Projects
‘Aldershot and All About It’
Street theatre exploring the impact of urbanisation on a small rural community in the 19th Century. Based on the work of Marianne Young, ‘Aldershot and All About It, with Gossip, Literary, Military, and Pictorial’ (1857):
When: Sunday 15 September 2024, 11am and 1.15pm
Where: Municipal Gardens, Aldershot
Working with: Rushmoor Borough Council and Torchlight Heritage https://torchlightheritage.com.
'To be sure, we have somewhere down in the hollow a little village of that name, with a church, and an orignal ''Brown Bear'', or some such sign.' Marianne Young, 1857
Writing Nature Memoir at The Gateway
Two five-week courses at The Gateway Arts and Education Centre, Shrewsbury. Exploring the nature memoir genre through a range of texts and writing activities.
What learners liked most about the course:
It was relaxed and interesting – straight forward and easy to understand. The opportunity to read a number of nature writers - the incredible range of available texts and authors from 1700s upwards. The knowledge and enthusiasm of the tutor - this she utilised to stimulate all the students within the class irrespective of a wide range of ages and experiences. The tutor paid great attention to what people said and encouraged everyone to feel confident.
22 February - 23 May 2024
Creative Writing in Nature at Walford College
Two five-week courses at Walford College, Baschurch, Shropshire. Blending botanical knowledge with writer’s methods to develop skills in crafting, feedback and reflection.
What learners liked most:
The amount of 'ground' covered in two hours, delivered in an easy and relaxed way. Writing creatively about something, an item from nature, that allowed me to express myself. I enjoyed challenging my imagination. The course made me look outside at nature. I saw plants growing and took notice instead of walking by. A chance to stop, think and reflect on the nature around us. Great environment and a thought-provoking course.
12 January - 22 March 2024
Urban Nature at The Library
Seven two-hour workshops in The Darwin Room at Shrewsbury Library. Blending botanical knowledge with writer’s methods to explore seeds, bulbs, roots, stems, leaves and flowers.
What learners liked most about the workshops:
Welcoming and engaging sessions. A variety of resources to encourage our interest. Having the time to talk and learn. Having a go at writing almost straight off. Hearing other people's words and being inspired by them.
1 February - 21 March 2024
Writing Nature Memoir – FSC online
A six-week online course with the Field Studies Council. An exploration of the nature memoir genre and a step-by-step guide to writing nature memoir.
What learners liked most about the course:
Knowledgeable tutor, good course materials, creation of a sociable and supportive learning environment. The course was well thought out, structure and delivery was excellent. The exercises at the forums were thought-provoking and useful. Reading other people’s work and being encouraged to review, along with the webinar, really made us a community. This has been a really good course with great exercises to get your teeth into.
31 October – 12 December 2023
Structural Editing – Paragraph, Sentence, Word - online
A three-week online course covering the three levels of editing: paragraph, sentence and word.
What learners liked most about the course:
It was well structured – I didn’t feel overloaded with information or rushed. The informality and the spontaneity. Little nuggets of wisdom provided along the way about the writing process and how to craft a great piece. The workshops are so carefully structured and timed so precisely, that every minute counts.
11 January - 2 February 2024
6 September - 12 October 2023
Perspectives of Nature - nine musical interpretations
Contributor to 'Journey: Nine Musical Interpretations of Nature Writers' 10 Minute Perspectives’, created by composer Ewan East, artwork by artist Alice Baxter, writing by Naturewrights.
Available at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMCE6ThCo6_vDZyQo8tfHoknzI8qiEA5a
Also at: https://www.ewaneastcomposer.co.uk/journey
Performed as part of the 'Perspectives of Nature' conference at York St John Creative Centre, York St John University.
Friday 1 December 2023
Event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/perspectives-of-nature-tickets-7083894107
Urban Nature at The Hive
Fourteen workshops at The Hive, Shrewsbury. Blending botanical knowledge with writer’s methods to explore fruits, seeds, bulbs, roots, stems, leaves and flowers.
What learners liked most:
It was a journey, it didn’t feel ’bitty’ and the levels all flowed beautifully so that I transitioned from one skill/level to the next seamlessly. The subject matter, the variety of plants brought in, the explanation of how plants function, the group size, the feedback. The sharing of ideas and styles. It engaged everybody at different levels. Meeting others and realising how important nature is. Learning how to craft a piece of work. A safe space to find your ‘voice’.
2 March - 7 December 2023
Perspectives of Nature Conference
A short talk on current trends in nature memoir and how changes in the genre’s content and style make it more appealing to a wider audience.
Friday 1 December 2023
How Nature Memoir is Changing and Why This Matters
Hmm Squad – Science and Philosophy Discussion Group
Tuesday 3 October 2023
https://www.facebook.com/events/326604496540632/?ref=newsfeed
Nature Memory Poetry in Care Homes
Nine one-hour workshops exploring seasonal plants, their common regional names, traditional uses and folklore. Poetry, reminiscence and sharing stories.
What participants liked most:
It took my mind off things. Listening to other people's stories and poems. Reminiscing and making the poem. Bringing back memories, wonderful memories, of looking at the mountains and valleys. Remembering being children. Being with friends.
23 June - 25 October 2023
Natural Entrepreneurs
EU Erasmus+ project promoting biomimicry as means of finding solutions to sustainability issues facing the world today. The platform encourages students from across Europe to work collaboratively to design solutions which could be turned into business plans.
Learning platform: https://natent.eu/en
Change the Story
EU Erasmus+ project using digital story to explore the impact of the climate crisis. Designed to be incorporated into the national curriculum, the project encouraged pupils to create short films that presented their findings, concerns and suggestions for a better future.
Celebration site: https://stories.changethestory.eu
Resources: https://www.changethestory.eu/uk