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Artist Grows Futuristic Forest Sculpture to Outlive Himself
10 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Artist Luke Jerram creates living sculpture of 365 native British trees
- Artwork, called Echo Wood, will take 100 years to fully emerge
- Sculpture aims to inspire creativity and raise awareness about climate change
In November 2025, renowned artist Luke Jerram is working on a groundbreaking new project that will outlive him. Jerram, known for his global art installations like "Play Me I'm Yours" street pianos and the Museum of the Moon sculpture, is now creating a living, breathing artwork called Echo Wood.
Planted this past winter in Somerset's Chew Valley, the 365 trees - including crabapple, hawthorn, and oak - will slowly grow into a vast 110-meter-wide design over the next century. Jerram, now 50 years old, says he is starting to think about legacy projects as he cannot maintain the same energy levels forever.
Echo Wood will be part of the Lower Chew Forest, one of the largest new woodlands in England. The pathways and avenues through the forest will guide visitors to the central circular gathering space formed by 12 English oak trees, which Jerram envisions as a hub for creativity, hosting events like weddings, music, and poetry.
Jerram's other nature-inspired works, such as the Gaia Earth sculpture and the Tipping Point fire installation, have often touched on themes of the climate emergency. Echo Wood is his most ambitious attempt yet to physically contribute to the fight against climate change, using art to inspire the public and raise funds for tree-planting initiatives.
