Project: Green Words
Grant: £1,500
Area of benefit: Bridport
Green Words is a walking and writing wellbeing project delivered by Bridport Arts Centre, that took place in the Bridport area of West Dorset in Spring 2023.
They were short, inspiring walks in the local area to encourage those who would not normally go for a nature walk, to learn to appreciate the biodiversity on their doorstep and at the same time improve their health and wellbeing.
There were 10 guided walks for mixed abilities in the West Dorset area and 10 creative writing workshops at LSI in Bridport – open to all abilities.
The main aims of the project were:
- to create an anthology of creative writing from work inspired by the natural heritage of West Dorset
- to host a launch showcase celebrating the anthology, its contributors and the project
- to raise awareness about environmental issues and the importance of the countryside for mental and physical health
One walk at Eggardon Hill, had to be cancelled due to strong winds and heavy rain, although an extra walk has been run since.
All walks started at 10am from Buckydoo Square unless otherwise specified.
1. 10 February, Coneygar Hill
2. 17 February, Asker Meadows
3. 24 February, Allington Hill
4. 3 March, West Bay
5. 10 March, Eype Down. Meeting at Kabin Cafe rest area
6. 17 March, Colmer's Hill. Meeting at Colmer's Hill Car Park
7. 24 March, Bridehead. Meeting on Village Green
8. 31 March, Eggardon Hill. Meeting at layby at Crossroads
9. 21 April, Kingcombe Nature Reserve. Meeting outside cafe
10. 28 April, Landon Hill/ Golden Cap. Meeting at Landgon Wood NT Carpark
Workshops took place in the meeting room, LSI, 51 East Street, Bridport DT6 3JX. 1pm to 3pm on same day. NB spaces
We used a disabled accessible venue for the workshops, and offered a range of walks for varying abilities.
36 people were involved in the workshops. Approximately 50 listened to Kevans talk about the project at the Sustainable Bridport launch in Bridport Town Hall. Approximately 50 attended the launch.
The project, initiated by Bridport based Dr Manwaring, is funded by the Dorset Community Fund and will be delivered by Bridport Arts Centre, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 with a range of events.
The Arts Centre is keen to promote environmental initiatives and awareness raising as part of its core goals.
Kevan says: "As a writer I am continually inspired by the Great Outdoors. I am a great believer in the power of nature to heal, inspire, and encourage resilience. My hope is that these walks and workshops will reach out to local people who do not normally have access to the countryside or to creative writing workshops."
Quotes
"Why am I doing this course? To get fit walking with other people – exploring countryside round Bridport, challenging myself to walk, to write, to learn new skills, meet new people. Enjoy the natural world – to explore! It’s been a truly wonderful 10 weeks – discovered the power of writing, going deep within." Jill Hemmings.
"Green Words has opened my psyche to creative parts of my mind; which has come as quite a surprise. To connect nature with words has been a beautiful experience. I feel so much gratitude. Thank you, Kevan." Katy Murrell.
"Needed no further enticement than the idea of “Green Words”; what’s not to like? It’s been a revitalising new beginning for a budding poet." Valerie Goodwin.
"Walking outside sensing all that nature is with awe and wonderment, prompting an inner joy of finding words for writing." Hugh King.
"A chance to do something I've never done before, out of my comfort zone whilst being nurtured by nature." Jan Farnan.
"Having recently moved away this has been an opportunity to re-engage with the unique, beautiful landscapes around Bridport. I’ve much valued walking in great company, the feast of writing offered by the group and the range of poetry and prose to which Kevan introduced us. A perfect mix." Sue Williams.
"Visiting new and beautifully old places, experiencing nature in a different way, writing with abandon, playing with words. mixing with like-minded souls. Cakes are an important writing tool!" JCM Price.