Promoting Access & Community Inclusion: The 'We are Rooted' arts project, Oxfordshire.

Click the image above to visit the project website.

Trees shape the character of Oxfordshire’s countryside and towns. They offer shade, shelter, and a sense of place that connects people to nature and history. Yet, many of these trees face threats from development, climate change, and neglect. Our recent arts project aimed to bring people closer to Oxfordshire’s trees, encouraging them to share their stories and feelings about their favourite local trees. This connection helps build a community that values and protects these living landmarks.

Through creative engagement, we invited participants to think about their favourite tree in Oxfordshire, pin it to a shared board, and write about why it

mattered to them. The result was a collection of heartfelt stories and reflections that reveal how deeply trees are woven into people’s lives. This post explores the project’s process, some of the most touching stories, and how this kind of engagement can inspire tree planting and conservation efforts.

Exhibition board at the Old Fire Station, Oxfordshire.

How the Project Worked

We set up a public board, both physical and digital, where participants could:

• Pin a photo or drawing of their favourite Oxfordshire tree

• Write a short story or reflection about why that tree mattered

• Read and respond to others’ contributions

  
  

This simple format allowed people of all ages and backgrounds to participate. Some shared memories of climbing a tree as a child, others described the comfort they found sitting beneath its branches during difficult times. The variety of stories showed how trees touch lives in many different ways.

Stories That Moved Us

Among the many contributions, a few stood out for their depth and emotion:

• The Willow by the River Thames

One participant wrote about a willow tree near the river where they had spent countless afternoons fishing with their grandfather. The tree’s drooping branches created a private nook that felt like a secret world. The story captured how trees can hold family memories and traditions.

• The Ent Tree, Oxford Botanic Gardens

Another story reflected on a writer who worked for years caring for an old tree said to have inspired Tolkien’s Ents. He tended it through storms and seasons, understood its moods, and respected its age. When the tree was eventually felled, it felt like an ending—but also a continuation. Now, its wood lives on as kitchen counters, solid and warm, carrying the same quiet strength into everyday life.

• 'Gracies Tree', Kidlington

Nola (aged 8) writes about her horses tree: 'She eats whatever leaves from the tree that grow long enough for her to eat. All of the time I bend the willow branches lower so she could reach them and snack lovely leaves!'

These stories show that trees are more than just plants; they are living witnesses to personal and communal histories.

How Stories Inspire Action

Sharing stories about trees creates empathy and a sense of responsibility. When people see how others value trees, they feel motivated to protect and plant more. Our project helped spark conversations about tree planting initiatives in Oxfordshire, with some participants volunteering to help local groups.

The project also highlighted the importance of involving communities in environmental efforts. People are more likely to support projects they feel personally connected to. By focusing on stories, we tapped into a powerful way to build that connection.

Tips for Engaging Your Community with Trees

If you want to start a similar project or simply encourage people to appreciate local trees, here are some practical ideas:

• Create a Story Board

Set up a physical or online space where people can share photos and stories about their favourite trees.

• Host Tree Walks

Organize guided walks to explore notable trees and share their history and ecology.

• Invite Creative Expression

Encourage participants to write poems, paint, or photograph trees to deepen their connection.

• Partner with Local Groups

Work with schools, environmental organizations, and community centres to reach a wider audience.

• Celebrate Tree Planting Days

Combine storytelling with tree planting events to make the experience memorable and meaningful.

Looking Ahead: Protecting Oxfordshire’s Trees Together

Our arts project showed that trees inspire stories that connect people across generations and backgrounds. These stories build a foundation for stronger community support for tree conservation and planting. As Oxfordshire faces environmental challenges, this kind of engagement will be essential to protect its green heritage.

We encourage everyone to take a moment to notice the trees around them, learn their stories, and share their own. By doing so, we can create a shared commitment to care for these vital parts of our environment.