Finding our Words in the Wood

Words in the Wood: An Autumn Experiment in Outdoor Creative Writing

Around the Heartwood fire at Hazel Hill Wood

‘Words in the Wood’ was something of an experiment, both for myself and for Hazel Hill Wood. Would it work to offer creative writing outdoors, in November? Would people come? Would they engage? Or would the potential discomfort and cold be a barrier?

As a counsellor and therapeutic writing practitioner, I loved the idea and wanted to try. I imagined a crisp, clear autumn day, the warmth of the fire, the sound of lively chatter… but would reality mean fingers too numb to write, a fire too wet to light, or a group too shivery to enjoy themselves?

In the end, eight brave souls attended, admirably willing to write and share their work together, largely outside, on a brisk November day.

Gathering in the Oakhouse

Beginning with Mindfulness: A Slow Walk Into Presence

We began with Ruth’s mindfulness walk (find Ruth here: https://www.corshamcounselling.co.uk): very slow, sensuous, grounding. We focused on breath and movement, taking time to notice our surroundings through all our senses. We observed the rich autumnal shades, the song of a mistle thrush, wind rustling through leaves, distant sounds of the modern world, and the soft mulching of our own footsteps. We smiled when we were gently invited to focus on our sense of smell just as we passed the composting toilet.

Why Try Writing Outdoors in November?

As we slowed and gave our attention to these natural-world noticings, our language changed too. When we wrote around the Heartwood fire a few minutes later, our words were more languorous, sensuous; details were precisely observed and captured. Our attitudes slowed as well—hurry receded, appreciation advanced.

“I noticed just how many leaves are on the ground. It’s autumn and a mattress is now all around. In my garden this is bothersome and needs attention. Here it is a blanket, preparing for winter by covering the ground, warming and feeding the earth.”
(More at Creative Writing in the Woods — Still Waters)

Leaves warming and feeding the earth

How Nature Transforms the Writing Process

The environment was inspiring. So much rich stimulus surrounded us—whether moving through the forest or sitting around an open fire in the crisp winter sun. Writing in nature often generated unexpected themes. The wisdom of trees made itself felt for all of us, whether helping to explore grief and loss or gently shifting perceptions of self. One participant was astonished to find “the tree gave me a poem.” It truly felt as though the words had come from a source outside herself.

The tree gave me a poem!

Writing Prompts, Creativity, and Unexpected Breakthroughs

My writing prompts were well received, giving people a helpful direction and focus—though nothing was compulsory or pressured. It was astonishing what could be produced, or discovered, in less than ten minutes. At times deep and reflective, at others playful and childlike, the writing seemed to take us where we most needed to go.

Taking inspiration from the wood

Community, Connection, and Shared Creativity Outdoors

I think we all felt that unique connection that comes from sharing an experience outside the norm. Scribbling rhymes astride a damp log. Dashing for shelter as the rain intensified. Sharing not-quite-fairy-stories under a makeshift cover around a blazing fire. Surprising ourselves with our creativity and enjoying the words and humour of others. “I just got all my anger out through an overflowing porridge pot!”

Storytelling around the Roundhouse fire

Weather, Wildness, and the Magic of the Woods

So yes—it worked! Admittedly, there were some cold feet and a read-around made halting by rain-smudged paper. But it didn’t matter. The stimulation and inspiration of the natural world far outweighed any inconvenience. As a facilitator, a day of constant weather changes adds an extra dimension of concern, but the group entered into the spirit. Antonia dashed from one location to another, trying to anticipate where the weather might push us next, keeping fires stoked in all the right places. The search for shelter, warmth, and inspiration meant a lot of relocating, thinking on my feet, and corralling group members out from under canopies and hedgerows… but the drama became part of the magic. And it fuelled our words.

A Day Captured in Haiku

Come to Hazel Hill
The magic is infectious
No matter the weather

When sun emerges
On an autumn afternoon
My heart warms fastest

Drawing on the wisdom of trees

Closing Reflections: Rediscovering Creativity in Nature

As we concluded, all the worries I’d had that morning were forgotten. The wood, as always, had done its job; most concerns pale to insignificance in such a rich environment. In our final round together, the mood was one of warmth, relief, new friendships, and a rediscovery—or perhaps a reacquaintance—with our creative selves.

“I feel calm. Like I’ve opened a new chapter and given myself time to be me—which is exactly what I came for.”

Writing and sharing our words

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