‘We are in the inferno’: diaspora writers lead new movement of nature poetry

A new anthology of eco‑poetry has drawn attention to a previously under‑represented segment of the UK literary scene. Titled *Where Are Our Black and Asian Nature Writers?*, the collection was co‑edited by Mona Arshi and features voices from African, Asian and Caribbean diasporas. The book was born from a viral social‑media question that Arshi posted, asking why there seemed to be a dearth of black and Asian writers in the field of nature poetry.

The anthology is part of a broader movement of eco‑poets from black and brown communities who are challenging the traditional canon of nature verse amid the current climate and biodiversity crisis. By foregrounding diverse perspectives on the natural world, the collection offers fresh insights into environmental issues and celebrates the cultural heritage of its contributors. The title’s call to “write about daffodils again” signals a return to familiar natural imagery, re‑imagined through these new lenses.

The publication has sparked renewed interest in eco‑poetry across the UK, encouraging publishers, readers and educators to broaden the scope of nature writing. As the anthology gains traction, it is expected to inspire further projects that highlight the contributions of marginalized communities to environmental literature.