Hidden Nature

A week on Saturday, May 5th, I'm running a poetry workshop - Hidden Nature - at Attenborough Nature Reserve, just outside Nottingham, in conjunction with Nottingham Writers' Studio. It starts at 10.30am and runs until 4.30pm.

We'll attempt to translate birdsong into poetry, track down long-distance travellers in transit, turn the tables by watching the birdwatchers, and make maps of our experiences. The morning will be spent out on the reserve (which should be full of migrant birds at this time of year), and the afternoon in the comfort of the new visitor centre.

If you don't know Attenborough, it's a great reserve created out of gravel pits next to the River Trent. Although there's still a working quarry on site, it's got a great record of attracting interesting birds, especially migrants on passage.

You don’t need any previous experience of watching wildlife - the emphasis will be formly on writing, rather than rarities. Just bring a pen, paper, bags of energy, and a pair of binoculars if you have them (don't worry if you haven't, I'll have some spares available to borrow).

Price is £55, £40 for NWS members. To book, download a form using the link here, or call 0115 959 7947. Lunch is available at the Visitor Centre cafe. More details on other NWS workshops, courses and events can also be found here.