A writing workshop which brings the outdoors in, finding inspiration from the outdoors and writing with natural materials

How can our senses inspire new writing, even in the dampest, darkest seasons? How can we notice nature and feel creative throughout the year? Yarrow Townsend is a writer and artist who works outdoors all year round, taking inspiration from the textures of the world around her. In this workshop, she will bring the outdoors in to the library, sharing some of the methods she uses to feel in touch with nature throughout the season.

We’ll look closely at natural objects found nearby to inspire our writing, and we’ll also have a go with some of the natural writing materials that Yarrow makes from scratch – including oak-gall ink and willow charcoal.

This workshop is suitable for all, whether you write often or never at all. This workshop is designed for adults, but keen young people are welcome accompanied by an adult. This workshop is an LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent inclusive, anti-racist space.

Yarrow Townsend is an author and artist whose work is inspired by getting hands-on in nature. She was the inaugural Writer in Residence for the New Forest National Park, based at the Countryside Education Trust in Beaulieu (supported by ArtfulScribe) and her first novel, The Map of Leaves, was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award and was a Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Year.

The workshop has a suggested ticket price of £10 but you can choose to support others' involvement by paying more, or set your own ticket price if cost is a barrier. Your contribution goes to non-profit literary organisation, ArtfulScribe C.I.C. and helps to fund the delivery of Play on Words in the New Forest.

This workshop takes place in the community room at Hythe Library - just ask a member of staff if you can't find us! The library is four minutes walk from Hythe Pier bus stop and has accessible facilities. Find out more here (https://www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/library/libraryfinder/hythe-library) about visiting the library or how to contact them.

Description supplied by the event organiser.