Events & Courses

A creative writing workshop based in nature, making the most of the peaceful environment at Sussex Prairie Garden. We will take a gentle stroll through the garden guided by me (Mel Parks), pausing now and then to write and quietly notice the surroundings with all of our senses.

Back in the gallery space, next to the tea shop, we will take a break for tea, coffee and biscuits, before using what we’ve written in the garden to create haiku and haibun. These brief Japanese forms of writing, developed by Basho in the seventeenth century on his poetry walks, are perfect for capturing moments and the essence of experiences in nature. They are also an ideal starting point, even if you have never done creative writing before and they are brilliant for nature journalling too.

Time:
10am-1:30pm

What to bring:
Come prepared for the weather as this workshop includes an outdoor walk, though we will have an indoor space if the weather is not on our side.

Bring your own notebook and pens. Feel free to bring coloured pens/pencils too if you’d like to draw alongside writing.

A packed lunch to enjoy in the garden following the workshop.

Cost: £60 per person

Included in the price:
Tea/coffee and biscuits in the morning break. Please note, there is also a café (open from 1pm) serving drinks, homemade cakes and ice cream but no sandwiches or savoury snacks.
Free entry to the gardens where you can spend time following the morning workshop.

To book a place: https://www.honeyleafwriting.com/workshops/p/haikutohaibun

About Mel Parks
Mel Parks is a writer and creative writing workshop facilitator based in Forest Row, East Sussex. Mel runs writing workshops locally and online. She has been widely published and is currently working on a series of moon and plant-inspired creative essays. Read more about Mel’s writing and workshops here: https://awen.substack.com/

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