Human beings are storytellers; this is something we have done for thousands of years. Each one of us constructs our understanding of the world through our own perception. In this way, each one of us carries our own unique story that blends our lived experience with our understanding of the world, so, what do I offer? What does it mean to be a storyteller?

For me, telling stories is a way to express something real and utterly human. I started telling stories to young people around campfires, beneath old trees whispering secrets in the rustle of their leaves. I think this is where stories are most at home, where human words mingle with the voices of the wild things, and stories can swirl and dance in the imaginations of people gathered around twisting, curling woodsmoke. When we tell a story, we are not acting, we’re expressing some sort of truth about ourselves, in this way myth and imagination blur with reality, and a good story told well has the power to make our hearts sing.

I work with myths, legends, folk and fairytales. I have extensive experience working with children, young people, and adults outdoors, supporting people to connect with nature and themselves in the process. I am also a trained Forest School leader and have a degree in ecological science. My storytelling experience extends beyond the forests and out into cities, towns and villages, in beloved urban greenspaces, schools and community centres. Through youth work and community engagement I support people to understand and speak out the stories of their place.

I have a deep love for the performing arts and have co-created several critically acclaimed pieces of performance storytelling for theatre. I have performed at various festivals across the country, including the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, Festival at the Edge and Hartlepool Folk Festival.

Storytelling is a thread that weaves its way through all areas of my work as I have a particular interest in exploring the relationship that exists between wide, wild nature and the human world. For me, understanding stories, are the way we can begin to rewild ourselves and ultimately help us to fall back in love with the Earth.