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Reflections on The Wordsworth Trust trip and my journey with The Bay

Lakeland fells by Alannah Williams

Recently, some of our Nature and Wellbeing group members had the opportunity to visit The Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere. Here are some reflections from one of our group members.

The Bay sessions provide a lovely escape from life's stresses. They've taught me new skills and rekindled my joy. I feel more connected—to nature, to others and to myself. Spending time outdoors with the group energizes me. My creativity flourishes, bringing happiness and inspiration. I've also acquired practical knowledge—like making my own elderflower cordial—which makes me feel closer to nature. Realizing how accessible and beneficial nature is has been eye-opening.

Before the Wordsworth Trust trip, My knowledge of the Wordsworths was virtually non-existent. I had never been to Dove Cottage or visited the Lake District. If I had ever passed through the area as a child, it left only faint memories. However, learning about them and witnessing the landscape that inspired their beautiful poems first-hand was a revelation. It felt like stepping into their world

People in cloaks reading poetry in front of a dry stone wall

The group got fully immersed in the experience, even dressing up

Choosing a favourite part of the day is nearly impossible—I cherished every moment. The camaraderie of great company and the unwavering support from the staff made the entire day memorable, but several moments from the trip will stay with me forever. Seeing the real diaries of the Wordsworth family, being surrounded by hand-printed books in the library and feeling the mystical aura of the cottage left an indelible mark.

A young woman writing with a quill in a library

Writing with a quill is a new experience

The experience made me ponder life's little mysteries and the marks we all leave behind. Beyond the Wordsworths and their poetry, I learned valuable lessons. Perfection isn't always necessary for something to be its best version; the impact teamwork can have; and the practical skills of the past, like using a quill to write, fascinated me. The trip exceeded all my expectations. The staff were exceptional, the structure was well-planned, and the experience touched my heart. It was more interesting and inspiring than I could have imagined.

My journey with The Bay Project and the Wordsworth Trust trip has been transformative. Initially, summoning the confidence and courage to attend the sessions was difficult. However, meeting everyone in the group, who were incredibly kind, helped me overcome this challenge and now I eagerly look forward to the sessions each week. Each session makes a difference - from the serene landscapes of Dove Cottage to the camaraderie of The Bay sessions, I've discovered new facets of myself and the world around me. If you're considering joining The Bay, it’s definitely worth a try. I was nervous at first but now I'm grateful I didn't miss out – it’s a path to self-discovery, connection, and inspiration.

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