Can folklore save nature?
- laurenhulbert12
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Exploring contemporary folklore and it's connection with the environment.
With the backdrop of environmental depletion, climate anxiety and the mess of a political system, contemporary folklore is finding renewed relevance. Through myths and folktales, folk art and rituals people are finding a way to express themselves, find connection, and be part of something bigger.
Nature is often at the heart of folklore. Stories of animals and rituals celebrating the changing of the seasons, folklore's deep-rooted connection to the land means it’s a powerful way to reconnect with the environment.
So let’s explore some contemporary folk inspiration...
Boss Morris
The all-girl morris dancing troupe Boss Morris have serious style and a cult following. They’ve helped bring folk into the mainstream, having been featured in a White Stuff clothing campaign and even danced for Wet Leg at the Brit Awards. Their aesthetic is earthy, handcrafted, with nature at the core of every outfit/look. The sculpted animal heads which make appearances in their performances are full-on pieces of art. This is not your classic morris dancing troupe, they are prog folk in all its glory. These girls are cool as hell, and I want to join.
1.Boss Morris 2. Simon Pizzey 3. Boss Morris
Ben Edge
If your going to go on a deep dive into cool as hell British folk flag fliers then naturally the next stop is Ben Edge. A folk artist and author of Folklore Rising, Ben unearths the strange and wonderful customs still going on in communities across the UK, sharing these stories through his artistic vision. His art is a truly contemporary reflection of folklore, intertwining modern life, nature and tradition into paintings and films.
Ben Edge
My favourite piece 'The Burryman' features a guy with his entire face and body covered in prickly burrs, set against the backdrop of a housing estate, a surreal juxtaposition that brings the wild back into everyday spaces. It’s a bold reminder that nature and folklore can still be celebrated in places where people might feel most disconnected from it.
Check out Ben's curated exhibition "Common Ground" at the Wilson Museum, Cheltenham, where he guides you through stories of change, loss, rebellion, and reclamation in relation to common land and the natural environment.
Oat Cult
On the weirder and wilder end of the folk spectrum we’ve got Oat Cult. Overnight Oat food brand that puts folklore at the heart of its identity. Taking nature worship to the extreme, their marketing is sartorial, slightly unhinged, and totally unforgettable. Their slogan? “Overnight oats without the sacrifice.”
Oat Cult
The brand’s visuals blend super modern, weird illustrations with traditional folk graphic styles. Stark black and white photography features figures in oat-covered masks, echoing ancient rituals and evoking something between a harvest festival and a cult horror film. It’s eerie, playful, and rooted in a deep connection to nature. They’re preaching to a new kind of tribe, one ruled by the microbiome. Definitely unhinged, definitely unforgettable and undeniably excellent. I’m in.
Adam Simpson, Royal Mail: Myths & Legends Stamps
Royal Mail: Myths and Legends Stamps
Over on the more mainstream side of the folklore road, the Royal Mail have released an epic set of Myths and Legends stamps, illustrated by Adam Simpson. Each one beautifully distills an entire myth from UK folklore into a single, striking frame. Expertly illustrated and ranging from the sublime to the downright eerie. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling that leaves you wanting to dive deeper into every tale. I'm also really obsessed with his creative process too, which he shares on his Instagram page.
Adam Simpson
So what’s the take away?
Lean into our rich folk history, not as a nostalgic look back, but as a powerful tool for reconnection. These stories, rituals, and symbols offer more than quaint traditions, they're vibrant, living ways to engage with nature, build community, and spark imagination in a disconnected world. Explore how you can harness this in your own nature connection strategy.
Stay tuned, as I feel like this is just the beginning of my explorations on the connection between folk and nature.
Explore more
✳️ Boss Morris bossmorris.com
✳️ Ben Edge benedge.co.uk
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