Dawn Nelson
Author, Storyteller & Folklorist
Merry Met fellow lover of myth, story and legend. My name is Dawn and I am an author, consultant, re-enactor, folklorist, performance storyteller and all round word-witch specialising in landscape, nature and heritage interpretation.
My focus is Celtic, British and Scandinavian folklore & stories, although many other traditions also inform my practice. Through folklore and storytelling I hope to encourage a reconnection to our natural selves, through the lessons present within stories and folklore, and the landscapes they inhabit. As a follower of traditional witchcraft, my belief is that in order to connect with our inner selves and the biophilic rhythms that lie deep within us, we must first reconnect with the land, nature and heritage around us, uncovering the stories and lore it holds. In this way we begin the journey to rewild ourselves.
My books in include Adventures in Nature (The History Press 2021), Stories of The Sun (The History Press 2023), Tree Lore (Countryman Press, March 2026) and The Little History of Storytelling (The History Press, April 2026).
You can get in touch using the contact tab above, to find out how we can work together and click on the events button below to find out where I am next.
Testimonials
'I'm so glad we caught the tale of Idun, you told it fantastically! What a magical evening!', Hannah Fletcher
I and my step granddaughter 4 yrs were entranced by a story teller who told us about the queen rat, her treasure and a hapless labourer who cleaned out the cess pits during the night. Most entertaining and not a sound was heard from the spellbound audience both adult and children of all ages. That tells you something.'
Steve H, Visitor at Weald & Downland Museum Review via Trip Advisor.
'Your storytelling skills are on another level! Amazing. Seeing how enthralled the children were with your
words was pure magic'. Lisa Hall
'Absolutely love listening to Dawn. Her stories are so engaging and she provides a wealth of information about them too. It's great that there is the opportunity to listen online as I am too far away to attend in person. Brilliant nights entertainment, thoroughly recommended.' Alison Scott
Storyteller Dawn Nelson has worked an indescribable magic from Year R all the way up to Y12. From Norse and Greek myths, to local tales and folklore from the land, I have had the genuine joy of watching the children listen, sing and join in with call and response (as if they all knew beforehand that they had a part to play!).
Young people's ability to focus for long periods is often underestimated because of increasing reliance on technology. What today proved to me is that if you put a brilliant storyteller in front of them with a hoard of fantastic stories, they will listen, they will stop fidgeting, they do fall into the depths of the narrative to emerge triumphant at the other side.'
Bryony Hart, Teacher Of English & Whole School Literacy, Portsmouth Grammar School