Tracing Trees: How Art in Nature is Growing Community at Eddington

Artist-led workshops help shape a healthy, connected neighbourhood.

As part of the ongoing consultation for the future phases of Eddington, Tracing Trees invited residents to take a fresh look at their local landscape—through the bark of a tree, the rub of a crayon, and the stories we share about where we live.

Led by socially engaged artist Alastair Kwan and nature writer Jo Sinclair, the free outdoor workshops blended simple art techniques with ecological discovery. Participants explored Eddington’s natural surroundings through guided walks, tree rubbings, and creative collage-making—an opportunity to see familiar places in new ways.

“This has been such a nice experience. I walk along here every day but never think about what’s actually here, all these trees and textures. It’s such a different way to look at where you live.” – Workshop attendee

The sessions highlighted the importance of trees not just as part of the landscape, but as connectors between people, place, and memory. From the ancient Veteran Oak to the saplings in Brook Leys, trees became both material and metaphor—tools to unlock curiosity, conversation, and creative expression.

Key Learnings

Art is for everyone.
By focusing on something universal—trees—Tracing Trees opened the door to a wide range of participants. Children and adults alike joined in, each bringing different approaches and motivations. The simplicity of the techniques meant anyone could take part, regardless of experience, and begin to look at the landscape from a new perspective.

Creativity builds confidence.
Using inspiration from artist Max Ernst’s “automatic” rubbings, the workshops encouraged an open, intuitive approach. Once shown the technique, participants became self-directed, seeking out surfaces, colours, and patterns that spoke to them. High-quality materials and thoughtful guidance made a big difference.

Shared spaces matter.
The workshops fostered a sense of community and care. Attendees shared stories about “their” trees, swapped nature facts, and the joy of the changing seasons. These kinds of shared creative experiences can support wellbeing, intergenerational connection, and a deeper sense of belonging.

Eddington: A Model for Placemaking

Tracing Trees is just one example of how Eddington continues to be an exemplar in placemaking – integrating art, ecology, and community engagement into every phase of development.

Already, residents can take part in the Eddington Grow Club and contribute to biodiversity mapping via the Eddington group on iNaturalist. These initiatives offer ongoing ways to connect with nature and with each other.

Get Involved

Download the free Tracing Trees booklet to try the activity at home or in your local green space.
Join the Grow Club and meet people in the community who are interested in cultivating plants, flowers, vegetables and more.
Join iNaturalist to help document and protect local biodiversity.

Art, nature, and community thrive together at Eddington—and everyone is invited to take part.

Company, Place are creating the Art strategy for the future phases of Eddington. You can read an article about the event on the Company, Place website for more insight and ideas that came from the art event.