During the recent half-term break, Andover Trees United collaborated with Amanda Kane-Smith from Merry-Go-Round Storytelling to offer local children an immersive experience combining nature and storytelling.
The event, held on February 18, 2025, took place in the serene setting of Harmony Woods, providing participants with engaging storytelling sessions, creative crafting, and lively outdoor games.
The day was split into two sessions to cater for different age groups. In the morning, children aged 2 to 5 were captivated by Amanda’s animated retelling of The Three Little Pigs, complete with interactive rhymes and songs that got both children and parents involved. After the story, the young participants built their own ‘houses’ for the pigs using sticks and other natural materials they collected from the woods.
In the afternoon, older children enjoyed a weather-themed story, followed by crafting nature crowns made from sticks, grasses, and other woodland finds. The session ended with a high-energy game of ‘Bird and Nest’, where participants raced to gather wool offcuts (acting as worms) and return them to their nests — all while avoiding being caught.
Reflecting on the day, Matt Thomas, volunteer with Andover Trees United, said:
“I really enjoyed my day at the woods. I’m used to nature-based activities, but working with Amanda was a new and unique experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.”
Amanda’s storytelling left a big impression, with one child already asking: “When can Amanda come back?”
Matthew Thomas, Youth Group Co-leader at Andover Trees United, added:
“We are so lucky to have the space we do, and it’s fantastic to see children making the most of it.”
Parents also shared glowing feedback:
“Lovely to be in the woods again. Good open-ended activities. Atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Amanda was great. Well led by Matt and Natalia – thank you!”
Another parent added:
“Both girls thoroughly enjoyed the workshop with Amanda and Natalia. The storytelling was interactive and engaging, and foraging and making the nature crowns was great. The girls also enjoyed the game afterwards. We would definitely want to join future workshops. Thank you.”
One particularly excited participant, Effy, summed it up:
“I loved this session and came away absolutely buzzing about what I made!”
Events like this highlight the importance of outdoor learning and creative play, reinforcing the value of community spaces like Harmony Woods and the incredible work of Andover Trees United.
For more information about upcoming events or to get involved, visit Andover Trees United.