Forget the Left Bank of the Seine in Paris, Byrness is coming up on the rails as a prolific artist colony!

The tiny settlement of a hundred or so souls on the edge of Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland, just a few miles south of the Scottish border, is a ferment of creativity.

Now the Forestry Commission is tapping the village’s rich artistic vein to kick start an exciting series of art workshops at nearby 18th century Kielder Castle.

Leading the way will be 60 year old Sue Moorhouse.

The former teacher tired of vast desert vistas during a Middle East posting and returned to the UK looking for a green antidote.

She settled in Byrness and soon found herself in like-minded company.

Now a professional artist, her expertise in print making will come under the spotlight at a colourful beginner’s event at the Castle on 11 May 2008. One of her neighbours, wordsmith Robert Taylor, will be leading another Kielder workshop in poetry as part of the summer series on 1 June. Both are members of a vibrant Byrness Arts and Crafts group – not bad for a village with just 49 houses!

Sue said:

“I chose to live in Byrness because it’s green and totally different from anywhere else I’ve been. Landscapes and flowers have always been a prime inspiration, so there are few better places. But even so I’ve been amazed at the artistic talent in the village – the setting is clearly a big draw.”

Sue’s printing taster session runs from 11am to 3pm and costs £12. It is suitable for people over 12 years old and all materials will be provided. She will also be exhibiting her work throughout May in Kielder Castle’s Duchess Gallery.

Other workshops include:

1 June. Poetry Taster with Robert Taylor. Event aimed at younger people. Time: 11am-2.30pm. Cost: £3 per person

22 June. Tai Chi. Time: 11am-12pm & 1.30pm-2.30pm. Cost: £3 per person

27 July. Digital Photography. Time: 11am-3pm. Cost: £12 per person

2 August. Willow Weaving. Time: 1pm-3pm. Cost: £10 per structure.

17 August. Raku Pottery Workshop. Time: 11am-3pm. Cost: £5 per person.

Booking for all events (except Ruku pottery) is required on 01434 250209. For more on the region’s woods log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/NorthEastEngland

Media calls: Richard Darn on 01226 246351. Mobile: 0775 367 0038

Note to Editors

The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands.