BASINGSTOKE schools have contributed to more than 100 abstract trees created by young people which are now on display outside Winchester Cathedral, as part of a project to spark conversation about climate change.
Supported by Hampshire County Council, the interactive ‘Climate Change Forest’ is adorned with drawings, sculptures, and recyclable and upcycled items such as plastic bottles and reclaimed wood, and can be viewed until 5 July.
Each abstract tree on display has been created by pupils ranging from Year R to Year 11 from more than 25 schools across Hampshire, including Basingstoke’s Cranbourne, St Bede’s and The Clere schools. They focus on environmental issues pupils have chosen, from deforestation to carbon emissions, rising sea levels, air pollution, animal extinction and plastic production. The installation includes bunting that shares pupils’ written messages and QR codes that can be scanned with a smartphone to access further information about each artwork, such as voice clips of pupils sharing their personal messages about climate change.