Writer Sarah all set for inspirational Sherwood Forest
Children’s author Sarah Ann Juckes will be visiting Sherwood Forest this half term holiday, taking inspiration from the woodland landscape and its legends for her latest book.
She’ll also be leading a number of free creative writing sessions for 8-12 year-olds at the Visitor Centre and other locations throughout Edwinstowe between 23rd and 26th October.
There will also be creative writing walks in the forest with Sarah, including one with Friar Tuck, a mindfulness walk for adults and a nature walk for children.
Sarah’s Young Adult books, Outside and The World Between Us, have been shortlisted for multiple awards and translated into several languages.
Her Middle Grade debut, The Hunt for the Nightingale, was published in January 2022 to critical acclaim.
Sarah said: “I’m tremendously excited for this residency, both as a chance for me to immerse myself creatively in the landscape and history of Sherwood Forest, and also to meet budding writers over half term.
“What a fantastic opportunity for us all to learn about this special place and listen for new stories hiding in the leaves. Please do come and say hello – whether you’re new to writing or are a seasoned poet – all are welcome!”
Aside from being a children’s author, Sarah is also creative writing tutor.
She works at Oxford University and is on the board for Creative Future – a charity supporting under-represented writers.
The residency, supported by Miner2Major People of Sherwood project funding, will offer children a chance to engage creatively with the surroundings alongside a practising author, inspiring them to pen their own stories of an area with a rich storytelling history.
Rob James, Communications Officer for RSPB Sherwood Forest and Budby South Forest, said: “Sherwood Forest is all about the power of stories, from the legends of Robin Hood and Maid Marian to the experiences our visitors have today of being among the ancient oaks and wildlife of the woodland.
“We are thrilled to have such an exciting opportunity for children and adults to come and spend time with a writer who can help spark their imagination to help them create something magical, as well as for Sarah to visit and take inspiration herself from the landscape and its myths.”
For all the details you need about these events, click here.