About the event

SKEEALYN FEIE: WILD TALES

Let Nature Inspire You 🌿

An Outdoor Poetry & Songwriting Workshop with Annie Kissack and Alice Dudley

📅 Saturday 15 August 2026
🕒 3:00 - 5:00pm
📍 MWT Ayres Nature Discovery Centre
🎟️ FREE | Advance booking essential
👥 Adult Workshop | Only 10 spaces available

Step outside, slow down and let nature spark your creativity.

Join Fifth Manx Bard Annie Kissack and Biosphere Artist in Residence Alice Dudley for a unique outdoor workshop exploring new ways to find inspiration for poetry and songwriting.

Whether you're an experienced writer, performer, or have never written creatively before, this relaxed and supportive session invites you to experiment, play with ideas and discover new ways of seeing the world around you.

We'll journey through the beautiful habitats of the Ayres National Nature Reserve, guided by Zoologist and Manx Wildlife Trust Volunteer Kim Etherton, stopping along the way for creative prompts and writing exercises from Annie and Alice.

We'll finish at the beach with time to write independently before returning to the Nature Discovery Centre for short performances from Annie and Alice, followed by a relaxed, friendly open-mic opportunity to share your own work.

You’ll have the chance to:

🌱 Experiment with new writing techniques
✍️ Find inspiration directly from the landscape
🦋 Discover the wildlife and plant life of the Ayres
🎶 Hear exclusive poetry and songwriting performances
🤝 Meet and connect with fellow creatives
🎤 Share your own work in a welcoming, informal setting

No finished poem or song is required, just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

The group walk will last approximately 40 minutes and will include uneven ground. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring refreshments and SPF if needed.

The route is weather-dependent, with indoor activities available at the Nature Discovery Centre if required. Camping chairs can be provided on request.

Dogs are not permitted. Parking and a portaloo are available on site.

💚 Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated and help support our work.

Meet your hosts

Annie Kissack is the Fifth Manx Bard, a teacher, fluent Manx speaker, songwriter and performer. Her poetry draws inspiration from the stories, folklore, landscape and language of the Isle of Man.

Alice Dudley is the Fourth Biosphere Artist in Residence. An artist and songwriter, her residency explores collaboration, connection and the Manx landscape, bringing artists, writers, musicians and communities together through workshops and performances.

Only 10 spaces available - advance booking is essential to guarantee your place.

Kindly supported through the Biosphere Artist in Residence Scheme, hosted by Manx Wildlife Trust with support from the Isle of Man Arts Council, in partnership with UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and Culture Vannin.