Whether I am writing fact or fiction, I always begin by walking the country and letting my characters and plot grow from my understanding of place.This session will show how a place-based approach can be used to introduce students to the fundamental skills of exploring history and geography, and simultaneously to incorporate skills of literacy, art, science, and mathematics. We will be doing a number of practical activities, using place as a way of brainstorming stories and poems. These can be used with students at primary or secondary level.