Your Seasons of Stories is a nature and creative community project led by Stepping into Nature, this launch sees a beautifully written, illustrated and filmed mix of resources available for free to encourage creative conversation, community and nature connection.

Your Seasons of Stories resources were co-created by four Dorset artists working closely with selected Dorset communities, and are free to access and available online as downloadable pdfs and short films, and as a high quality limited edition resource box containing five themed activity cards, inspirational poster artwork, stories and poetry and an artist materials starter kit.

The storytelling, poetry and art activities within this beautiful resource encourage people of all ages and abilities to enjoy local landscape, wildlife, folk tradition and culture to spark creativity and boost wellbeing. There are tips to help loosen up and relax into creative thinking, find creative flow, and be present in the moment. The activities are suitable for all adults with access to nature indoors or outdoors, with no additional materials required, and tips to expand art with new materials. The project aims to reach those lacking in mobility, isolated or experiencing low mental health but anyone is encouraged to join the growing community by taking part and sharing thoughts or artwork.

Creative facilitator and landscape poet, Sarah Acton said:

‘We hope to inspire nature connection, creativity and creative conversation with these beautifully designed, accessible and playful resources. We have collaborated closely with some fabulous community groups to create the activities, and it’s always satisfying and uplifting at the end of a session when participants realise that just ‘having a go’ can lead to surprises, not least that anyone can be an artist (or poet) in everyday life! It’s not about outcome, but about enjoying the process of making, and for wellbeing – tracking feelings and appreciating nature and seasons, connecting to the wider world. ’

Your Seasons of Stories follows on from the popular Seasons of Stories ‘Autumn’ and ‘Spring’ books commissioned by Stepping into Nature, designed by Spike Golding and written by professional poet Sarah Acton and storyteller Martin Maudsley. Your Seasons of Stories was the next step to equip anyone with the skills, confidence, and motivation to create their own personal seasonal poetry, stories and art. The creative team for Your Seasons of Stories expanded to include artists Ilse Black and Sarah Jane Ross, and videographer Ben Ingram.

Stepping into Nature Project Officer, Steph Aburrow said:

‘Opportunities to access and enjoy nature and art are not equal for all. We hope that the Your Seasons of Stories resources will help more people to find new ways to appreciate nature and take part in creative activities for their wellbeing. We have gained much insight working with community groups through the development of this resource and it has been amazing to work with an incredibly talented group of people. The initial feedback to the resources has been great and we can’t wait to share it more widely. ’

Get involved and join the growing community of people enjoying the benefits of art and nature for their wellbeing. Share what you get up to when using the resources and inspire others using #DorsetSeasons or email a photo of your work to be included on an online community exhibition via stepin2nature@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk .

Your Seasons of Stories is supported through Stepping into Nature led by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.