Workshops
My passion is connecting people to the nature, heritage and folklore of the UK landscape through storytelling.
I believe that by connecting with the stories of those who walked this earth before us we can start to see the world in a different light, reconnect with the world around us and look up from the glow of our screens.
As the author of books which encourage nature and heritage connection, through story and folklore, I deliver workshops that use local tales, landmarks and nature lore, to connect people to the land on which they walk encouraging custodianship, community and understanding.
I have delivered these workshops for WI's, creative writing groups, schools, home education groups, The South Downs National Park Authority, Chichester Boys Club and conservation groups such as Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and The Land Trust.
Below is an example of a Wild & Creative Storytelling workshop I ran for The Land Trust Green Angels earlier this year. A morning wandering the woods for a story walk followed by an afternoon of story creation and coaching in basic storytelling skills, before sharing our stories around the fire at the wonderful Runway's End in Hampshire.
'I had no idea the habitat was so diverse. I've learned about new creatures and plant species like the nightjar and bee orchid, which has filled me with a sense of local pride'
TESTIMONIALS
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
'My opinion of the South Downs has evolved as of knowledge if its folklore increases, making it feel more sacred through its deep roots of folklore past on from generations.“'
Brighton Met Student