Gather 'round, folks! We're diving deep into the mystical marshlands of the Fens in England, where our story unfolds with the enchanting Tidyman—trust me, he's not your typical ghostly figure lurking around.

This episode takes us on a wild ride through ancient folk tales, blending history, myth, and the magic of nature. Our charming Tiddy man isn't here to scare you; he's more like the neighbourhood superhero who helps locals during floods, all while keeping the boggarts and Will o' the wisps in check.

As we unravel this tale, you'll discover how the quest to save the Fens from the King's draining plans leads to an unexpected twist of fate, making it a perfect kickoff for our Halloween celebrations. So, grab your favourite cosy spot, kick back, and let's get lost in the wonders of storytelling together!

Welcome to a wild ride through the enchanting realm of nature storytelling! Picture this: the marshy Fens of England, where ghostly boggarts and will-o’-the-wisps roam under the cloak of night, and the locals are more than a little spooked.

But fear not! Out of the mists emerges the Tiddy man, a trusty spirit who, unlike his eerie companions, lends a helping hand to the frightened villagers.

As the rains come pouring down, the people call upon the Tidyman to save them from the floodwaters. But oh, what's this? The King decides to drain the Fens for farming, and chaos ensues! The crops fail, the cattle get sick, and the villagers are left in despair, fearing witches and dark magic.

Desperate, they turn back to the Tidyman, chanting for his aid beneath the new moon. Through evocative storytelling, we dive deep into the magic of the Fens, explore the balance between nature and human intervention, and celebrate the age-old tradition of folklore that connects us to the land and its spirits.

After all, when the locals gather to chant for the Tidyman, it's not just about water; it's about reclaiming their bond with the very earth they tread.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we explore the enchanting world of nature through storytelling, blending folklore and original tales that celebrate the wonders around us.
• The mystical Tidyman, a spirit of the Fens, showcases how folklore can highlight the relationship between humans and nature, reminding us of the importance of water and community.
• Samhain, the ancient festival marking the end of harvest, illustrates how cultures recognise the thin veil between worlds, influencing modern celebrations like Halloween.
• Cerridwen's story emphasises the themes of transformation and redemption, showing that from chaos and fear, beauty and wisdom can emerge, paving the way for new beginnings.
• The podcast invites listeners to engage with the magic of nature and storytelling, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the environment and its mysteries.
• Traditional practices surrounding Samhain, like trick-or-treating, reveal how ancient customs evolve, connecting us through shared cultural heritage and the joy of storytelling.

Welcome to the Nature StoryTeller Podcast. A new podcast celebrating storytelling, folktales, wildlife and nature. Autumn is rolling in, and it’s bringing a cornucopia of wonders with it.

We’re diving into the shift of seasons, where nature puts on its finest display, from the brilliant reds and golds of leaves to the delicious bounty of fruits and veggies waiting to be harvested.

In this episode, we celebrate the abundance of autumn while reminiscing about cherished childhood memories, like berry picking and conker collecting—remember those tough little guys?

We’ll also explore the fascinating folklore surrounding this magical time, including tales of Mabon, the mythical son of the Great Mother Modron, and why leaves turn red. So grab your favourite cosy blanket, maybe a warm drink, and let’s soak up the beauty and stories of autumn together!

As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets that crisp, autumn chill, we dive into the magnificent world of nature's transformation.

Autumn isn't just a season; it's a full-on feast for the senses!

We chat about how our feathered friends, like the swallows and house martins, are packing their bags for a getaway to warmer climes, while the sea-loving puffins and gannets are off on their own watery adventures.

Meanwhile, on land, the hedgehogs and bats are gorging themselves in preparation for their long hibernation, and the badgers and foxes are getting all romantic as they gear up for mating season.

With the gorgeous backdrop of starling murmurations dancing across the evening skies, it’s a reminder that as nature winds down, it’s also gearing up for the next chapter. And let’s not forget the bounty of the season! From wild blackberries that transport us back to childhood memories of carefree picking, to the vibrant elderberries that offer a wealth of health benefits, this season is a treasure trove of nature’s bounty.

We even throw in a bit of folklore fun, like how blackberries are said to keep vampires at bay—because who doesn’t love a quirky story with their fruit?

Takeaways:

• As the seasons change, we see nature's response with vibrant colours and transformations all around us.
• Autumn is not just about harvest; it's a reflective time to plan and appreciate the bounty of nature.
• The folklore surrounding autumn, like the story of Mabon, weaves a rich tapestry of cultural wisdom and celebration.
• Picking blackberries is not only a delightful childhood memory but also a health boost for the body, packed with vitamins and fibre
• Mabon, the autumn equinox, is a sacred time for reflection on the past year and planning for the future, so let’s embrace it!
• The tale of Mabon highlights the importance of community and friendship, reminding us to cherish our connections.