Woman with sunglasses taking a selfie in a grassy landscape under a blue sky.
Handwritten name 'Sarah Marles' with blue wavy lines below on white background.

Tidal Threads: Nature Writing from the edge of the estuary ~ Walks, Talks & Courses

Sarah is a mum to two children and a rescue dog called Pumpkin. She lives at the edge of a tidal estuary in England, exploring the deep connections between people, place and nature.

She has gained a BA (Hons) Degree in History from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, and is currently studying for an MA in Nature and Travel Writing at Bath Spa University.

Through her writing, courses and mentoring she helps others find their voice in the natural world.

Events

Sunlit forest path with wooden gate, surrounded by leafless trees and foliage, misty atmosphere in the morning light.
Person writing on paper with a pen, notebook and coffee cup on a table.

WALK | NOTICE | WRITE

WEDNESDAY April 30th 2025

Venue (in-person event)
Thurstaston, Wirral (exact details upon booking)

First session starting WEDNESDAY 30th April 2025 12pm – 2pm

£15 per session (Drop-in rate) OR Â£50 for a 4-week block (£12.50 per session)

Tidal Threads: Introduction to Nature Writing, Walk & Workshop (Approx 2 hours)

Would you like to learn how to deepen your connection with nature, improve your observation AND writing skills and meet new, like-minded people within your local community?

Join my guided journey through the shifting seasons, where people, walking and writing meet.

Join me for a four-week immersive nature writing experience weaving together movement, observation and prose.

Each session begins with a gentle 30/45-minute walk through woodland near the Dee Estuary, where we tune into the changing landscape – its sounds, scents, textures and even dramas.

Then, we gather (accessible on foot) at a welcoming café to capture our experiences in words, guided by weekly themes designed to deepen your connection to nature and refine your craft.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or simply seeking a mindful, creative space, this nature writing course offers inspiration, community and the joy of putting pen to paper in good company.

Optional: Coffee/ Cake/ Lunch available to purchase at the cafe.

FOUR WEEK SCHEDULE OUTLINE:

Week 1-3: Walk, Notice, Write (Wednesday 30th April, 7th & 14h May)

45 min walk → Seasonal focus each week

45 min writing → Guided prompts + personal writing time

End with light discussion → Share initial thoughts (optional, no pressure)

Week 4: Sharing & Feedback Session (21st May)

No walk this week—just a focused session in the café

Writers bring a polished or expanded version of something they’ve worked on: Optional reading aloud + gentle feedback

Bonus Perk for Block Bookers: Book all 4 sessions, get a personal short written feedback note from me – Sarah on one piece of writing via email after the course.

Spaces are limited to ensure a small, supportive group.

Book cover of 'The Peregrine' by J.A. Baker featuring an illustration of a peregrine falcon in flight.

The Peregrine by J. A. Baker is a nature writing masterpiece from start to finish. Perhaps it could be described as hard-going in places and relentless in pace, but it’s well worth the effort for the poetic, beautifully crafted prose and unique, unmistakable Baker style.

My Nature Book Nook

Hi, and welcome to The Nature Book Nook. I'm so glad you're here in this cosy corner of the bookish internet. Hopefully you'll find some inspirational reads here, if you're a nature lover like me.

I have personally read ALL of the books I have recommended in my shop (although some of the children's books, only my children have read, but have given them the thumbs up). They all have a theme; nature, beauty and inspiration!

By purchasing any book from my bookshop, you are supporting my work in helping spread the word about how essential nature is to all our lives, for our physical and mental wellbeing and the health of the planet. Plus you are supporting independent bookshops in the UK.

 My main focus of interest is nature non-fiction and nature memoir, although there are some motherhood books as well as some wonderful inspirational general books about life in all its glory. 

 I hope you enjoy my book recommendations, visit my Nature Book Nook to find out more.

bookshop.org logo

Every purchase from my bookshop supports independent bookshops in the UK

One Midsummer’s Day by Mark Cocker is a beautifully written and thought provoking book. Mark Cocker has such a deep, lyrical way of writing about birds and landscape. This book explores the interconnectedness of life through the lens of swifts, a wonderful concept for a wonderful bird.

One Midsummer's Day book by Mark Cocker

Socials ~ keeping you in the loop

 
Something was different. It took me a minute or two to realise what it was; old Caro boat had disappeared from view at Heswall shore. Had it been removed? There's been talk recently of removing all the old abandoned boats from the shoreline in re
This month's Tidelines Book Club post is up over on Substack and I'm looking at J. A. Baker's The Peregrine - of course. It's a must read for any budding nature writer. As ever, I discuss the book from a writer's perspective, or more accurately, a wr
Locals ~ I've a bit of excitement to share, I've teamed up with Benty Farm Tearoom to host an Introduction to Nature Writing Walk & Workshop starting on Wednesday April 30th 12-2pm. The event will run for 2 hours starting with a guided walk to
There's a beautiful tree at the edge of the coastal town of West Kirby, known locally as the 'broccoli tree', that's been standing sentinel over the comings and goings since around the time of 1860. The Umbrella Pine (Pinus pinea), also known as th
I spent an hour this afternoon, staring out of the window at one of my favourite cafes; a solo date with this coffee and this view. It was busy, the scene behind me was hustled and jostled at times, as solos and couples with dogs and laptops came a
Birds hey! Love 'em 🪶🤎 I forgot to share that my latest free Tidal Threads post is up on Substack, it's about birds. I rather like them it turns out. I'm having a bit of an overwhelming week/month; my son turns 12 this week then 3 weeks later my
This beautiful weather has gifted us with some stunning sunsets. This wasn't the best, but my goodness, it's the one that brought joy to my beautiful dog's face. Like me, she loves dusk. For her, it's that time of day when the scent of the air change
I'm a little bit obsessed with this book, simply because it's remarkable in many ways. I absolutely love the South West Coast Path and have spent holidays enjoying the beautiful landscape with members of family who are no longer here. The nostalgia a

Reach out…

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