I am a writer, tutor and facilitator.

I write poetry and prose, fiction and non-fiction. With my background as a biologist, it’s no surprise that much of my writing focuses on the natural world.

I have two collections of poetry, and my work has been widely published in Ireland and abroad. My poetry has also featured in a number of anthologies, and has been translated into French, Italian and Russian. I am also a contributor to The Guardian’s Country Diary.

My background as a biologist includes a primary degree in Genetics & Zoology; an MSc in Animal Behaviour; and a PhD in ornithology. My PhD research examined the behavioural responses of birds to anthropogenic environmental change.

I have been the recipient of a number of awards including the 2019 Poetry Ireland Tyrone Guthrie Centre Mid Career Bursary, and several awards from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

I live in Belfast, from where I work as a facilitator of poetry and creative writing. I’m also a facilitator with Poetry Ireland’s Writers in Schools Programme. In addition, I’m a member of of the Irish Writers Centre, through which I offer One-to-One Mentoring for beginning and emerging poets.

I also teach science and environment courses on evolution and ornithology, including at Queen’s University, Belfast.

My tutoring and facilitating spans the disciplines of science and the arts. My teaching skills were honed by many years of working in schools.

I have always been captivated by the natural world. I am fascinated by evolution and its relationship to ecology, and how the interaction between these fields of study extend beyond science to the arts: how the environment shapes body and character. Nature, culture and art connect in the poetry of the written word.

Please see the Science & Nature pages for more details of my qualifications and related experience.

My first novel is under consideration by publishers. I am currently working on my next collection of poetry and other prose work.

Find me on twitter: @DrMaryMontague