Joe Harkness, a married father from Reepham, was found at Cawston Heath on September 4, an inquest opening has revealed.
The 39-year-old was a respected author, naturalist, public speaker and specialist teacher who spoke candidly about his experiences of poor mental health and the part nature played in his recovery.
His first book, Bird Therapy, described how birdwatching helped him after he suffered a breakdown in 2013.
He had written about being signed off work and turning to walking as an outlet before becoming captivated by two common buzzards flying above a field in north-east Norfolk.
That encounter rekindled a childhood love of birds and the natural world which had been encouraged by his maternal grandfather during time spent together around Brundall.
Joe Harkness was a celebrated author (Image: Archant)
Birdwatching became an important part of his recovery alongside medication, counselling and mindfulness. Mr Harkness later shared what he had learned in the hope of helping other people experiencing mental ill health.
Published by Bloomsbury, Bird Therapy carried a foreword by broadcaster and naturalist Chris Packham and received praise for its honest account of illness, recovery and the restorative power of the outdoors.
Mr Harkness went on to write Inside/Outside: A Nature-Themed Resource Book for Embedding Emotional Literacy.
The book combined an emotional-literacy programme he had developed with his love of nature, creating a practical resource to help teachers explore mental health and wellbeing with young people.
Chris Packham wrote the foreword in Joe Harkness’s Bird Therapy book. (Image: Archant)
His third book, Neurodivergent, by Nature: Why Biodiversity Needs Neurodiversity, explored the relationship between neurodivergence and the natural world and argued that conservation organisations should value different ways of thinking and experiencing nature.
The book was shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing, which celebrates influential writing about nature, conservation and the environment.
Alongside his literary work, Mr Harkness was a dedicated educator specialising in supporting children with additional needs.
He served as lead teacher at the Specialist Resource Base at Cromer Academy, a 20-place provision supporting pupils from across Norfolk who experienced difficulties accessing mainstream education because of communication and interaction needs.
The base helped pupils attend mainstream lessons through flexible timetables, curriculum adaptations and individualised support, while also providing social and emotional interventions and a place of sanctuary.
Mr Harkness said he had been inspired to teach by three teachers who supported him during difficult periods in his own school years and refused to give up on him.
Joe Harkness (Image: LInkedIN)
His commitment to young people led to his nomination for an Outstanding Commitment to Students Award in 2023.
Away from the classroom, he worked as a freelance writer and public speaker, using his experiences to raise awareness of mental health, neurodiversity and the benefits of connecting with nature.
He also supported Norwich Men’s Shed, recognising the difference its companionship and practical activities could make to men’s wellbeing.
In 2019, he donated £350 to the volunteer-led organisation after raising £250 through sales of Bird Therapy and a further £100 from T-shirt sales.
Following the discovery of his body, a letter was sent to families at Reepham Primary School, which is attended by one of his children. Parents were offered support and encouraged to contact staff if their children were worried or had questions.
The inquest opening into his death took place at Norfolk Coroner’s Court and heard that Mr Harkness died as a result of hanging.
A full inquest will take place on December 8, when evidence is expected to include reports from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and a statement from Mr Harkness’s family.
The hearing at Norfolk Coroner’s Court on Thursday was adjourned until then.
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