By Ruth Le Cocq
The tree survivors of Storm Ciaran will be lit up in Howard Davis Park next month with the return of the Dreaming Trees illuminations.
Around 30,000 people attended the inaugural event in 2023 which showcased scientific research about the ways in which trees can communicate with each other via a ‘Wood Wide Web’.
Senior Operations Manager for Parks and Gardens Bruce Labey said: ‘The aftermath of Storm Ciaran has shown just how special trees are to our Island, and Howard Davis Park was among the areas to suffer significant damage, so there’s certainly a somewhat poignant feel to this year’s event.’
He added that Dreaming Trees shows off the beauty of the park and is an educational event. This year’s theme focuses on the four elements of earth, wind, water and fire.
‘The project was inspired by research about the ways in which trees communicate with each other via a “Wood Wide Web”. It led us to thinking about what they’d dream about. We’re using these illuminations to, quite literally, shine a light on some of the fascinating research in this area.’
The free, non-ticketed event, which is organised by the Government of Jersey’s Infrastructure and Environment Department and Wolf Productions, will run from Saturday 10th to 17th February between 6pm and 9pm.
It is sponsored by Rathbones Investment Management International and supported by the Creative Island Partnership, which was set up to deliver some of the objectives of the Arts Strategy.
Chief Operations Officer Catherine Taylor said Rathbones was delighted to continue its sponsorship.
‘We are excited to be involved again as the plans include new ways for visitors to enjoy the celebration of our woodland parks, which we are even more appreciative of and keen to protect and see flourish following the destruction of Storm Ciaran.’
Activity packs, including scavenger hunts, tree facts and identification information, can be downloaded by teachers and families from www.gov.je/DreamingTrees.
