Magic happens when we exchange four walls and a ceiling for trees, flowers and fresh air.

I offer sessions that weave storytelling and forest school activities to inspire imagination and promote literacy in the outdoors, creating an opportunity for children to experience their wild environment as an enchanted landscape.

A few years ago, during a woodland story-making session, with a group of primary school children of mixed ages, one of the girls who had very imaginative ideas insisted:

I have good ideas, but I can’t write stories

I replied

Well that’s okay, because we aren’t writing any stories today. We are making a story together and your ideas are the ingredients we need!

She liked the idea of a magic story pot, and went on to share lots more ideas. 

2022-23 I was Scottish Book Trust’s storyteller in residence at Newarthill Primary School

& 2023-24 storyteller in residence at Gracemount Primary School.

In these residencies, children connected with the natural and cultural heritage of their local place.

Storytelling and nature exploration activities inspired curiosity. Over time, children took more pride in their locality and its wild spaces, and gained confidence creating stories.

“Jane Mather combines a love and deep understanding of nature with well-developed storytelling skills. Her sessions with our children have been extremely beneficial.

Jane is charismatic and engaging. She has a gentle and respectful way with the children and encourages them to have a “can-do” approach.

Her sessions are interactive with lots of laughter and participation. Jane’s inputs are  developmentally appropriate and she thinks on her feet, ensuring the reciprocal exchange between listener and storyteller informs the session and allows it to remain dynamic and fun.”

Diane Palmer, Head Teacher & Valerie Henry, Depute Head Teacher, Buckstone Primary School

a wolf and a magical Selkie Kingdom

(workshop: tales of the seal people & clay play)

Clootie tree and many wishes

(workshop: legends of the faerie folk)

A giant made of sticks and leaves

(workshop: woodland stories)