The planting is inspired by artist and environmental activist Joseph Beuys, who planted 7,000 oak trees in Kassel, Germany, in 1982.
The oak trees coming to Thamesmead are grown from acorns collected from Beuys’ oak trees by Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey. The pair, who were commissioned to plant trees at all 10 entrances to the Olympic Park, are renowned for using art to campaign on environmental issues.
The oak circle in Crossway Park is being created in partnership with Peabody. It is one of just 17 oak circles being planted in public spaces across the UK for Ackroyd & Harvey’s work.
“Our project looks at planting trees within urban environments,” said Heather and Dan. “It’s not about just about the climate-proofing they will provide but making sure the community in Thamesmead benefits too from creative interactions with ecology at the centre.”
Ahead of the planting, local children took part creative workshops with Heather and The Hundred Club to find out about the planting. The youngsters visited Crossway Park to plan out where the circle of oaks will be.
They then returned to TACO! Print Studio in Poplar Place to enjoy print-making with leaves and woodblocks, making crowns and creating their own posters.