"Graham Langley, storyteller and performer was employed by Humberside County Council Leisure Services to add a new dimension to events and walks organised by the Countryside Unit. With funding from Yorkshire and Humberside Arts walks have taken place from Flamborough Head to Spurn Point, from Scunthorpe to Grimsby.This innovative interpretative media brought to life aspects of the countryside and aided the countryside rangers to expand their usual rapport."( Paul Greenslade, Senior Countryside Ranger)
The series of walks started on Flamborough Head on Good Friday. " After an hour in his company, walking the paths of Danes Dyke, I had been convinced that storytelling is a compelling addition to the heritage Coast events programme." Writes Chris Berry, Interpretation Officer. " I have a great belief that there's a lot more to appreciating the countryside than knowing the names of the birds and trees. Graham's tales did not necessarily refer to the wildlife and history surrounding him at Danes Dyke but they made people think and they gave the opportunity for quiet reflection in a place of great natural beauty. Through these walks I hope that a greater appreciation of our wonderful heritage coast was instilled and a desire to protect it for generations to come will ensue."
In the south of the county near Grimsby the story is taken up by Kath Johnson, " When we left the car park at Bradley and Dixons Woods, we left with the same knowledge of the age of the woods and their importance to conservation and to Grimsby itself. But as we meandered along the well-trod path of the nature trail, through he depths of the hazel coppice to the sun streaked ash glades, even the familiar features assumed new identities. The walk became a voyage of discovery bound only by the limits of our own imaginations. We skirted the vast shores of a Canadian pond, sought our fortunes in the bracken with the aid of the little red hairy man and even stole the boots from the frozen travellers of fallen logs. And in the spirit of adventure I even managed a story of my own."
This spirit was supported by a one day workshop run in May for the Regional Countryside Management Network. " The opportunity to tell stories was developed, first on a one to one basis and then to larger groups. All of the stories presented by Graham had a countryside theme, an animal, a forest, etc. and all had deeper themes, often concerned with care and conservation. I've used some of the stories in my work and they were enjoyed. The best stories have always celebrated things of value. Perhaps the aim of countryside management is the same." (Bob Dawson, Project Officer, Glanford and Scunthorpe Countryside Service)
The day proved to be a great success and inspired many who attended. Many wanted to take it further. On the day the group agreed to set up a collection of stories on a countryside/environmental theme. This collection would then be circulated to those interested. If there is anyone interested in contributing suitable stories and joining the story network please contact Richard Baines (Countryside Ranger) on 01482 641989.
Environmental art also became a feature of some of the countryside tales. At both Spurn Point and the Humber Bridge Country Park the walk was followed by picture making using natural and found materials to illustrate the stories in the environment. These were then left to be gently drawn once more back into the landscape.
The talents of Graham Langley and his tales have added a whole new dimension to the events organised by Leisure Services as part of the countryside events programme and it is hoped to further involve Graham and other artists to 'interpret ' the environment around the audience during other similar events over the forthcoming year.