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Earlier this year we commissioned story specialists Adverse Camber to deliver a creative learning project based at Oversetts Community Woodland, working with children from Fairmeadows Foundation Primary School with a focus on wildlife, trees and growing.
05 Nov 2024
This has been the first commission as part of the Caroline Scothern Awards, celebrating the life and memory of Caroline who championed outdoor learning in the National Forest with passion, creativity and care.
Over a series of creative learning sessions children in year 4 and 5 worked closely with storyteller Pyn Stockman and musician Ann Jones to create their own stories and songs inspired by the planting of the community woodland and to nurture long-term care of the trees and wider natural world.
At the start of the project the children planted fruit trees, learnt a wassail song and offered their wishes to the woodland. This was followed by workshops where they learnt how to identify and measure trees and about the cultural and environmental significance of our woodlands.
Important themes of climate action and environmental responsibility were woven into the delivery, which also feature within the new story and songs co-created by the children.
“It’s been wonderful to be able to offer this opportunity for the children to connect with a woodland adjacent to their school grounds and for them to take an active role planting new trees and learning about the importance of woodlands and green spaces.
Providing a creative approach has had a huge impact on the children, using their imagination and different storytelling techniques to share their ideas and learning with others. Their appreciation for living in the National Forest shines through and how important it is to look after these natural spaces for others to enjoy.”
Jo Maker, Arts & Creativity Manager, National Forest Company.
A Story for the Trees was launched during a special celebration event at the school, with parents and guests.
“The children created such gorgeous stories, songs and music, blending their original ideas with the creative inspiration prompted by Pyn and Ann’s input and the experiences in the woodland, working with the National Forest team.
It was heartwarming to witness their confidence as performers at the sharing, and the pride they’d taken in the whole project. We were delighted to be involved in such a multi-layered project and the young people really inspired us! I’m sure everyone will enjoy relaxing in the woodland for many years to come, passing on the stories and music, as the trees grow.”
Naomi Wilds, Producer, Adverse Camber
The children’s creations were audio recorded and edited by sound artist and composer Marc Reck. The story and songs can be enjoyed on site by scanning a QR code displayed on a plaque made by In The Shed Woodcraft. Listeners are encouraged to find a spot under the trees, to experience the words and music amongst the sounds of nature. Or you can listen here from a location of your choice.
You can help us continue to inspire communities in the National Forest by considering donating or if you have a creative project that you would like to propose, then check out our art grants.
