Hello and welcome to the Nature StoryTeller. Thank you for joining us today We hope you will immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of storytelling and let me take you on an extraordinary adventure in nature. In each episode of the Nature StoryTeller Podcast, we will bring you a delightful blend of our take on the traditional folk tales and our own original stories, all inspired by experiences of the wonders of the natural world. Together we will uncover the secrets of the mystical trees, the power of plants, the majestic wild animals we share our world with the Ancient celebrations, the dance of the weather, to the shifting of the seasons as we evolve through the year. Join us then for this enchanting podcast that will take you to a place deep in your imagination where nature comes alive through the magic of storytelling. Meet the Storyteller I’m a lifelong lover of wildlife and nature, and I suppose I’ve always been a storyteller - perhaps I didn’t realise it until now. From a young age, nature was my sanctuary. I found joy in watching the change of the seasons, seeing the birds nesting in the garden, and occasionally catching a fleeting glimpse of foxes and badgers from my bedroom window at night. As I grew older, even when other priorities took precedence, I was always looking for the story in every situation, whether at work or with friends and family. No matter where I was or what was happening, I relished the opportunity to share my experiences with anyone willing to listen in the week that followed. Life took me on various adventures, as I am sure it has for you, and I didn’t have time for stories, spending my little bit of leisure time out in Nature with my kids when they were young. However, around five years ago, everything changed. With more time at home, many rediscovered old passions or embarked on new ones. One of my explorations was online storytelling. In the initial weeks, I listened and learned from storytellers not just here in the UK, but from around the globe – Canada, the US, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and even some voices from Africa. What a wonderful way to learn! I was captivated by how stories adapt and transform as they traverse the world, yet retain their central themes and key elements. I began to share my own stories, drawing from my passion for wildlife and the natural world, as well as from the rich folklore of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland – a seemingly endless source of inspiration and truly fascinating tales. From those early days online, I progressed to local clubs, groups, and events, eventually moving on to festivals and theatre. This journey led me to share my stories with you through a podcast. For me, audio is the true realm of storytelling. It allows for the creation of a rich tapestry, where each listener interprets the story uniquely. This thought is both powerful and inspiring. I love sharing stories, particularly our versions of traditional folklore from the UK and Ireland, but we also enjoy exploring global tales. We aim to highlight the often-hidden messages within these narratives, facilitating learning through the enjoyment of storytelling. In a world where nature and wildlife face significant threats from modern living, I strive daily to advocate for wildlife by weaving contemporary stories that engage people in the protection of our natural world. Sharing nature-based tales around a campfire is both motivating and stimulating, while also providing a sense of relaxation.