Poet. I love moss, mudlarking and broken things. Proud to be Northern, non-binary and neurodivergent. https://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mu3h2o4pmc2oRead my latest Substack for one of the poems I’ll read TONIGHT at 7.30pm, at EXPOSED: an online sharing of new and unpublished poetry by me and Kim Moore. This Substack post also offers a little portrait of what it’s like to actually live with ADHD. https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/exposed-poetry-and-risk-taking27 Aug 2026 18:10 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mu3h2o4pmc2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mtw3j4ocpk2pFINAL CALL for tomorrow’s Reading Bogwise Passion for Peat session on the secret life of soil, with the wondrously passionate soil scientist, author and Guardian Country Diarist Jen Jones. Recording available if you can’t join us live. Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-passion-for-peat-tickets-199412404770725 Aug 2026 15:00 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtw3j4ocpk2phttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mtmhwhgikk2uNature lovers! Peatheads! Bog fans! There’s no one in the UK more passionate about peat than Jen Jones, leading soil scientist, author and Guardian Country Diarist. Join her online at 7pm on Wednesday 26th (recording available). Book here: passionforpeat.eventbrite.co.uk https://passionforpeat.eventbrite.co.uk21 Aug 2026 19:16 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtmhwhgikk2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mtecx3d5o22yFINAL CALL for tomorrow’s Writing Bogwise workshop on RESTORATION. We’ll focus on the restoration of our moors and peatland, exploring how creative writing can bring new hope and insights to the challenges we’re facing. Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-bogwise-restoration-tickets-1995912561199?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true18 Aug 2026 13:25 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtecx3d5o22yhttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mtbytxq6ak2jDay 16 of the Pennine Way — we made it. Thanks to all who have come with us virtually. Our last day of walking led me to reflect on faith, words, how Niamh is my landscape and I’m hers. Read my Substack here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-16 It features info on exciting events coming up.17 Aug 2026 15:19 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtbytxq6ak2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mt5sztkpks25Day 15 of the Pennine Way. “There is no darkness and no mistake that cannot be moved on from…We must hold on to each other. We must be kind. We must keep each other warm.” Read today’s Substack post here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-1515 Aug 2026 23:25 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mt5sztkpks25https://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mt3e43346c24 Day 14 of the Pennine Way. Today’s Substack post is on finding a way forward through nature in these tumultuous times. Read it here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-1414 Aug 2026 23:52 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mt3e43346c24https://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mt2ciy2jqk2aThis coming Wednesday — our next Reading Bogwise session! Our guest is Jen Jones, scientist and nature writer, whose book about soil is forthcoming from Bloomsbury. She’ll guide us through the hidden world of soil, the life and secrets it holds. Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-passion-for-peat-tickets-199412404770714 Aug 2026 13:51 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mt2ciy2jqk2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mt27kyx2h226‘I learnt today that sometimes we can put down our heavy loads and let other people lift us’. Day 13 of the Pennine Way. Hadrian’s Wall, Niamh’s A-level results, blisters, and ice lolly related random acts of kindness. Read my Substack post here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-1314 Aug 2026 12:58 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mt27kyx2h226https://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3msxryplmn22oDay 12 of the Pennine Way. Read today’s post here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-12 It includes the link for booking your place at our next Writing Bogwise session, on the subject of ‘Restoration’. It would be lovely to see some friendly faces at the workshop after this long walk is done!13 Aug 2026 13:50 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3msxryplmn22ohttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mstykmqoac2eDay 11 of walking the Pennine Way. The toughest 21 miles. ‘There’s something about the exhaustion, pushing your body to unaccustomed extremes, finding in them a sort of dream-like peace.’ Read today’s Substack post here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-1112 Aug 2026 01:37 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mstykmqoac2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mssujvdzu22sA week tomorrow! Join us for our next Writing Bogwise session, on RESTORATION. Let’s bring the wild back to our creative work. A workshop for the nature writers, the bog lovers, those enjoying my Pennine Way posts, and everyone else! Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-bogwise-restoration-tickets-1995912561199?aff11 Aug 2026 14:52 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mssujvdzu22shttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3msr7aeja7k2tDay 10 of walking the Pennine Way. A very long and tiring day, but one I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Read today’s Substack post here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-1010 Aug 2026 22:58 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3msr7aeja7k2thttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3msou527scs2qThe rest of day eight – and all of day nine – of walking the Pennine Way. Today's Substack discusses our need for common ground when we talk about the environment, as well as Hannah's Meadow, enormous Yorkshire puds, and what we found in our first bothy. https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-days-8-and10 Aug 2026 00:34 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3msou527scs2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mslgkmhnwk2tDay seven (and a bit of eight) of walking the Pennine Way. On change, keeping going and weathering harsh environments. Featuring the melancholy thistle. Read my Substack post here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-seven08 Aug 2026 15:54 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mslgkmhnwk2thttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3msjjhgzfdc2r‘Grief is a heavy thing, but it is not unkind.’ Day six of walking the Pennine Way. A near-miss with a cow, scrambling up to a cave, planning for future solo walks after Niamh heads to uni, and reflecting on what my mum would have thought of this one. https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-six07 Aug 2026 21:40 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3msjjhgzfdc2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3msimkxqkw22aDay five of walking the Pennine Way. On darkening skies and rain, and how walking opens you up to unexpected feelings.🌧️ Read my Substack post here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-five07 Aug 2026 13:03 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3msimkxqkw22ahttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mseixbbeg22s‘Building on peat takes it from a carbon store to a carbon output.’ Day four of walking the Pennine Way. Today’s post looks at our responsibility to fight for the places we love. It features a wonderful poem by Lydia Macpherson — and one from me. Read here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-four05 Aug 2026 21:48 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mseixbbeg22shttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3msbomavih22fDay Three of the Pennine Way: on crowberries and blackberries, therapy, the resilience of land, and urban wilderness. Read my Substack post here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-three04 Aug 2026 18:51 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3msbomavih22fhttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3ms6om225yk2oDay Two of the Pennine Way. Today’s post is on a much-needed kind second day. Featuring the effects of the recent wildfires, divided views on rewilding, restlessness, and my response to, “Listen to your body.” Read the article (and see the pictures) here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-two03 Aug 2026 14:13 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3ms6om225yk2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3ms4ri7i2gs2tNiamh and I are walking the Pennine Way, and each day, I’ll be blogging over on Substack. We got off to a tough start on the (infamously) tough first day of the walk — but there was also peat, long golden grass, and bilberries. 🏞️🌾🌤️ Read the post here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/walking-the-pennine-way-day-one02 Aug 2026 19:59 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3ms4ri7i2gs2thttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mrv5kcnugs2nJoin us for our next Writing Bogwise session, which will be on the subject of RESTORATION — the process of repairing damaged ecosystems. Come as a one off, or for the rest of the workshop series. Either way, you can book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-bogwise-restoration-tickets-1995912561199?aff=oddtdtcreator30 Jul 2026 19:14 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrv5kcnugs2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mrhxswdi622nTOMORROW MORNING! Our first Wild Writing Sunday session, taking place on none other than World’s Most Wuthering Heights day, will appropriately focus on the moors and mountains of Wuthering Heights. There’s still time for you to join us. Book your place here: https://thewritingschool.co.uk/wild-writing-sunday-sessions25 Jul 2026 13:27 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrhxswdi622nhttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mr6exkoy2k2nFINAL CALL for tomorrow morning’s workshop, where we’ll explore how peatlands offer us a new way of looking at writing and living. Expect carnivorous plants, generative writing prompts, and a whole lot of fun. I could not be more excited. Book your place here: bogwisequeerlandscapes.eventbrite.co.uk21 Jul 2026 17:55 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr6exkoy2k2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mr6dqpgngc2kCatch me this summer. For the full menu of every reading and every generative workshop I’m leading between now and the end of September, click here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/on-the-road-summer-workshops or scan the QR code on the picture of Kim and me, en route to Moniack Mhor.21 Jul 2026 17:33 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr6dqpgngc2khttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mr3shnhenk2tOur first Wild Writing Sundays online session is THIS SUNDAY — which also happens to be World’s Most Wuthering Heights Day. Come and explore Cathy and Heathcliff’s moors and mountains with us, and let them inspire your writing. Book your place here: https://thewritingschool.co.uk/wild-writing-sunday-sessions20 Jul 2026 17:19 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr3shnhenk2thttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mr3ppvooh22oMY NEW BOOK — I SAW WHAT I KNOW — WILL BE OUT IN JUNE 2027 WITH @bloodaxebooks! (I am shouting in capitals because I am excited). Preorder your copy here: https://www.bloodaxebooks.com/ecs/product/i-saw-what-i-know-142420 Jul 2026 16:30 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr3ppvooh22ohttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mqw7xfxjgs2w‘Writing gives me community, friendship, a place to belong. I hope it gives you the same.’ My latest Substack, on poetry friendships, neurodivergence, and niche obsessions. Featuring Kim Moore’s Waffles the Hamster, and exciting upcoming events! Read here: https://shawandmoore.substack.com/p/a-sense-of-belonging18 Jul 2026 12:04 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqw7xfxjgs2whttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mqracxejqk2aIt's a fascinating and brilliant shortlist for the Forward Prizes -congratulations to all! Massive congratulations also to all the poets who made it onto the longlist. Biggest congratulations of all to everyone who wrote poetry this year, and did it with their whole heart.16 Jul 2026 12:27 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqracxejqk2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/clareshawpoet.bsky.social/post/3mqqyfplhdc2f"Queer Landscapes" - on 22nd July, Anna Chilvers and I will explore how bogs, moors and other peatlands suggest new possibilities for living and writing. I'm SO excited about this workshop! bogwisequeerlandscapes.eventbrite.co.uk16 Jul 2026 10:06 +0000at://did:plc:md5roo34ec4squqv2baojqtp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqqyfplhdc2f