Pollution, was published in 2022, and I enjoy presenting episodes of BBC Radio 4’s Costing the Earth series.
As a freelance journalist and Oxford University biology graduate, I combine my passion for storytelling and my curiosity about the natural world to write inspiring, intelligent content for many national publications including The Guardian, BBC Future, Positive News and Riverford’s Wicked Leeks. I’ve never missed a deadline. With rigorous reporting skills and a keen eye for imagery, my work focuses on progress, innovation and solutions. Constructive journalism is a thread that runs through all of my work.
I’m an assessor for the Cambridge Institute of Sustainable Leadership on the Communicating for Impact and Influence online course. I have taught journalism undergraduates at Plymouth Marjon University. I’m an active member of the Guild of Food Writers, Women in Journalism and National Union of Journalists and also mentor early career journalists. I also sit on the integrity council for Provenance which aims to combat greenwashing and create standards that better enable transparency. I’m passionate about environmental education and the importance of a strong connection to the landscape and coast.
New book
Easy and Sustainable Ways to Reduce Chemical Pollution
Publishing on
20 January 2022
“Honest yet inspiring, Go Toxic Free empowers us to take positive action today.”
Lucy Siegle
I work for:
In August 2017, I founded my own campaign ‘Plastic Clever Salcombe’ to inspire more of us to think responsibly about single-use plastics – we award local cafés, hotels, restaurants and pubs doing their bit to reduce plastic straws, drinks bottles, cutlery, takeaway coffee cups and carrier bags. We’ve signed up more than 60 local businesses. We work with schools and see how empowered children become once they understand the simple solutions to the problem of ocean plastic.
“My work is my passion and it is personal… I want people to connect with how I write and what I write about.”
It’s all about the environment
Drawing on my scientific background, storytelling skills and passion for interviewing contributors, I focus on delving deeper into sustainability. That could be by finding out more about someone’s connection to the coast, investigating issues from within the fishing industry or communicating the latest plastic pollution research, all in a simple and accessible way, I love discovering new stories. The food and drink scene also has a wealth of sustainability connections, from artisan cheese-making to the rise in demand for Brixham’s ‘black gold’ cuttlefish and the provenance of high-welfare meat. I also regularly review hotels and B&B’s across the region for Telegraph Travel.
My work
Sustainability
From ocean health to innovative ways of creating a more circular economy, I write authoritatively about the environment.
Food & Drink
I go beyond what’s on a plate and explore what provenance, traceability and seasonality mean to creative chefs and artisan producers.
People & places
Often getting stuck in alongside traditional craftspeople, watersports instructors and inspirational entrepreneurs, I tell the fascinating stories about people and their connection to the landscape.
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
― Jacques Cousteau
What editors are saying
“I have commissioned Anna Turns on numerous occasions to write for Coast magazine and found her to be skilled, professional and brimming with creative ideas. She has expert knowledge of the Devon area, but can apply her skills to any writing brief. She is also a delight to work with.”
“I can’t recommend Anna enough. She is exceptionally professional, comes up with wonderful ideas, has a great tone and speaks with expert authority. And, rather importantly, she is actually a pleasure to work with too!
“Apart from producing well-researched, accurate writing to deadline, Anna always takes the time to find fresh new ways of approaching her subjects and she combines this with a keen eye for imagery.”
“Anna is a true creative who has a wonderful way with words. She is always fun to work with and has an obvious passion for the food and drink industry, sustainability, and of course, her writing. If you’re looking for a fresh, intelligent and original take on a story, ask Anna!”
“Anna has written some excellent, well-researched ‘eco’ features for Reclaim magazine, always to brief and deadline. She’s an absolute pleasure to work with.”
To contact me use the form below or call 07967031047 or email anna@environmentaljournalist.co.uk
I’m always happy to discuss potential new projects. Please note I tend to be booked up 8-10 weeks in advance. Please outline your project brief, deadline, word count and budget in your message and I will get back to you. Your privacy is very important to me and I am committed to safeguarding it. My privacy policy explains what I will do with your personal information.