Artist

Words from the Woods

This course is an opportunity to wander through the trees, taking time to adjust to the natural sights and sounds and to savour the experience.  We will use the trees around my home for inspiration, as well as explore the idyllic, hidden paradise of the arboretum at Leckmelm.

During these gentle walks, you will be encouraged to collect mementos, take photographs, make field notes, draw or write anything which comes to mind. You may, of course, wish to do no more than to walk or sit in silence. If the weather permits, as a group we may do a little writing in situ. 

After each morning break, we will gather together for an informal creative writing session, devised to give you a voice with which to express and reflect upon your experiences during the walks. These writing sessions are aimed at the beginner writer, are entirely voluntary, and at no time will you be asked to share your work with the group. For those of you who do not wish to write, there will be plenty of work on this theme by other writers available for you to read and enjoy, or you can sketch or photograph to your heart's content.

The afternoons will be given over to the soothing processes associated with paper-making, print-making and book-making. You will make hand-made paper, incorporating gathered materials, make mono-prints with plants and make your own bookplate too, all of which will lead up to the construction of a hand-bound, illustrated journal: a tactile presentation of your very own words from the wood.

Please click on an image to see the full picture.

Much of the attraction of this area of the country is the wildness it has retained as a result of the limited impact of human habitation.  Of course, this means that there are fewer choices of accommodation for the intrepid visitor, but there are still a wide number of options, many of which can be found on the Accommodation links page.

To read about an innovative community partnership approach to preserving and improving this landscape for the benefit of all, have a look at Coigach and Assynt Living Landscapes. To find out about the fascinating geology of this area go to North West Highland Geopark.