Poet, Harriet Fraser has produced two short films for the Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme aimed at primary aged children to inspire poetry linked to trees and the landscape.
“A poem doesn’t start on paper – it starts with your own story, and if you’re writing about trees or wildlife, the best place to begin is outside” says Harriet.
In two short films, Harriet brings the outside world into the classrooms and the home. Aimed at younger children, you can follow Harriet as she encounters a large old oak tree and a hardy hawthorn growing through the limestone pavement on Little Asby Common. Harriet delivers an outdoor lesson and some top tips to help you create your own poetry.
The films end with Harriet reading her own poems which illustrate how words can be played with in many ways to accentuate and invoke emotions and connection to the landscape. For teachers and parents, there’s an activity guide with each film containing tips and suggestions for exercises to try.
The films and activity guides are available to view or download for free from the resources section of The Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme website at: www.thewestmorlanddales.org.uk
If these films help you engage with the outdoors and inspire you to create some of your own poetry please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Nicola Estill, Community Engagement Officer for the Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme: nicola-estill@fld.org.uk. Any poetry submitted poetry may be featured in their newsletters or on the Scheme’s website.
The Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme, which has been funded by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, aims to engage people in revealing, conserving, enjoying and sustaining the hidden heritage of the Westmorland Dales.
