Nic gives talks and leads workshops on a range of topics from nature writing to wildlife gardening and even her research into the life of the Northamptonshire poet, John Clare.
Having taught A Level English for 12 years in secondary school and sixth form college, Nic enjoys the opportunity to work with adults and children, passing on her enthusiasm and passion for language and the natural world.
Feedback from Nature Writing Workshop for the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust:
“It was an excellent workshop and ended too soon! We were made to feel very welcome. Many ideas were given and gentle encouragement to take part if we wanted to. Congratulations to Nic and the organizers.”
“Brilliant. Wish it was longer and hope there is a follow on course. Great teaching and exercises. Loved the walk too.”
Society of Authors Talk: Nature in your Local Patch
‘A fantastic talk yesterday. You could tell everyone really enjoyed it.’ — Phil
Feedback from Nature Writing Workshop for Sussex Wildlife Trust:
‘So very helpful and I loved how you pulled so much together, shared great writers, opened local wilds to us so gently in a short time and still left unhurried space to play with words.’
— Ruth
‘Thank you for the workshop today. So many great tips, author recommendations and reminders that all you need is a pavement crack and an enquiring mind.‘
— Rasha
Talks Programme
Nic gives talks on a range of gardening and wildlife topics (and is willing to consider suggestions). She also runs writing workshops with organisations such as The Wildlife Trusts.
Based in: Hitchin
Distance willing to travel: 30 miles Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, possibly further on arrangement
Virtual talks available: Yes
Fees: from £100 for 1 hour talks, plus mileage and expenses
A Talk on the Wild Side: Gardens in the Wider Landscape (1 hour talk incl. Q&A)
Four and Twenty Blackbirds: How to Create a Bird-Friendly Garden that Sings in Every Season (1 hour talk incl. Q&A)
Unusual Crops: The Good, The Bad and Achocha (1 hour talk incl. Q&A)
Nature in Your Local Patch (1 hour talk based on Nic’s Guardian Country Diaries incl. Q&A)
Wild Writing Workshop (3 hour Introduction to Nature Writing, but can be extended to a series of sessions as a short course)
Garden Writing Workshop (3 hour Introduction to Garden Writing, but can be extended to a series of sessions as a short course)
Upcoming Events
Tuesday 16 January 2024, 7-8pm, Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge
Moving Mountains: Illness, Disability and Memoir (Online)
Joanne Limburg in conversation with Louise Kenward, Victoria Bennett and Nic Wilson.
Sunday 25 February 2024, 3pm, Holy Saviour Church, Hitchin
Nature in Your Local Patch
Nic will be chatting about the importance of engaging with nature in our increasingly busy lives. She is looking forward to discussing her favourite local landscapes in North Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire, including veteran trees, black squirrels, water meadows, house sparrows, butterfly success stories and how to get involved in community-led conservation.
Wednesday 6 March 2024, 7.30pm, Pirton, Hertfordshire
A Talk on the Wild Side: Gardens in the Wider Landscape
In this talk, Nic will be discussing how we can help wildlife in our gardens and exploring the vital role the UK’s one million acres of garden habitat could play in supporting local biodiversity.
Wednesday 18 June 2024, 7.30pm, Biggleswade & District Gardening Club, Bedfordshire
Unusual Crops: The Good, The Bad and Achocha
This lively talk covers how to grow a range of unusual fruit, vegetables and herbs. Nic reveals which of these weird and wonderful crops have become firm family favourites, which produced monstrous harvests, and which disappointingly consigned themselves to the compost bin of experimentation.
2024 Date and Venue To Be Confirmed
Nature Writing Workshop for Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust
Do you enjoy watching the birds in your garden or local park? Are you interested in the wild flowers and trees you pass on your way into town or on country walks? Perhaps you’d like to share your ideas and enthusiasm with others, broaden your knowledge of wildlife and place, and explore your own creative voice.
Whether you’re new to writing or would like to develop your skills, this morning workshop will give you the opportunity to engage with the natural world through creative writing.
Feedback from Force of Nature: Wild Writing
‘Such an interesting talk and subject! Very educational and interesting. I loved that Nic read pieces of her own work. THANK YOU!’
‘A very interesting talk.’