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Nature surrounds us all. It can inspire us to find metaphors for our own experiences that we never considered before. Be inspired by nature and use the written word, to start to bring nature’s power to life on your page.
This introductory writing course is a great place to start for creative writers and nature enthusiasts alike. You will be introduced to nature writing and learn some basic practices and techniques, allowing you to develop as a writer. You will create your own pieces including poetry and fiction and share them amongst your peers, whilst immersing yourself in the natural surroundings.
Be inspired and engaged by the expertise of our specialist tutor and enjoy being surrounded by likeminded individuals who share your interests.
If you’re interested in surrounding yourself with fellow nature and creative writing enthusiasts, then this is the course for you!
There is no accommodation provided with this course
Who Should Attend?
Nature enthusiasts, Students, Rangers, Creative writers, Keen readers.
Knowledge Level
Introductory. Level descriptors can be found on the following webpage: Framework and Course Level Descriptors
Prior Knowledge
No existing knowledge, or experience is needed for this course. Just a willingness to explore and learn.
What will be covered during this course?
- Introduction to the Craft of Nature Writing
- Nature and Wildlife Writing
- People, Place and Landscape
- Nature Poetry
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Understand the craft of nature writing, study some examples, and learn and practice different styles of writing.
- Identify the variety of environments and seasons and practice writing from the perspective of a specific species.
- Explore landscape importance, access, and relationships through a variety of creative writing tasks.
- Understand the different styles of poetry and practice their own work through various tasks, including creating a haiku.
- Share this knowledge with friends, family, and fellow volunteers.
This is a place-based training course from FSC, including a balance of classroom-led learning to impart important knowledge and irreplaceable hands-on outdoor learning opportunities to give individuals skills and confidence. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning about nature writing with further relevant FSC courses or branch out into other areas of environmental art. The FSC offers both online and in person courses, so you can choose the learning style that suits you best.
The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our fantastic tutor Woody River will combine the use of classroom-led learning and outside learning opportunities to give individuals the skills and confidence to express nature through the written word.
- Upon booking you will need to provide individual details of all attendees
- See the ‘Example Timetable’, ‘What’s Included’ and ‘Before You Attend’ sections below for more information about this course
- Please email [email protected] if you have any questions
If you are aged 18-25, you are eligible for a £25 discount thanks to the Generation Green project, click here to find out more.
Tutor: Woody River
Woody River is the Director of Secret Landscapes, which offers guided walks on the themes of botany, foraging and literary heritage. With a BA (Hons) and MA in Literature and Creative Writing, Woody is also a qualified teacher who designs and teaches literature and botany courses for adults, as well as providing private tuition for international secondary school students. She has a particular interest in wildflowers and ferns, and loves observing different species of primate in their natural habitats.
Covid Measures
In order to keep our customers and staff safe we ask that anyone attending our centres:
- wears a face covering when in shared indoor space (unless exempt).
- maintains social distancing.
- cleans their hands regularly.
- takes a Covid-19 test before they arrive.
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
This timetable is subject to change but should give a clear outline of what to expect
- Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00 am.
- The course will end at 5:00 pm.
10:00am
Introductions
10:30am
Classroom sessions covering
Introduction to Nature and Wildlife Writing
11:30am
Break and prepare for field session
11:45am
Guided walk to try practice some of the techniques
1:00pm
Lunch
2:00pm
Classroom session covering:
People, Place and Landscape
Nature Poetry
3:00pm
Break and prepare for field session
3:15pm
Guided walk to try practice some of the techniques
4:30pm
Classroom plenary and final questions
5:00pm
End of course
What's Included
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Expert Tuition
The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you constantly build develop your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.
The course includes:
- Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
- Field excursions to apply new knowledge
- Expert tuition for which the FSC is renowned
- Clear objectives and progression
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing an FSC course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.
Bursaries and Subsidies
Generation Green
Generation Green is an ambitious project which will support 100,000 young people and teachers/youth leaders to better understand the environment and green economy. Through a series of day and residential activities, teacher and youth leader training, apprenticeships and work placements the partners delivering this project will reach out to young people in England in the North West and Midlands, and deprived coastal and urban areas.
Generation Green is actively delivering opportunities for an 18 month period thanks to government funding (Defra) administered through Heritage Lottery. FSC is working alongside YHA, Outward Bound Trust, Girl Guides, Scouts and National Parks to provide these amazing opportunities.
FSC are offering this course at a heavily subsidised rate for young people aged 18-25 living in England through the Generation Green project. To find out more, click here.
Before You Attend
What to bring:
- Notebook and pencil
- Lunch and refreshments
- Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
- Please bring your own refreshments & pack lunch
There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.
Sorry this course has ended
