Library Talk: ‘Dartmoor Elements – the ecological poems and play extracts of Mark Beeson’ by Tom Greeves

Mark Beeson (1954-2022) was trained as a classicist and primatologist. From 1989-2022 he was artistic director of Manaton & East Dartmoor Theatre (MED Theatre) which he founded. Mark’s greatest legacy is his creative and ecological writing of poetry and plays relating to Dartmoor. As long ago as 1980 his epic poem – The Walk – won a prize in an international poetry competition, where it was admired by Ted Hughes, Seamus Heaney, Charles Causley and Philip Larkin.

Dartmoor Elements (published in 2025) brings together 133 of Mark’s poems and poetic play extracts, which are intimate reflections on his familiar environment of Dartmoor, drawing on decades of keen observation of his surroundings and of the creatures (both animal and human) who inhabit it, as well as on his deep knowledge of the moor’s folklore and culture. With Gillian Webster, Tom Greeves edited Dartmoor Elements, which forms the most significant collection of Dartmoor poetry ever published. The poems are accessible and often deeply moving, and contain much ecological wisdom.  

TICKETS

Tickets are allocated by a ballot system. Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or telephone 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot.The balot closes on Monday 9th March.

Entery to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support the library (suggested £5).

Refrehments will be provided after the talk.