Ep 218 - Giants and Beasts with Ruth Webb

In this joyful and wide-ranging episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem sit down with artist, activist and Forest School leader Ruth Webb. Known for her giant puppets, folk beasts and street processions, Ruth shares the rich history and creative power of giant-making in the UK. The conversation explores how these large-scale creations connect communities, invite activism, and spark playful engagement with the land. Ruth explains the cultural roots of British giants, the story behind Dartmoor’s legendary Crocken, and the making of the Rewilderbeest – a plant-loving folk beast built from local, foraged materials. Together they unpack the role of masks, puppets, and participation in outdoor education, activism and folklore. From the politics of taking up space in the streets to the logistics of giant storage, this episode will leave you inspired to dream big, build bigger, and involve your whole community in the creative process. ⏱ Chapter Timings: 00:00 – Hot BluTAC debates and meeting Ruth 01:10 – Ruth’s journey: theatre, activism, Forest School and giant-making 03:45 – The folk history of British giants and their political roots 06:30 – Symbolism, community presence, and reclaiming public space 11:10 – Introducing the Rewilderbeest: folk traditions, materials and land connection 16:20 – Playful plant identification with the Rewilderbeest and engaging children 21:40 – Masks, puppets and why words matter: breaking the third wall in folk performance 29:45 – Crocken: Dartmoor legend, Right to Roam activism, and building community identity 36:15 – Tips for community builds: low-skill entry points and meaningful materials 41:10 – Storage solutions and keeping giants alive across the years 🌲 Keywords: Forest School arts, community processions, British folk traditions, giant making, Dartmoor folklore, environmental activism, Rewilderbeest, Crocken, Right to Roam, outdoor theatre, creative community projects, folk puppetry, participatory art, mask-making, land connection, Forest School storytelling, outdoor education arts, child-led creativity 🔖 Hashtags: #ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #CommunityArt #GiantMaking #FolkTraditions #EnvironmentalActivism #ForestSchoolPodcast #Rewilderbeest #DartmoorGiants #RightToRoam #ChildLedLearning #OutdoorTheatre #ProcessionalArt #ForestSchoolCreativity #StorytellingInNature 🌐 More Episodes & Support: Listen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.com Support the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast For questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]