A Magical Seven Weeks at Standen: Tawny Owl Wood Brings Stories to Life
For the past seven weeks, Tawny Owl Wood has had the incredible privilege of bringing the magic of storytelling to Standen National Trust. Nestled in the rolling Sussex countryside, Standen provided the perfect setting for our tales of fairies, friendship, and adventure. With its rich arts and crafts heritage and stunning woodland surroundings, it became a home away from home for our stories and workshops.
Six Weeks of Storytelling Magic
From the moment we arrived, we knew this would be something special. Each Wednesday from 15th January, families gathered in eager anticipation as we settled into our storytelling space in the beautiful servants hall, located in the courtyard of the main house and surrounded by the beauty of Standen’s landscape. Children sat cross-legged on William Morris design cushions, their eyes wide with wonder as we transported them into the world of Tawny Owl Wood. Before the stories could begin, all the children and their adults had to hunt high and low for the three gifts Crocus, one of our fairies, had left for them. The thoughtful gifts were a special pouch of fairy glitter to make wishes with, another special pouch of kindness affirmations for the children to read and a special magical white feather to help open story time with. It was a joy to watch everyone engaging in finding them all.
Our stories, rich in diversity and inclusion, resonated deeply with families who saw their own experiences reflected in our fairy-tale adventures. Through giggles, gasps, and excited whispers, we watched as young imaginations took flight. Adults, too, found themselves drawn into the storytelling magic, reminiscing about their own childhood tales and sharing in the delight of their little ones. In conjunction with story time, Tawny Owl Wood’s ‘Finding the Old Oak Tree,’ found itself being the centre of attention and having its very own trail made throughout the grounds of Standen. The willing participants had to find ten trail points all leading their way to the woodland den.
A Half-Term to Remember
The highlight of our time at Standen was undoubtedly the February half-term week from the 15th to the 23rd. The energy was palpable as nearly 300 children took part in our craft workshops set in the enchanting Woodland Den. Surrounded by towering trees and dappled sunlight filtering through the branches, the setting couldn’t have been more perfect for creativity to flourish. Early Snowdrops and Crocus adorned the woodland walk from the wooden steps leading from the courtyard, all the way to the end of the path at the top.
Armed with bamboo sticks, glittery stickers, and a pompom or two, children created their own fairy wand or woodland measuring stick. Each masterpiece was as unique as its creator, a testament to the boundless creativity of young minds. Some children proudly displayed their work, while others carefully tucked their creations away, eager to take a piece of Tawny Owl Wood home with them. Staff at Standen, were all eager to see the finished article, as the children all made their way inside the house, to marvel at the Art’ and Craft designs left over 100 years ago. Each hidden corner of the house holds its own beauty and special secret.
Our other craft was making seed balls. Children and adults alike, lit up with the idea of taking home these balls full of special seeds to plant in their garden. The mystery of what each household will get, will remain a mystery until the seedlings show themselves. Explaining the importance of the seed balls function within rewilding, building pollinating corridors and preserving the pollinators, like bees, moths, butterflies, wasps, birds and small mammals.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the workshops was seeing the connections formed—not just between children and their crafts, but among families who shared in the experience. Adults joined in, helping to add tiny details or encouraging their children to let their imaginations run wild. The sense of community and shared joy was truly special.
Moments That Stood Out
Among the many memorable moments, a few truly stood out:
- A little girl who arrived shy and uncertain but left beaming, clutching her fairy wand and already spinning a tale about the magical creature who would live behind it.
- A group of siblings who worked together on a collaborative masterpiece, each adding their own touch to a fairy tale mural.
- The joy on a young boy’s face as he held up his muddy hands, declaring he was a protector of Tawny Owl Wood, beaming with pride at the seed balls he had made, with his mind made up, with where they would go and who he would give them too.
- Comments from everyone who joined the trail were full of joy, excitement and absolute wonder. Each and everyone fell in love with the story and thoroughly enjoyed seeing it come to life in front of them. With most people telling us it was one of the best trails they are joined in for some time.
These moments are the reason we do what we do. Seeing children discover the joy of storytelling and creativity, watching their confidence grow, and knowing that we’ve sparked a love for imagination that will stay with them—there’s nothing quite like it.
The Legacy of Tawny Owl Wood at Standen
As our time at Standen comes to an end, we leave with full hearts and countless cherished memories. The stories we shared and the crafts we created will linger in the hearts of those who joined us. And who knows? Perhaps some of those fairy wands will lead to new stories, whispered among the trees of Standen for years to come and new magically pathways opening for all.
We are incredibly grateful to the National Trust team, lead by Dee Ball, at Standen for welcoming us so warmly and to all the families who joined us for storytelling and crafts. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and love for the stories, Tawny Owl Wood has created, made this experience truly magical.
This is not goodbye—it’s simply the end of this chapter. And as with all great stories, we know there are many more adventures ahead for Tawny Owl Wood.
Until next time, keep dreaming, keep creating, and keep believing in the magic of stories.
With love and fairy dust, Tawny Owl Wood Children’s Books