Our Bookshop
Focus on Nature Writing
At Teasel & Skylark, we’re delighted to share a handpicked collection of books that celebrate the wild and wonderful natural world — from the heart of Dorset to far, far beyond.
Whether you’re drawn to rugged coastlines, ancient woodlands, or tales of adventure and discovery, you’ll find something here to spark your curiosity and lift your spirits. These are more than just books — they’re invitations to connect with nature, boost your well-being, and inspire your own amazing journeys.
Looking for a bit of inspiration, a peaceful escape, or a fresh perspective? Take your time to browse our shelves. And if you can’t find exactly what you’re after, just ask — we’re always happy to help.
Our Children’s Section
In our children’s section, we have books for all ages from the very youngest readers right up to teens and young adults. Whether it's 100 things to do with a stick or the latest action-adventure middle grade novel, we hope our younger readers will find something on our shelves to fuel their imagination or learn something new about the world around them.
Art and Gifts
In addition to books, we have a thoughtfully chosen selection of gifts and art that complement the nature theme and are often produced by local artists and makers. Come in and browse and we hope you will find something a little bit different.
We can order anything
Though we’re a small shop, we have big ambitions, and so we have access to millions of titles with more being added to the database every day. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we can usually order your favourites within a day or two — often by the next working day.
Come on in — let’s find your next great read together.
Why Teasel and Skylark?
The teasel — bold and sculptural — stands tall along hedgerows and field edges, its textured form a testament to nature’s strength, endurance, and intricacy. The skylark, with its soaring flight and shimmering song, captures the spirit of freedom, inspiration, and joyful discovery.
Together, they symbolise the heart of our bookshop: rooted in the local, reaching for the extraordinary. We invite you to explore stories that connect mind and place, and celebrate the profound thrill of adventure.
Who we are
We are Richard and David - two friends who have talked a lot about opening a bookshop one day, and now we have.
Our backgrounds are quite different. Richard is a freelance copywriter and editor and has previously held roles in a central London college overseeing its governance procedures as well as event management and speechwriting for a government department. David has had a long career in education, most recently holding the position of Deputy Head in a Dorset special school for nearly 20 years giving him a unique perspective on the lives of young people with a range of abilities and needs.
One of the things we have in common is our love of photography and, through this shared pursuit, we have discovered first-hand the healing power of nature - just being outdoors, taking time to breathe, and focusing on the wildness that surrounds us every day yet often gets overlooked in the fast-paced, always online, twenty-first century world. And that is why we chose to have a focus on all things outdoors and nature-based in the bookshop; to promote the mental health benefits of the great outdoors and reconnecting with the natural world all around us.
The Pets of Teasel & Skylark
And now the information that everybody really wants to know - the individuals who really call the shots behind the scenes. Yes, just who are the pets of Teasel & Skylark?
Well, let us introduce you to Ruby, Opal, and Muffin.
Ruby
Ruby rules the roost in her home that she shares with David and his family. Even though she is now in slightly later years (a lady never reveals her age), Ruby’s penchant for seeking out treats is the same as when she was a feisty and slightly mischievous puppy. Legends tell of her greatest feat, where the words ‘She’s got the turkey …’ rang out in her home one Christmas Day! And we won’t mention what happened to the packs of dog treats we ordered for the shop opening … thanks Ruby!
Opal
Opal can often be found watching the television in the home she shares with Ruby, David, and his family - her favourite programme is anything with David Attenborough (well, whose isn’t?) as she finds the presence of cute fluffy creatures on the screen in her living room particularly appealing. Opal also enjoys running, swimming, and eating, describing herself as a ‘foodie’ particularly when helping her older sister Ruby seek and locate the odd forbidden snack!
Muffin
Muffin is the newest addition to the pets team of Teasel & Skylark. She deigned to live in Richard’s house last November after he visited RSPCA Taylor’s Rehoming Centre in Dorchester, where she was staying after having a litter of kittens that needed new homes. She can often be found sleeping on a sofa or sleeping outside or sometimes sleeping on a sofa outside on the patio. When she is not sleeping, Muffin enjoys being aloof, silently judging people, and shoelaces.
Contact us
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