The Tree Charter Bell Ceremony II

Abstract

The Charter for Trees, Woods and People sets out the principles for a society in which people and trees can stand stronger together. The Tree Charter was launched by the Woodland Trust in 2017 and is rooted in more than 60,000 ‘tree stories’ gathered from people of all backgrounds across the UK. The Tree Charter Bell is used as a focus for ceremonies around tree planting activities in connection with The Woodland Trust. Locke worked with John Taylor Bells in Loughborough to cast the large tower bell tuned to 500Hz - the frequency of The Original Bramley Apple Tree in Southwell. The bell has significance in terms of it being used to call people together and also as a warning sign. Using this idea as a trigger and as part of her growing body of research, Locke explores situations in view of socially engaged practice, bringing groups of people together in order to consider relationships to significant trees, nature, historic places and the climate emergency. In the Autumn of 2020 Locke was able to announce Nottingham City Council’s agreement with her to sign a pledge to The Woodland Trusts' Tree Charter, which outlines 10 principals in connection with the future sustainability of the planet. As part of The Tree Charter Bell Ceremony II, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Councillor David Trimble, signed a pledge to the Woodland Trust's Tree Charter resulting in changes in the council’s approach to trees in Nottingham. David was invited to ring the ceremonial bell to mark the important signing of the pledge at Nottingham Forest Recreation Ground and a new memorial oak tree was planted .