Lore of the Wild – an audio storytelling walk through the woods
Lore of the Wild is a series of 12 pre-recorded stories accompanied by a beautiful soundtrack co-created by Bernadette Russell and Sophie Austin with sound design by Hannah Marshall and map design and illustration by Melanie Smith. These enchanting stories are all about Lesnes Abbey Woods and you can listen to them on your smartphone as you follow the route on a map which you can pick up for free from the café or by downloading via the button below.
As you walk, you’ll hear stories from crows, squirrels, ants, foxes, fungi, the pond, the chalk and even the wind herself, as they weave together tales which connect the woods to the whole world and beyond. Look out for the faces in the trees, dance with the oak trees, gain wisdom from the Green Man, walk to the beat of Lesnes’s ancient secret buried heart and rediscover your own true wildness.
The entire walk lasts approximately two hours.
Please be warned, there are steep inclines, muddy steps, and some tricky terrain.
This walking route is not accessible for wheelchair users
How it works:
- Connect a pair of headphones to your charged smartphone
- Pick up a map from the café
- Head to the old Well and the starting point for our journey
- Scan the QR code on the wayfinder post to take you to this web page and to the recorded stories.
Thank you for listening.
We’d love to hear about your walk.
Share your stories with us:
Instagram - @lore_ofthe_wild @lesnesabbeywoods
Find out more about Lore of the Wild
Written by Bernadette Russell and Sophie Austin
Sound Design by Hannah Marshall
Map designed and illustrated by Melanie Smith
Stories voiced by Charlie Folorunsho, Harriet Kershaw, Natashia Magigi, Bernadette Russell, Thierry Spall
Where else can you listen?
Stories
Wild Welcome
Stand near the old well and listen to a story of hope & a homecoming
Cross Roads
Pause where the paths cross and listen to the Crow’s tale of friendship & flight
Greenway
Sit near New Road and listen to the Ant’s story of paths & a deadly skydance.
Fox Clearing
Stop in the clearing and listen to Fox’s story of shapeshifting, treasure & a ragged rebel army.
Conduit Pond
Gaze at the water's edge and listen to Pond’s story of treasured memories & menacing myths.
Nut Alley
Dance amongst the tall trees and listen to Squirrel’s story about tree planting & a life-affirming storm.
The Giant
Rest by the fallen ash and listen to Fungi’s story of the giant who appears when it rains.
The Chalk Pit
Look down, through the railings, and listen to Fire's story, of an awesome funeral pyre.
The Bottom of the Blackheath Sea
Climb the steps and listen to Earth’s story of muddy knees & a buried heart.
The Queen & the Wind
Sit on the wooden throne and listen to a story from the Air of a foul-mouthed Queen.
The Whispering Path
Walk along the path and listen to old friends who’ll bestow upon you many precious gifts.
The Wild Exit
Meet the Green Man, for one last tale.
Download the Lesnes app
Access lots of information about the history and ecology of this beautiful site.
Lesnes Abbey visitor survey
We value your opinion and would like to hear what you think about Lesnes Abbey Woods.