Shaftesbury’s bookshop specialising in nature writing has been named the best independent bookshop in the South West – for the second time in three years.
FOLDE Dorset has won the regional title at The British Book Awards 2026, known as the ‘Nibbies’, having previously taken the prize in 2024.
The awards, organised by The Bookseller, recognise independent bookshops that play a strong role in their local communities while continuing to attract readers from further afield.
Judges described FOLDE as a ‘destination and haven’, highlighting its recent move into larger high street premises as well as its sustainability credentials, including B Corp status and net-zero operations in key areas.
Co-founder Karen Brazier said the award reflected local support. ‘We honestly couldn’t do it without our community,’ she said. Amber Harrison added ‘To be recognised by the industry after such a hardworking year feels very special. We’ve poured so much energy into the shop in the last 12 months – from the intensive two-month renovation of our new premises to deepening our sustainability practices.’
FOLDE opened in 2021 after the pair left corporate careers to create a bookshop centred on nature writing and environmental awareness. Alongside retail, it runs a regular programme of author events in Shaftesbury, bringing well-known writers to the town.
The shop will now go forward to the national finals, with the overall winner announced in London on 11 May.
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