Green Words: an anthology of natural words from West Dorset

‘Green Words’ is a walking & writing wellbeing project 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 (also 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 in Bridport Arts Centre.
The project, initiated by Bridport-based Dr Manwaring, is funded by the Dorset Community Fund, with the support of Mick Smith, director of 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.