Amanda Thomson and Elizabeth Reeder, Cairngorms Connect Artists in Residence

Language is a reflection of life, meaning words used in relation to the natural world represent much more than purely their definitions. With ongoing biodiversity loss, the richness of our language is also suffering; we’re losing wildness, words and wisdom. But, words hold the key to knowing and loving nature; a relationship whose strength stands us in good stead in fighting ecological collapse. Storytelling has long united communities, and must do so again as we tackle this shared crisis together.

In this workshop we’ll explore the broader cultural significance of biodiversity loss, and appreciate how language shapes our understanding of place. We’ll look at nature writing as a tool accessible to everyone, both in developing creative connections to nature and with others, and bringing biodiversity back into the conversation.