Oversetts Commission, South Derbyshire, the National Forest
Thanks to a commission from the National Forest Caroline Scothern Award, children and teachers from Fairmeadows Primary School in South Derbyshire have been planting trees and creating a new story and songs about the woodlands near their school, with storyteller Pyn Stockman, musician Ann Jones and sound artist and editor, Marc Reck.
A Story for the Trees
Co-created with Year 4 and 5 pupils from Fairmeadows Foundation Primary School
A Story for the Trees features original ideas and lyrics suggested by the children, shaped through a series of creative inspiration and learning sessions, led by Pyn and Ann with the school between February and July 2024. The overall aim, as well as inspiring the next generation of storytellers, is to nurture longer-term care for the woodlands.
While making and recording this new story and songs, the children also learned about how to plant trees, care for wildlife, how to take action to support the climate and environmental responsibility with sessions involving local forest rangers and members of the National Forest team.
The new story and songs was launched on Thursday 11 July with a special celebration event in the woodlands.
More about the project
Pyn and Ann wove into their delivery important themes of climate action and environmental responsibility and planting and caring for the woodlands. Using a frame story, inspired by the project aims, Pyn and Ann held space for the children’s ideas and responses, and built towards a live sharing of new stories and music which the children and teachers help to co-create.
The children’s creations were audio recorded and edited by sound artist and composer Marc Reck. A QR code pointing to the website has been laser engraved onto a sign, made from locally sourced wood by David Gravett from In The Shed Woodcraft, so that local residents and walkers can also hear the song and story made by the participants.
What did you think about the project? If you are listening for the first time or taking part, emailing us your thoughts info@adversecamber.org
Creative Team
Storyteller - Pyn Stockman
Musician - Ann Jones
Sound Artist, post production and additional composition - Marc Reck
Oversetts project 2024
Storyteller Pyn is standing in front of the children from Fairmeadows School
Pyn Stockman creating stories with children from Fairmeadows School
A group of children planting trees.
A group of children walking through the woodlands
Discovering nature in Oversetts