Supported by Arts Council England, Annie was awarded a grant to write her first children’s book ‘The Woodland Clan’. Whilst living and working in Purbeck, she was inspired to write a story about the animals who live there. “Purbeck, is alive with the voices of the elementals, voices full of wisdom and magic.” She collaborated with artist and local Illustrator, Mark Page, forging a fabulous creative partnership and friendship. Ali Tuckey, Ranger at Durlston Country Park, supported the launch of the book, working with Annie and artist Clare Ambridge to deliver The Woodland Clan Outdoor Activity Trail 2020. “The animals brought the Big Foots and Small Foots outside to their world like they do in the book.” The pilot was a real success and so the trail and the story continue next year, 2021, throughout the beautiful Isle of Purbeck. 

Writer:

Annie Herridge is a playwright, director, and teacher, who spent her early career working as a community and schools artist in Dorset. In 2013 she won a bursary to study for her MA in Dramatic Writing at Drama Centre Central Saint Martins. Since graduating she has written work for both stage and screen. In 2020, with the support from Arts Council England, she wrote her first Children’s book ‘The Woodland Clan’. 

Illustrator:

Mark Page has worked all his life in Art and Design running his own design studio for over 30yrs. Mark now runs weekly art classes, private tutor lessons and retreats in France and Morocco. A former portrait artist for Harrods of London, he exhibits and produces commissions in Portraiture, animals and architectural style. He has built up a reputation for his Mad and quirky Hare Sketches