The Magic of the Marshes takes families on a journey from the last Ice Age to the present day. Through storytelling, local wildlife and community memories, the project explores the many layers of history that have shaped these remarkable marshes.
At the heart of the project has been collaboration between local a storyteller and storyweaver, Suzanne Arnold, and SWT's Senior Wilder Communities Officer, Vicky Eyles. Together, they have gathered visitors' "magic moments" from the marshes, explored the landscape and collected illustrations through creative workshops, and worked with local experts to uncover stories of the people, places and creatures that call the marshes home.
These threads have been woven into a beautifully illustrated family storybook that tells the story of the landscape from Mother Earth's perspective, alongside animal stories, riddles and reflections on the wildlife that lives here today. The project has also brought traditional folklore to life through a series of films featuring Suzanne telling stories about the people who lived and worked on the marshes and the creatures and spirits they may have found there. These tales are filled with mystery, wonder and a deep connection to the natural world, helping us understand how generations before us experienced these landscapes.
Alongside the book and films, Suzanne has delivered storytelling events with families, creative workshops and adult folklore evenings at venues across the Lower Waveney Valley, bringing communities together to explore the magic of local nature and heritage.
The project grew from a simple idea: that connecting with nature is about more than facts and figures. Stories, imagination, creativity and personal experiences can help people form meaningful relationships with the places around them. By understanding the layers of history beneath our feet and exploring the wildlife that depends on these habitats today, we can better appreciate our role in shaping their future.
The marshes are full of magic. Sometimes it is found in a flock of birds rising from a pool, perhaps a misty sunrise over the reeds, or a cautionary tale passed from one generation to the next. The Magic of the Marshes celebrates these moments and reminds us that the legacy we leave behind is how we care for these special places.
To learn more about the project, visit http://suffolkwildlifetrust.org/the-magic-of-the-marshes and watch Suzanne's storytelling films on the Suffolk Wildlife Trust's YouTube channel.
The book launch is to be held at Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre on 29th November, 2pm-3.30pm, where guests will hear about the project and perhaps a tale or two, and each family group will receive a free copy of the printed book. The event is free and there is no need to book, more information can be found here: Magic of the Marshes - book launch | Suffolk Wildlife Trust
