The Tree Charter Bell Ceremony IV

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 a large tower bell tuned to the frequency of The Original Bramley Apple Tree in Southwell. The bell resonates at 500HZ when the temperature is 21 degrees, when the temperature changes so too does the resonance of the bell. In many cultures, the bell has significance. For example: in the UK bells are used to call people together and also as a warning sign. Using this idea as a trigger and as part of the 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 climate change. The aim is to explore how we feel in regard to our changing environments and how we communicate these feelings. Through this project the artist is asking important questions that are relevant now, for example: What are the possibilities for expressing how we feel about our changing climate? Can we send messages out in order to express our fears and is it possible to instigate action through artistic interventions?.

Thirty new Oak and Rowan trees were planted around the front entrance of the main Kedlestone Road University Building at The University of Derby. We celebrated by ringing the Tree Charter Bell as part of Ceremony IV with the Tree Charter Bell, students and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell at the beginning of 2022. Students handed out information cards with details about the Tree Charter Bell encouraging eco awareness and behavioural changes in relation to the project.