Noticing Nature at The Wilson – Autumn Sessions

How often do we really stop and look at the natural world around us? A leaf changing colour, the shape of a seed head, birdsong on the way to work, the pattern of bark on a tree. Nature is all around us, but busy lives can make it easy to pass these things by without really noticing them.

Noticing Nature is a new monthly creative gathering, developed in partnership with The Wilson. Starting this autumn, we’ll meet on the second Thursday of each month to slow down, look more closely and explore our relationship with the natural world through creativity, conversation and shared experiences.

Each session will be guided by the seasons and will bring together a mixture of observation, creative activities, discussion and occasional inspiration from The Wilson’s collections and exhibitions. You might sketch, write, make something, explore a natural object, listen, look closely or simply take some time to notice what is around you.

You don’t need to be an artist or a nature expert. There are no right answers and no particular skills required – just curiosity and a willingness to look at the natural world in a slightly different way.

This Autumn: Joy, Colour and Gratitude

Our first three sessions will explore different aspects of autumn.

September – Joy

Thursday 10th September 2pm - 3.30pm

Explore the small moments, encounters and experiences in nature that bring us joy, and create a Joy Jar to collect and remember them.

October – Colour

Thursday 8th October 2pm - 3.30pm

Autumn gives us an extraordinary palette. Bring along something from nature that catches your eye and explore colour, texture and pattern through creative activities and conversation. We will also be working with local poet Rose Lennard to create nature poems.

November – Harvest & Gratitude

Thursday 12th November 2pm - 3.30pm

As the season draws to a close, we’ll think about what nature gives us – and what we’re grateful for.

The sessions are informal, welcoming and designed to be accessible to everyone, whether you’re already creative and nature-loving or simply curious to try something different.

Noticing Nature takes place at The Wilson in Cheltenham, on the second Thursday of each month, from 2–3.30pm.

Visit The Wilson's website to fid out how to get there and more about the venue. wilsonmuseum.org.uk/visit-us/