The first Wealden Literary Festival – a two-day event celebrating landscape and nature – is to be held in Woodchurch this summer.

The festival, which has won the backing of award-winning landscape and travel writer Robert Macfarlane, will take place in the renowned gardens and woodland at Boldshaves in Woodchurch.

The Wealden Literary Festival, on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19, is the brain child of outdoor and sustainable environment enthusiasts Laura and Andrew Willan, of Tenterden.

Laura said: “We are passionate about engaging with the natural world and celebrating all that landscapes and places can reveal.

“It will be an inspiring and fun festival for all ages, with talks by acclaimed writers and speakers, alongside hands-on outdoor activities exploring the natural world – including wildlife safaris and nature trails.

“There will also be art installations and specialist craft stalls, alongside a wide range of artisanal food stalls taking advantage of the best of local produce.

“We are organising the sort of event we just love to go to ourselves. Visitors will be able to hear brilliant speakers in The Garden Tent and meet specialists sharing their enthusiasm for exploring a sense of place and revealing exciting ways to connect with the living world.”

Admission to the festival is free for under-14s. There will also be free children’s activities, including a workshop with Matthew Appleby, author of The Children’s Garden, and a chance to learn bushcraft skills with family-adventure specialists the Meek Family.

Early booking is recommended for programmed activities as places are limited. For the full programme click here.