The Scriptorium: Tree Spirits & Lore – Workshop

You are invited to enter the deep green, intensely creative world of the forest...

Inspired by her own work as a tree planter and with The Woodland Bard, Bernadette Russell's creative writing workshop delves into the folklore and legends of trees to help participants craft their own tales. The group learn about mythical creatures associated with trees, such as dryads and yakshis, gods like Cernunnos and Taalavaasini, the wondrous science of the 'wood wide web' and the Celtic Ogham (tree alphabet and divination system). There will also be a retelling of an ancient tree myth, after which participants will be invited to create their own pieces using prompts, free writing and timed exercises. Note: there will be no sharing of work, so attendees are free to explore and experiment with their ideas safely.

Ideal for anyone interested in the power of words, this workshop is equally suitable for experienced and new writers. By the end of it, everyone will have a new means of drawing inspiration for writing and some practice in the art.

Bernadette Russell is co-director of arts organisation White Rabbit. A published author, playwright, theatre maker and spoken-word storyteller, she hosted the award-winning storytelling salon 'Are You Sitting Comfortably?' for ten years at Arts Admin in East London. She is currently storytelling at Butser Ancient Farm. She has previously told stories at many venues including the National Theatre, Southbank Centre, and the Royal Albert Hall. She is an alumnus of the School of Myth and studies folklore at the Woodland Bard School and with Dr Sharon Blackie. She has taught creative writing and storytelling for over 20 years.