About the event

If you’d like to take some time out to write about the natural world around you in a fun and friendly environment, then this is the course for you. We’ll visit the education centre grounds and reserve for inspiration and practice using prompts to get started. We’ll also consider how to integrate scientific research into lyrical writing. The session will include written exercises, discussion of extracts and the opportunity to share our writing (which will always be optional). To finish, we’ll explore how to edit our work and consider where your writing might take you.

The course is suitable for all adults. Although previous participation on the Introduction to Nature Writing Course is not necessary to attend this session, we will also be running an Introduction to Nature Writing with Nic Wilson on 2nd October & 27th February at Paxton Pits.

Nic Wilson is the author of Land Beneath the Waves (a memoir on nature, place and chronic illness published by Summersdale/Hachette non-fiction) and Guardian Country Diarist for Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. She works as a writer and editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, mostly specialising in wildlife, wild plants and environmental issues. Her work has appeared in national magazines including The English Garden, The RHS Magazine, BBC Wildlife Magazine and several nature anthologies.

Nic has an MA in English Literature, a Diploma in Garden Design and a Diploma in Creative Non-Fiction from the University of Cambridge. She worked as an A level English teacher for 12 years before becoming a writer. You can find Nic on Bluesky at nicwilson.bsky.social

Participants need to bring a notebook and pen.

Feedback on Nic's Suffolk Wildlife Trust Workshop

‘So very helpful and I loved how you pulled so much together, shared great writers, opened local wilds to us so gently in a short time and still left unhurried space to play with words.’

‘Thank you for the nature writing workshop today. So many great tips, author recommendations and reminders that ‘all you need is a pavement crack and an enquiring mind.’

‘Thank you Nic! Lovely to have your encouragement and examples.’

‘Inspiring and gently heart-warming, thank you.

The session will run in the classroom and outside at the beautiful Paxton Pits Nature Reserve.

Are you a member of the Wildlife Trust BCN? You can get money off your ticket by selecting a member ticket (we may ask for your membership number upon arrival for verification purposes). 

Please ensure you read the 'what to bring' section. 

We will have folding stools available to borrow. If you prefer you can bring your own folding stool or folding lightweight chair to sit on. A clipboard can be provided for each participant.

Please bring a re-useable bottle pre-filled with water, or a flask. Please be aware all litter/recycling will need to be taken home with you.

Pre-booked tickets only.

Please do not attend this event if you are unwell. 

For our event terms and conditions, including our refund policy, please visit: Events terms and conditions | Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Northants (wildlifebcn.org)