Tall Tales and Seasonal Stories 2026
There is magic in the woods whenever families join us for Tall Tales & Seasonal Stories, hosted by the wonderful Amanda from Merry Go Round Storytelling. Every school holiday we host Tall Tales & Seasonal Stories sessions for families.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
And the summer holidays are off! July 30th saw families come together in the sunshine to bring this much-loved story to life…
Join in the magic, courtesy of photographer Paul Bevan…
What’s up next?
August 11th The Dancing Trees
August 20th The Clever Crow
August 25th The Wherwell Cockatrice
Jack & The Beanstalk
Our spring half term event took place on Thursday 28th May.
We were grateful for the cooler weather, after the half term week generated temperatures closer to 30 degrees! The drop in temperature allowed us to have the perfect morning outdoors. With the woodland looking beautiful in its spring colours, everyone was able to make the most of being immersed in nature throughout the session.
The morning began with an interactive retelling of the classic tale Jack and the Beanstalk. Amanda brought the story to life as children enthusiastically stepped into the roles of both Jack and the giant. There was plenty of laughter as young adventurers ran, hid and tiptoed through the woods while the giant slept nearby!
After the story, it was time to get creative. Children designed their own magical castle flags, decorating them with colourful gems, drawings and imaginative details to create their dream homes in the clouds. They then planted a bean seed in a small pot and proudly added their flag, ready to take home and nurture their very own beanstalk.
One of the loveliest parts of the day was seeing the kindness and teamwork on display. Children helped one another with planting and crafting activities, with a special mention to the wonderful Elsie, who kindly supported some of the younger children throughout the session. Moments like these remind us how powerful nature-based activities can be in bringing people together.
To round off the morning, everyone gathered in the Willow Circle for a picnic. While adults enjoyed a well-earned coffee, children tucked into chocolate biscuits and breadsticks and shared stories about their adventures.
These sessions are always great fun, but they are about much more than stories and crafts. They help children connect with nature, build confidence outdoors, make new friends and develop a deeper appreciation for the special green spaces we have right here on our doorstep.
A huge thank you to Amanda, our volunteers and all the families who joined us.
We can't wait to welcome everyone back for our summer holiday activities. There is plenty more woodland fun, creativity and exploration to come.
Visit our website to discover upcoming events and book your places.
First Day of Easter Holidays - A Day of Stories, Tradition and Springtime Magic at Andover Trees
This week, we welcomed families, friends and community members into the woods for a truly special day of Easter celebrations and what a day it was.
On Monday, our Tall Tales & Seasonal Stories event brought the woods to life in the most wonderful way. Led by Amanda from Merry Go Round Storytelling, she told the story of Ostara and the white hare. Children gathered to listen, imagine and explore, as the stories inspired by nature and the changing seasons unfolded around them. After this, there was plenty of games and fun outside. With the sun on our side, children could make the most of the great outdoors and partake in a chocolate egg hunt!
Alongside the storytelling, creativity was in full flow at our traditional egg dyeing workshop, led by the incredibly talented craft expert Jolanta Rolt. This was no ordinary craft session, it was a chance to step into an ancient tradition, learning the careful, considered process of wrapping, dyeing and revealing beautifully patterned eggs.
There was a quiet focus around the tables as participants immersed themselves in the craft, guided by Jolanta’s expertise. Each egg told its own story, intricate, unique and made with patience. For many, it was a completely new skill, and a reminder of how meaningful it can be to slow down and create something by hand.
What made the day so special was the blend of experiences. From lively storytelling that sparked imagination, to the calm, mindful art of egg dyeing, it was a celebration of both nature and tradition, bringing people together in different but equally powerful ways.
These are the moments that sit at the heart of Andover Trees. Creating space for people of all ages to connect with nature, with heritage, and with each other.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Amanda and Jolanta for sharing such a beautiful story and craft with our community. We hope you left feeling inspired and ready to embrace the season ahead.
Fairy Daffodil and the Bees
What a wonderful way to spend half-term! Our February Half-Term Magic event kicked off half term on Monday 18th February with our Tall Tales & Seasonal Stories family event. The theme of this event was ‘Fairy Daffodil and the Bees’. As with all of our Tall Tales & Seasonal Stories events, Amanda from Merry Go Round Storytelling was the session host, bringing her years of storytelling magic and fun to a wonderful event designed for children!
We began the morning gathered together in the cabin, where Amanda transported us into a magical world with her enchanting story about the Fairy Daffodil and the Bees. The tale centred around waking up Lady Spring, and the children were completely immersed from the very first moment.
There were mischievous fairies causing gentle trouble (as fairies do!), buzzing bees, and plenty of opportunities for the children to join in with actions and sound effects. It was a joy to see so many young imaginations sparked with hands fluttering like wings and big smiles all around.
Creative Crafts & Concentration
After our storytelling adventure, it was time to get creative. The children made beautiful butterfly rings and delicate paper daffodils. There were some fantastic efforts at cutting, colouring and decorating. We saw bold designs and lots of pride in the finished creations. It’s always wonderful to watch children express themselves through craft, and this group certainly didn’t disappoint.
Midway through the session, everyone refuelled with a well-earned snack and cup of squash, while adults enjoyed a hot drink and the chance to chat.
Woodland Games & Big Laughter
Then it was time to head outside! The woods echoed with laughter as we played energetic games like cat and mouse, with plenty of running and chasing . It was heart-warming to see children fully embracing outdoor play, enjoying the freedom of the natural space which was created by chidren 10 years ago.
We hope everyone who joined us had as much fun as we did. Events like these remind us why creating opportunities for families to connect with nature is so important! Storytelling, creativity, play and fresh air all woven together in one magical morning.
Thank you to everyone who came along. We can’t wait to welcome you back to the woods soon and hope to see you at our Tall Tales & Seasonal event Easter events on the 30th March and the 6th April. For full details, visit the ‘What’s On’ page on our website.
A Brilliant Andover Wassail: Sunshine, Song & Community Spirit in Harmony Woods
On Saturday 10th January, Harmony Woods was filled with music, movement and winter cheer as Andover Trees United proudly hosted this year’s Andover Wassail! A joyful New Year celebration steeped in tradition. With calm, bright sunshine lighting up the woodland, over 50 guests joined us to bless the trees, share in centuries-old customs, and welcome the year ahead as a community.
This year’s Wassail was a true community partnership, brought to life by the generosity and enthusiasm of:
Mayfly Morris
Andover Museum Loft Singers
Andover Pagans
Amanda Kane-Smith of Merry-Go-Round Storytelling
We are deeply grateful to each for their contribution to an unforgettable afternoon.
A Joyful Opening in the Hazel Circle
The celebration began in the Hazel Circle at 2:00pm with vibrant, energetic dancing from Mayfly Morris, whose lively steps and music set the tone for a warm and spirited event. Andover Pagans then officially opened the ceremony, inviting everyone into a communal circle and welcoming participants into the heart of the Wassail tradition. It was then time for our Wassailing Mistress to lead the first blessing, introducing the customs that would guide the rest of the afternoon.
Blessing the Orchards
From there, the group embarked on the first Beating of the Bounds which is a really joyful procession using pots, pans and whatever noise-makers people had brought along, all designed to ward off negative spirits and wake the orchard for the year ahead.
At the first orchard, the Wassailing Mistress offered the traditional blessing: cider poured onto the roots, and toast hung in the branches to “feed the robins”, protectors of the orchard in folklore. The group then continued with a second procession to the second orchard, where the ritual was repeated.
Here, the woods were filled with song as the Andover Museum Loft Singers performed two Wassail songs. Their harmonies echoing beautifully through the trees. They are a seriously talented group!
A final blessing followed at the second orchard before everyone processed back to the Hazel Circle.
Dancing, Singing & Community Spirit
Back in the Hazel Circle, Mayfly Morris performed once more, including the much-loved Shepherds Hey, a dance everyone was encouraged to join. The circle quickly became a wonderful mix of movement, laughter and community connection. Paul offered the final tree blessing and closed the ceremony with warm words of thanks.
Guests then enjoyed hot cider and apple juice, gathering together to reflect on the afternoon and enjoy the glow of shared celebration.
A Beautiful Start to 2026
This year’s Andover Wassail was everything we hoped it would be: joyful, inclusive, deeply rooted in tradition and full of warmth both from the winter sun and from the community who gathered with us. We were so grateful to see so many new and old faces! We hope many will return again and take part in all the upcoming activities and events we have planned in 2026.
As hosts, Andover Trees United was honoured to bring Andover together in Harmony Woods, a woodland shaped and cared for by local hands, hearts and time.
Our heartfelt thanks to:
🌿 Mayfly Morris
🌿 Andover Museum Loft Singers
🌿 Andover Pagans
🌿 Every one of the 50+ guests who joined us in the woods
Your voices, energy and enthusiasm made this a celebration to remember.
Here’s to a thriving, hopeful and nature-filled year ahead.
Wassail, Andover!
