Writing to Save the Planet

The Open University and Glasgow City Archives are co-hosting creative writing workshops open to everyone, focusing on the natural environment and its place in Glasgow.

Global leaders are meeting in Glasgow at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in November, to talk about next steps to address the climate crisis, but what can we do as individuals?

A first step for many of us is paying attention to the natural world on our doorstep and acknowledging that it’s important to our wellbeing. The OU and Glasgow City Archives are running two writing workshops at the Mitchell Library, focusing on the natural environment and its place in Glasgow, and in our lives. Writing about the environment can help process emotions around climate change and the more attention we pay to nature, the stronger the motivation to protect it.

Glasgow is a city with a precious green heritage. Indeed, the name Glasgow comes from the Gaelic word ‘Glaschu’ - ‘green hollow’ or ‘dear green place’ - and Glasgow still has over 90 parks and formal gardens. Participants will have the chance to express thoughts and feelings about nature in Glasgow, inspired by materials from the City’s archives.

These in-person workshops will be convened by Glasgow poet, author and Open University creative writing tutor Irene Hossack. The interactive activities will include group work, reading, writing exercises and discussions. Tea and coffee will be provided.

After the workshops, the City Archives will display some of the work produced and examples will be preserved in the City Archives (with the permission of participants).

Book your place at one of these free workshops via the Eventbrite page for Writing to Save the Planet. 

In order to provide a safe environment, the venue will conform to the latest coronavirus guidance provided by the Scottish Government, including the wearing of face masks. 

There is a wide range of free online resources exploring climate change and the importance of COP26, on the OU’s free learning site OpenLearn.