Wytham Book Group

with kim polgreen, youth educator in residence

Our next Book Group is 19th May 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Our book group is a fun, informal opportunity to relax in the Woods and meet other people who are interested in reading and talking about books about nature, climate and related issues - for anyone from the avid reader to the just curious. Everyone brings one book, or perhaps a poem, that they have enjoyed and would like to tell other people about. Some people read an excerpt out, others just talk about their book, and then we have a chat about each one which sparks ideas, and thoughts of other books. It’s all very free flowing and extremely thought provoking.

Click to see The list or books and poems discussed so far!

The first Book Group of 2024 on 21st April was a wonderful walk to see the bluebells, followed by tea and book chat at the Chalet in the Woods. Our book selection included some wonderful recent books about nature for children.

“Thank you so much for the forest walk and poetry session. I really enjoyed it and appreciate the volunteer work you do with kids and doing these walks. This will now inspire me, to read more interesting books and look into more of the British poets.”

— Book group participant

“I just wanted to say thank you for a lovely morning. It got me inspired and thinking about lots of poems and books I’ve read and could have talked about.”

— Book Group participant

We started the Wytham Book Group in April 2022 and we, and those who have joined us, love it so much we are going to carry on with regular events.

Here is the wonderful list of books that we have discussed so far if you feel like delving into it. Don’t feel you can’t bring one of those books along to discuss again, as the group changes each time, and we will probably have forgotten anyway! Plus every discussion is different.

We start with a walk through the Woods, and head to the Chalet where we have hot drinks and discuss the books we have brought along.

For morning sessions: Meet at the Woods car park (accessed via Wytham Village) at 10am to walk up the hill the Chalet together, or if you are a bit later, make your own way up the tarmac track from the car park (20 minutes walk) to arrive at about 10.30.

We finish at noon, in time for you to walk down the hill back to the car park for 12.15, but if you'd like to bring a packed lunch and carry on chatting for a bit longer please do.

For afternoon sessions: This version involves a longer walk. Meet at the Woods car park (accessed via Wytham village) at 1.30pm.

We will walk first, and arrive at the Chalet for tea and book chat, and then back down the hill to the Car Park for 4.30pm.

To get onto our mailing list for the future dates or with any other questions, please email kim@oxfordearthacademy.org. We hope to see you in the Woods!