RESIDENTS of the Severn Estuary and surrounding areas are invited to contribute to a new project celebrating local landscapes and people.

People are encouraged to take part in the A Forgotten Landscape project, hosted by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), by contributing stories, letters, photographs or other memories to its archive or by attending one of the upcoming free workshops on storytelling, writing and photography.

The project is involving local residents in a number of ways from archaeological digs, to bird identification training, to reviving historical land practices in the area, such as coppicing, hedge-laying and cider-making.

Cllr Brian Allinson, chairman of SGC planning, transportation and strategic environment committee, said: “We want to capture the stories and imagery of the people whose lives have been shaped or touched by the Severn and its surrounds, and to give a unique insight into the life of the Estuary today.

“If you have something to share then get please in touch, either online via aforgottenlandscape.org.uk, by sending your documents to SGC or in person by attending one of the workshops or events.”

The project, which is run by a partnership of private and public organisations, was granted £1,017,200 by The Heritage Lottery Fund.

Free workshops start on November 9 at Turnberrie’s Community Centre in Thornbury.

‘Stories of the Severn Vale Levels’ takes place from 2pm to 5pm, and will cover topics including innovative ways to present content online, creating audience personas to help communicate with target audiences, and how to appraise existing content. 

‘Interviewing and writing for the web’ takes place from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and will cover topics such as understanding what makes a good story and how to compile a story list, writing for a target audience, and how to structure a story, along with an opportunity to interview local people with stories to tell.

The third workshop ‘Imagery and Photography’ takes place on December 1, from 10am to 1pm, at Lawrence Weston Community Farm in Bristol. 

Topics covered will include how to use camera settings, tripods and other equipment, framing, lighting and digital camera techniques, and how to consider the difference between portrait, environmental and landscape photography.

To book a place on a free workshop visit aforgottenlandscape.org.uk.