Dreaming trees

The spectacular Dreaming Trees illuminations, showcasing scientific research about the ways in which trees can communicate with each other, will return to Howard Davis Park for a second year, following the success of the inaugural event in 2023.

Around 30,000 people are estimated to have come through the park’s gates to see the lit-up trees last February.

This year’s event, which will run each evening from Saturday 10 to Saturday 17 February (6pm – 9pm), is themed around the four elements: earth, wind, water and fire.

Bruce Labey, Senior Operations Manager for Parks and Gardens, said: “The reaction we got to Dreaming Trees last year was beyond our expectations, and we didn’t have to think too long or hard about whether to do it again.

“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.

“As well as showing off the beauty of the park, there’s also an educational element to Dreaming Trees. 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.”

Dreaming Trees is a free, non-ticketed event organised by the Government’s Infrastructure and Environment department and Wolf Productions. 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.

Catherine Taylor, Chief Operations Officer of Rathbones Investment Management International, added: “Rathbones is delighted to continue its sponsorship of Dreaming Trees in 2024. After the success of the inaugural event in February 2023 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.”