On Saturday 6th of July, I will be providing some poetry and a workshop at a free family event in our local woods, Marshall’s Arm. Today I was taken on a rekkie walk to look at the terrain. There is a wonderful variety of plants and trees, birdsong and a stream, lots of interesting fungi and wildlife. We met two different parties of primary school children, and some secondary school pupils who use it was a short cut home. It was good to see it so busy. If anyone wants to come on Saturday, it starts at 12 noon at Stones Manor Lane entrance and you bring your own picnic.
I now have the lovely task of finding some poems to inspire the group at various stopping off points, as well as some workshop ideas when they arrive at the picnic site, which is a beautiful oak tree standing in a clearing, which has been mowed today into a fary ring. John Clare, Edward Thomas, Robert Frost and many other poets will be on my list for this event. There is also a plan to display some of the poems written on the day in a glass covered notice board. Once through the woods, there is an oxbow lake with many birds, including a regular heron. There’s also frequent sightings of owls, buzzards, wagtails, ducks of several kinds and many others. 
I was pleased to be invited to bring poetry to the community in this way. For me it is all about giving something back to the environment and the community, and spreading my love of poetry as wide as possible.
http://www.gettinghere.co.uk/marshalls-arm-local-nature-reserve/
Angela Topping 
Hi Angela, I love the idea of reading poetry outside, using words to connect with and deepen understanding of the beauty and magic of the local landscape. I hope it goes well.