Force for Nature exhibition comes to Preston Park

An exhibition exploring the connections between young people, trees and nature is coming to Preston Park Museum and Grounds.

The Tree Council's 'Force for Nature' exhibition celebrates the actions and voices of thousands of children and young people who have taken part in the charity's Force for Nature campaign.

The touring exhibition includes an immersive sound and light installation, 'Voices of Nature', where visitors can hear the spoken words of school children throughout the UK, as they share their hopes for a brighter, greener future.

The exhibition is open to the public between 12pm and 3.30pm on Sunday, February 25 and between 10.30am to 2pm on Tuesday, February 27.

No booking is needed and normal museum admission applies.

The Tree Council is a registered charity with the primary objective to help get local groups involved in the planting, care, and conservation of trees throughout the United Kingdom.

Therefore, in addition to the exhibition, children and members of the community will also help plant parallel hedgerows to create a pathway across the lower field in the grounds of Preston Park Museum and Grounds, close to the River Tees.

As part of the three-day event, teachers from across the Tees Valley will also be attending a special session at the park on Monday, February 26 to help them engage their pupils in the natural world, providing practical guidance and tips to help encourage deeper connections to plants and animals.

Councillor Steve Nelson, the Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure, and Culture added: "This is an exciting opportunity for children, teachers and visitors to learn more about the importance of trees and nature.

"Visitors will be able to explore the magical sounds of a tree's inner life in the exhibition and can sow their own oak tree seed to take home, nurture and watch them grow.

"Not only will the project bring new hedgerows to the grounds, but it will also help the next generation to be 'at one' with the natural landscape and help them to appreciate their environment. We're expecting around 300 children from schools across the Tees Valley to be involved - which is really exciting!

"It's a real coup to be able to work with The Tree Council and it's a fantastic opportunity for local people of all ages to participate in providing a greener future."

Katie Rafferty, The Tree Council's National Schools Programmes Officer, said: "It is a real pleasure to be part of such an exciting project at Preston Park Museum and Grounds which involves people from all across the Tees Valley.

"We will spend three days delivering exciting workshops and experiences to community groups, school groups and members of the public.

"The River Tees planting project is a fitting tribute and lasting legacy for the area and the people from here, who are coming out in numbers to be a Force for Nature. A big thanks to Preston Park Museum and Grounds for hosting us."

For more information, please visit Preston Park Museum and Grounds website, or the Force for Nature exhibition web page.