A B O U T / T H I S / S P A C E

C O A S T A L / G R A S S E S / b y / m e l i t a

The Ancient Oak Atelier is an independent publication launched in December 2025. I'm Melita and I want to welcome you to this safe shelter away from the daily noise. I wish to create a quiet creative sanctuary, rooted within our ancient land.

My writing and photography is gathered slowly with mindful attention. I explore the wild edges of Dartmoor to rural woodlands near my home in Oxfordshire. Capturing and gathering moments of stillness.

My intention here is for it to be a slow wander, not a fast pace. I don't want you to feel there is a pressure to keep up.

Instead, you'll find seasonal essays, curated photographs, gentle daily rituals, and ( for a small circle ) handwritten postal letters which are offered as a companion for those who feel the world deeply and long for something slower, more grounded , more human and rooted in connection.

I have several tiers to make my content as accessible to as many of you as possible. If you decide to subscribe today, you'll get full access to my website as well as my email letters when new content is available. Like many small solo independent creators, your subscription really does make this site possible, and allows The Ancient Oak Atelier to continue to exist. Thank you, I am so very grateful.

Access all areas

Here is where you will be able to choose what you wish to explore and to see my full body of work. Essays, photography, letters, and rituals and reflections.

By signing up, this allows you access to the full archive of everything that's been published before and everything that's still to come. See it as your very own private library, where you can pull a favourite cardigan or jumper around your shoulders, curl into a favourite chair and sip a favourite tea! ( mine's milk oolong )

Fresh content, delivered

Pieces of new writing, as well as my photography will arrive gently and seasonally, rather than constantly. If you wanted to stay up to date with new content, this will be sent straight to your inbox. So that you can relax and not worry about whether you missed something because of an algorithm or news feed.

Meet people like you

Become part of a small thoughtful circle of people who value, slowness, depth and quiet connection. I for one will look forward to warmly welcoming you around the hearth and heathland.

Start your own thing

Enjoying the experience? Get started for free and set up your very own subscription business using Ghost, the same platform that powers this website.