Join me for… Words in the Wood
Join me for a day of gentle creativity among the trees.
Words in the Wood brings together the calm of nature and the joy of writing, in the beautiful surroundings of Hazel Hill Wood. No rules, no pressure — just space to breathe, explore, and let your writing flow.
A group in the beech wood
Hazel Hill Wood
I have a long association with Hazel Hill Wood: a magical 70-acre mixed woodland near Salisbury. I’ve yet to meet anyone who can spend a day here without feeling refreshed, rebalanced and restored.
So, the woodland itself is a huge part of this experience. Think campfire circle among towering beech trees; carefully designed residential buildings crafted from Hazel Hill’s own wood; solitary benches under a lone oak or at the intersection of the rides. There are spaces to be alone and spaces to come together, indoors and outdoors.
Writing and sharing
The writing
Nature can be an inspiration for writing, and it is a wonderful backdrop for it. We will draw on our surroundings for ideas and perspectives to stimulate our words. Rest assured, this writing together will not be about good grammar, red pen, or getting it ‘right’. Here, we use writing as a way to explore thoughts, connect with feelings, express ourselves, and share ideas with like-minded others in a relaxed and supportive environment. There is no pressure: you always have a choice whether to write, whether to share.
Who is it for?
Anyone is welcome on this day, no experience or skill is required, just a willingness to give it a go. It may particularly appeal to people working in the caring professions or personal development fields (counsellors, psychotherapists, coaches, medics, wellbeing, social care), but this is not a prerequisite. When work or life involves caring for others, we need to take time to care for ourselves.
Group around the campfire
The benefits
The natural environment slows us down and opens up the senses. Observing and experiencing nature minutely makes us very present in the moment. Paying attention to what we see, hear and feel sparks new ideas. Removing ourselves from the daily pressures of work, family and to-do lists is restorative in itself. And taking time to reconnect with your creativity may feel like a much-needed treat for yourself.
I intend the day to be nourishing, enjoyable, stimulating and connecting. Past participants have told me that these events helped them to rediscover their love of writing, feel more confident putting words on paper, and enjoy the company of others who like to write.
I hope you’ll join us on Sunday 23rd November, from 10am until 4pm, at a cost of £95. Please contact me if you would like to discuss it further or book your place.
