Once upon a time…There was a blood curdling howl… And so the bridge was built… Aye, we're flitting…

It's National Storytelling week (26/1 - 2/2) so it's up to you fill in the blanks.

If you've ever led a guided walk, taken a group of enthusiastic pre-schoolers into the woods, given an illustrated talk, acted as a site host you'll have learnt a few facts and figures to pass on in as interesting way as possible and on the one hundred and fifty third repetition started looking at new ways to deliver that information.  And no doubt along the way concocted stories of your own or variations on ones used by other rangers.   Story telling is the oldest art form in the world, a powerful experience that's both entertaining and moving, a tool for education.  Facts imparted through stories are more likely to be remembered than those baldly presented.  National Storytelling Week aims to increase awareness of the art and value of telling a good story.

Find out more about the Week, what's happening and to how to join in on the Society of Storytelling's website.

If you feel need of a refresher in how to deliver engagement activities, including storytelling, have a look at our Community Engagement and Environmental Education short courses list here.

The post title has snippets from local legends that Niall and I used for story telling sessions in our freelance ranger days, they're from The Gytrash of Goathland, Beggars Bridge and the Hob of Farndale - go on look them up, they're lovely stories.