A brand-new literary festival is coming to West Dorset this winter as Symondsbury Estate launches Wild Words, a celebration of nature, place and the art of paying attention to the world around us.
Taking place in the beautiful rustic setting of The Old Pottery on Saturday 6th December, Wild Words brings together seven inspiring authors for a day of talks and book signings exploring themes of nature, sustainability, and local life – just in time for Christmas.
Part of Symondsbury’s two days of festive events over 5th and 6th December, this intimate new festival will add a fresh chapter to Bridport’s thriving literary calendar, while reflecting the Estate’s wider ethos of living well, locally, and in tune with the natural world.
“We’re excited to launch Wild Words here at Symondsbury,” said Philip Colfox, owner of Symondsbury Estate. “The Estate has long been a place where people come to reconnect with nature, so it feels right to host a festival that celebrates writers who do exactly that – helping us notice and appreciate the world around us. Sharing insights about nature, wildlife, landscape, farming and the rural way of life is so important, so it’s wonderful to have these brilliant authors come and share with us how amazing nature really is.”
Rooted in Dorset’s rich literary landscape – birthplace of Thomas Hardy and gateway to the Jurassic Coast – Wild Words reflects a growing national appetite for books about place, the environment and sustainable living. It also complements Symondsbury’s much-loved Visitor Centre bookshop, which specialises in titles on nature, sustainability and seasonality.
Festival Talks Line-Up:
10:00–10:45 – Jeni Bell & Karen Heaney (Authors of 111 Places in Dorset That You Shouldn’t Miss): Hidden Gems of Dorset
11:00–11:45 – Tony Kirkham (Author of Arboretum): The Secret Life of Trees
13:00–13:45 – Tim Laycock (Author of Dorset Folk Tales): Once Upon a Dorset: Tales, Tunes & Local Legends
14:00–14:45 – John Wright (Author of The Forager’s Handbook): A Forager’s Journey Through the British Countryside
15:00–15:45 – Mark Carwardine (Author of Last Chance to See): Wildlife Adventures with Douglas Adams, Stephen Fry and Other Animals!
Each talk is £9 per ticket, with opportunities to meet the authors and have books signed – ideal for thoughtful, inspirational Christmas gifts.
“Wild Words is about stories that grow from the ground beneath our feet,” adds Colfox. “We want people to leave feeling inspired to explore Dorset, read more deeply and notice the extraordinary beauty of everyday places.”
Wild Words is part of Symondsbury Estate’s new look Christmas events on 5th and 6th December. Instead of a 3-day market it’s focusing on a smaller, more curated seasonal celebration which reflects what matters most to it: nature, craftsmanship, sustainability, community and fun for the whole family.
More info here: symondsburyestate.co.uk/whats-on
Tim Laycock
John Wright
Tony Kirkham