Darcy’s Tale
Darcy’s Tale – The Groundwater Flooding Storybook Project (And How You Can Get a Copy!)
Darcy’s Tale is more than a children’s book — it’s a powerful groundwater flooding education project designed to help young readers understand the changing world around them.
We were delighted to collaborate with Project Groundwater Greater Lincolnshire and the Environment Agency on this inspiring initiative. The project first began as an award-winning short film created by Aardman, before evolving into a beautifully illustrated children’s storybook, officially published in June 2025. And now, you have the opportunity to own your very own Darcy cuddly toy and copy of the book — keep reading to find out how.
A children’s storybook about groundwater flooding
At the heart of Darcy’s Tale is Darcy — a small mole with a big story. While searching for love, Darcy encounters the realities of groundwater flooding, helping children explore this complex environmental issue in a gentle, accessible way.
The story goes beyond flooding awareness. It carries a strong message of:
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Community spirit
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Resilience in times of adversity
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Looking out for one another
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Environmental responsibility
These themes feel more relevant than ever.
Why groundwater flooding education matters now
Our environment is changing rapidly. Across the UK, severe storms are becoming more frequent and intense. Weather forecasts featuring red, amber and yellow alerts, including warnings to life, are no longer rare occurrences.
With heavier rainfall comes increased risk of groundwater and surface water flooding — a direct consequence of climate change and shifting weather patterns.
That’s why educating children about groundwater flooding is so important. By introducing these topics early, through engaging storytelling, we help young people:
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Understand environmental risks
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Build awareness and preparedness
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Develop resilience
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Feel empowered rather than afraid
Darcy’s Tale makes this urgent subject age-appropriate, memorable and hopeful.
Darcy’s Tale is produced as part of Project Groundwater Greater Lincolnshire, which is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
What is groundwater flooding?
Groundwater flooding is the lesser known or understood reason for flooding in that, it’s not a river breaking its banks after a deluge of rain. No, groundwater flooding can appear days, weeks or even months after the rain has fallen, causing it to be very unpredictable indeed. Groundwater flooding occurs when the level of water within the rock or soil underground (i.e the water table) rises. Water can then seep up through the land, up to the surface and break out causing a flood. Groundwater can also overwhelm existing drainage systems and watercourses leading to a lack of capacity for these networks to hold rainwater and thus leading to increased surface water flooding.
Let’s hear from Vicky Jones and Brett Rycroft-Jones Flood Resilience Programme Co-ordinators at Lincolnshire Country Council:
“Flooding can be devastating for communities from all sources and groundwater is especially difficult as it can occur long periods after a rainfall event and can be quite isolating to those whom experience it. Educating children on flooding matters to building future resilience and Darcy’s Tale has been a great way to do this building on the animation with the beautifully created book by TfME. We’re proud to be sponsoring the books rollout on a national scale.”
– Vicky Jones
“It is important for children to learn about flooding and its impact because it builds personal resilience, equips them with life-saving knowledge, and empowers them to become active contributors to their community safety. This education helps mitigate both the immediate physical dangers and the long-term psychological impacts of flood events. Ultimately, teaching children about flooding and Groundwater is an investment in creating safer, more informed, and resilient communities that are better equipped to face future climate challenge”
– Brett Rycroft-Jones
Getting out and about with Darcy’s Tale – raising groundwater flooding awareness in schools
Children across the UK are discovering the powerful message behind Darcy’s Tale — and the movement is growing.
From classrooms to communities, young readers are connecting with Darcy’s Tale, our educational children’s storybook designed to raise awareness of groundwater flooding in a way that is engaging, memorable and age-appropriate. And of course, children absolutely love their cuddly Darcy mole toys — seeing them hug their very own Darcy brings the story to life in the most heartwarming way.
(Don’t miss the special message at the end of this page if you know a child who would love their own Darcy toy and storybook.)
Visiting Heighington Millfield Primary Academy, Lincolnshire
Recently, we had the privilege of visiting Heighington Millfield Primary Academy in Lincolnshire to share Darcy’s Tale with pupils and teachers. It was a particularly poignant visit.
Following Storm Babet in October 2023, groundwater and surface water flooding swept through the school, forcing it to close for a significant period. This community understands the devastating impact of flooding first-hand. Meeting the children who experienced this event was both humbling and inspiring.
Now, just over two years on, the strength, resilience and community spirit within the school shines brighter than ever. Sharing Darcy’s Tale with them — a story that helps children understand groundwater flooding and environmental awareness — was truly an honour.
And yes — cuddly Darcy moles were in very high demand! Every child received their own Darcy toy and a copy of the storybook to take home, helping continue the conversation with families beyond the classroom.
Working together to educate the next generation
In partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and the Environment Agency, a coordinated effort is underway to ensure children across the country are informed, prepared and aware of the risks of groundwater flooding.
By using Darcy’s Tale as an educational tool, we are helping schools introduce important environmental topics in a positive, empowering way — building knowledge, resilience and confidence in young people nationwide.
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Pictures courtesy of Stuart Wilde Photography
Win a Darcy Mole Toy & Darcy’s Tale Children’s Storybook
Now it’s your turn to bring home your very own Darcy mole and the magical children’s storybook Darcy’s Tale!
We’re giving away a limited number of Darcy mole cuddly toys and copies of our beautifully illustrated storybook to children aged 3–10 years.
How to enter:
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Download one of our official Darcy mole colouring sheets from the Lincolnshire Council Project Groundwater website.
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Get creative and colour it in!
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Email your finished masterpiece to Hello@talesfrommotherearth.co.uk
🎁 Every colouring sheet received wins a Darcy mole toy and a copy of Darcy’s Tale — while stocks last!
Perfect for young readers who love nature stories, cute characters, and creative fun.
Don’t miss out — this is a limited-time giveaway, and once our Darcy moles are gone, they’re gone!
