Stewart Carswell grew up in the Forest of Dean, and has recently returned to live there. Previously he lived in Cambridgeshire, where he organised the Fen Speak open mic night. He studied Physics at Southampton University, and has a PhD from the University of Bristol. His poems have been widely published, including in Under the Radar, Envoi, Finished Creatures, Atrium, Ink Sweat & Tears, The Lighthouse, The Storms Journal, and The Fenland Reed. He has performed poems at the Cheltenham Poetry Festival, Poetry in Aldeburgh Festival, Gloucester Poetry Festival, The Troubadour, and at various outdoor locations in the Forest of Dean and Bristol. His pamphlet Knots and branches (Eyewear Publishing, 2016) was followed by his full-length debut Earthworks (Indigo Dreams Publishing, 2021).

The poems in Earthworks are about connecting with historical landscapes to learn how to live, and draw on locations and historical sites in the West Country, such as the West Kennett long barrow in Wiltshire, Offa’s Dyke in Gloucestershire, and the industrial heritage of the Forest of Dean. Explore ancient burial chambers, disused railway lines, and iron age hill forts.  Explore garden fences, park benches, and Christmas trees.  Explore childhood, gemstones, and yourself. What will you discover?