'Green Words' is a walking and writing wellbeing project delivered by Bridport Arts Centre, that will take place in the Bridport area of West Dorset in spring 2023.

The idea is to lead 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. 

The walks will cover a variety of terrain, appealing to a range of abilities from those with limited mobility to the confident walker. 

Guided creative writing workshops, which will also be free, will be held in Bridport's Literary and Scientific Institute on East Street following each walk, led by an experienced facilitator Dr Kevan Manwaring, who is the senior lecturer in creative writing at Arts University Bournemouth, and a keen walker.

Over 10 weeks, 'Green Words' will be nurtured and honed, leading to an anthology co-designed and co-produced by the group, with contributions of poems, prose, photographs, and drawings.

The anthology will be launched at a final showcase, held at Bridport Arts Centre. 

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 will lead both the walks and the corresponding writing workshops, which will take place on Fridays from February 10. The walks will run from 10am to 12noon followed by the workshops from 1pm to 3pm. 

Both are open to all, although specific community groups will be encouraged to participate, with a focus on access to green spaces and lifelong learning for all. 

Kevan said: "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."

Spaces are free but limited to 15 per session, so booking is essential.

Contact Kevan by emailing [email protected]