Wild Writing

with James Canton

Thursday 5 June 2025

10am - 4pm (arrive at 9.30 for coffee/tea)

£140

Group Size - 10 people

This workshop explores techniques of writing the wild, feeling into ways in which we can connect with the spirit of a place and sensing what we might know of the footsteps of our ancestors on that landscape, how we can feel something of the nature of deep time.

We will write together through the day, working with words to frame our views of seeing the wild, sensing the nature of all things, always remembering to be mindful of the living landscapes that exist around us. There will be time for talking, writing and reflection.

No prior experience of writing is required. We would like the day to feel accessible to anyone who is curious about how the process of writing could be used as a way of exploring the relationship with land so whether that is for a private journal or an aspiring novel, all levels are welcome.

As James says “ Writing about the patch of earth we know best - whether garden, field, farm or window-box - is a deeply grounding process allowing us to connect more intimately with our most beloved natural spaces.”

In his latest book Renaturing, the narrative that runs through the work is drawn from moments in the two-acre field where he has been gradually helping to restore nature, and bring back biodiversity.

One-to-one sessions will be built into the day to allow specific personal feedback on your writing. You won’t be required to share your work with the group if you prefer not to.

James leads the MA in Wild Writing at Essex University. Previous publications include The Oak Papers in 2020 and Grounded, A Journey into the Landscape of our Ancestors in 2023.

Refreshments

Alison will prepare a vegetarian lunch including produce from the garden. Homemade biscuits will be offered on arrival and we will round up the day with tea and cake. If you have any specific dietary requests do let us know on the booking form.

What to Bring

Check the weather forecast before you travel and ensure you bring appropriate clothing, whether that’s waterproofs or sun hats, or possibly both!  You may wish to bring a notebook and camera too.

Getting Here

Directions will be emailed to you a couple of weeks before the workshop. Use Damson Farm rather than the postcode on Google Maps.

Cancellation policy

As a small business it’s not sustainable to offer refunds. However if you need to cancel your place up to 28 days before the event you will be offered a credit towards another workshop.   After that time, the offer only applies if we’ve been able to re-sell the place. It’s not usually possible to promote cancelled places for re-sale less than 4 days before the event.