The seventh and final tree in Crossway Park’s new oak circle was lifted high into the air and gradually lowered into the ground for its ceremonial planting.
Thamesmead Community Choir entertained the crowd with a set that included ‘This Little Light of Mine’, Michael Jackson’s ‘Earth Song’ and ‘How Long Will I Love You?’ by The Waterboys, while the oak was guided into position.
Residents then took the microphone to share hopes, wishes and affirmations with the trees, including Thamesmead poet Buzz, who performed his poem Tree Hugging.
Local children sprinkled mycorrhizal root powder around the roots of the freshly planted tree. The powder contains fungi that will help the trees to grow and build strong connections between the seven oaks beneath the soil.
Miles Harper, aged five, said: “We had to throw some of the fungus in the ground to make it grow. The trees look good. I might come back on Sunday to see them.”
His brother Rhys, aged four, added: “I liked doing the planting. I like the lights because they are so sparkly.”
The ceremony – and the circle of oaks itself – was the work of internationally-acclaimed artists Ackroyd & Harvey. The oaks were grown from acorns the pair collected from 7,000 trees planted by German artist Joseph Beuys in the 1980s.
Heather Ackroyd, one half of the artistic duo, said: “Seeing the tree elevated in the sky and illuminated by the lights felt very warm on a cold January evening. We wanted people to feel connected with the trees, and I think we did that.
“The trees will take root now, and we’re excited to see them shoot up. There is great quality soil here, so I think they are going to do very well. I take great pride in the fact that this is here in Thamesmead.”
Ackroyd & Harvey created the Thamesmead oak circle in partnership with Peabody.
Adriana Marques, Assistant Director of Cultural Programming and Strategy at Peabody, said: “It’s been a real privilege to be able to bring this very special circle of oak trees to Thamesmead, providing a community focal point for many generations to come.
“We hope the children who looked after the tree in their playground at Jubilee Primary School before the planting and those who helped to plant the tree this evening will continue to look after the oaks as both they and the trees grow.”
The ceremonial planting was one of the events in the London Borough of Bexley’s Night Visions festival. The series of light-art events is part of #CelebratingBexley, a year-long programme of arts, culture and entertainment across the borough.
