Wildlife & Words
A gentle walk around Newark and a creative writing workshop that blends urban wildlife and words, with local author and facilitator Emma Oldham.

Wildlife & Words

Join award-winning writer and facilitator Emma Oldham for a gentle, creative workshop that blends walking, urban wildlife, observation and writing, that invites you to slow down and see Newark with fresh eyes.

This 90-minute session invites you to slow down and see Newark with fresh eyes. Through a relaxed guided walk, you’ll be encouraged to notice the wilder side of Newark Town that we often miss — sounds, textures, movement, atmosphere and creatures — gathering inspiration from the natural world around you.

After a guided five-senses observation exercise, we’ll return indoors to turn what we’ve gathered into words. Through short, guided writing prompts, you’ll get the chance to transform your observations into poetry or micro-fiction. There’s no pressure to share, but participants are warmly invited to read their work in a supportive, encouraging space.

Perfect for beginners and experienced writers alike, this workshop focuses on the simple but powerful idea that writing begins with noticing. Just bring along a pen and a notebook. 

For the start of the walk, meet outside Newark Town Hall, ready to leave at 1pm (please arrive early). The workshop will take place at the Learning Room at Palace Theatre. 

EVENT DATE & TIME

Ticket Prices

Adults

£4.00

Children

£4.00
Tickets purchased online for this event will be subject to a fee of £1.50 per booking (not per ticket), which is set by Palace Theatre, Newark.

About the Author

Emma Oldham (she/her) is an award-winning conservation biologist and author based in Newark-on-Trent, England. Her love of wildlife and storytelling began early and has never really let up. She’s rarely far from a notepad, a half-finished story, or a rescued creature. Her work has received national recognition, including being named a 2024 Novi Third Sector Leader and appearing on the 2024 ENDS Power List of Political Change-Makers. Emma holds an MA in Creative Writing, and her fiction won the 2025 Oxford Flash Fiction Prize
Black Waterstones Newark logo

Author Book Signing

The brand-new Waterstones Newark is the official Festival Bookseller, for 2026. Waterstones will be running the Festival Bookshop at the Palace Theatre and pop-up book stalls for author book signings after every event at each venue.

MORE INFORMATION

Please note: Advance tickets are available until 11 am the day before the event, unless the venue is the Palace Theatre or Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre.

All tickets are sold through Newark Palace Theatre unless otherwise stated.

View the terms and conditions of sale here.

EVENTS NOT TO MISS!