Wild Words Taking Flight

Birds have long captivated the literary imagination, from Barry Hines’ A Kestrel for a Knave (the inspiration for the film Kes) and Helen Macdonald’s H is for Hawk (a favourite of Barack Obama), to Emily Dickinson’s evocative use of avian imagery in her poetry. Their flight symbolises freedom and hope, their songs bring joy and their distinctive appearances offer a unique blend of character and beauty.

In this 3-hour creative writing course, poet and landscape writer Sarah Acton will guide you in drawing inspiration from the remarkable birdlife of Symondsbury Estate. As you walk through the Estate’s breathtaking landscapes, Sarah will help you explore the profound connection between birds and the written word. Through creative writing exercises, you’ll discover how to capture your personal responses to these magnificent creatures, transforming them into powerful and evocative prose or poetry.

Join us and let your words take flight!

All levels and abilities from beginners to advanced writers welcome. Ages 12+

Feel free to bring your notebook and dress for the weather. We will walk a gentle distance from our classroom base to the Holloway and back which includes a slope that may be slippery. During the morning you may be walking for up to an hour in total with gentle pauses to experience stillness, listen, write and tune into the shared world outside with time at the beginning and end in our classroom base.

£55