Wild Words is a compilation of writing inspired by Dartmoor. It began as a callout to local writers, essayists, diarists, poets and lyricists and quickly became a wonderfully eclectic selection of pieces written on, featuring or prompted by the moor. Our vision is that, through reading and sharing these stories, people will discover, or strengthen, their connection to Dartmoor. We believe that a strong connection to the landscape inspires activism, accountability, stewardship and a sense of responsibility.
Wild Words launches as a free digital magazine on our website on Friday 28th of November.
Dartmoor has always been a storied landscape. In today’s high-pressure world, where nature must jostle for space alongside industry and technology, against a backdrop of shifting climate and unpredictable weather, these stories have become more important than ever. Used in activism and online messaging, they convey a wealth of meaning, ready for everyone to discover.
‘We are immensely grateful and heartened that so many people have given their time and talents to Wild Words. We hope that they will inspire others and give voice to the things people feel about this special landscape.’ -Tom Usher, CEO of the DPA
For many people, Dartmoor is an important anchoring point. Whether it provides inspiration, escape, a livelihood, healing, a challenge or a home, the moor has an enduring impact on millions of lives. The Wild Words magazine, curated by the Dartmoor Preservation Association, is a collection of writing which explores, in various ways, Dartmoor’s past, present and possible future.
Wild Words magazine has over 100 pages, packed with more than 50 pieces of writing. Each submission conveys a unique and powerful relationship with the moor, a landscape which has inspired storytellers of all kinds for thousands of years.
Not only are these pieces enjoyable and evocative of the many moods of Dartmoor, they also capture moments of connection and inspiration in this special landscape. In all the submissions collected in the magazine, the moor itself features as a character in some way, often taking the starring role.
Seeking inspiration in nature is a time-honoured tradition. Now, in the modern day, nature writing has the power to give back, by inspiring readers to tread lightly, connect mindfully and access wild places responsibly. Wild Words is a new digital magazine, curated by the Dartmoor Preservation Association, showcases writing shaped by the unique Dartmoor landscape.
One of the core focuses of the DPA is making Dartmoor accessible to all, and this has involved campaigning for better bus routes, leading guided walks and supporting access rights for outdoor recreation on the moor. Our free digital Wild Words magazine is another face of this commitment to responsible access. Showcasing a myriad of ways to connect with the moor, it extends a welcome to all, reaffirming our belief that Dartmoor is a space for everyone. Plus, in exploring the ways in which the moor is both precious and vulnerable, it prompts an awareness of the part we all play in protecting it.
Positive and informed introductions to Dartmoor are so vital, as a relationship with a landscape engenders responsibility, stewardship and care. Inside the pages of Wild Words, readers can discover reason after reason to commit to taking care of the national park.
As well as collating written pieces, another aspect of the Wild Words project has been to pair writers and readers. These pairings have created brand new connections, introduced people to writing they may never have discovered and inspired readers to visit new places of the moors to record themselves reading aloud. All of our Wild Words recordings are available to listen to on our YouTube channel.
Images left to right:
Helen Bruce, curator of Wild Words. Image: Glavind Strachan Photography.
Sophie Pierce, who has an extract from her book ‘The Green Hill: Letters To A Son’ published in Wild Words. Photo: Glavind Strachan Photography.
Kate Gold, whose poems ‘Mother Moor’ and ‘Dartmeet’ feature in Wild Words.