The mysterious, otherworldly nature of the holloways, with their towering trees and carved sandstone walls has long inspired writers. Geoffrey Household used the sunken depths of Shutes Lane for the atmospheric finale of his best selling novel Rogue Male. Later, Robert Macfarlane, captivated by Household's work followed in his footsteps to rediscover this ancient landscape and bring it to life in prose. Indeed many visitors describe a walk down these holloways as a journey into a Tolkein-esque Middle Earth.
Birds have also long captivated the literary imagination, from Barry Hines’ A Kestrel for a Knave (the inspiration for the film Kes) and Helen Macdonald’s H is for Hawk (a favourite of Barack Obama), to Emily Dickinson’s evocative use of avian imagery in her poetry. Their flight symbolises freedom and hope, their songs bring joy and their distinctive appearances offer a unique blend of character and beauty.
In this 3-hour creative writing course, poet and landscape writer Sarah Acton will guide you in drawing inspiration from the remarkable holloways and birdlife of Symondsbury Estate. As you walk through the Estate’s breathtaking landscapes, Sarah will help you explore the profound connection between the enchanting holloways, birds and the written word. As you walk the paths, you'll find moments for solitude and shared reflection and explore where your writing might take you. Through creative writing exercises, you'll discover how to capture your personal responses to these magnificent creatures, transforming them into powerful and evocative prose or poetry.
Join us and let your words take flight!
All levels and abilities from beginners to advanced writers welcome. Ages 12+
Feel free to bring your notebook and dress for the weather. We will walk a gentle distance from our classroom base to the Holloway and back which includes a slope that may be slippery. During the morning you may be walking for up to an hour in total with gentle pauses to experience stillness, listen, write and tune into the shared world outside with time at the beginning and end in our classroom base.
Date: Wednesday 23rd October
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 23rd October
Time: 9:30am -12:30pm
Location: Meet in the Old Pottery
Program For The Morning
9:30am - Meet in the Old Pottery for, introductions, tea, coffee and cake.
Explore the Estate and partake in writing activities.
Return to the Old Pottery.
12:30pm - Session ends
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for the weather and conditions
Sturdy Footwear: wear comfortable and supportive shoes or hiking boots- it can be muddy.
Terms & Conditions
Please note tickets for all events and workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable.
