PUPILS at Pensford Primary School were among those to join together to create a striking temporary artwork made from 365 hand-decorated candle bags.

The artwork shows where each tree will soon be planted in the new Echo Wood at Lower Chew Forest.

The lanterns were lit at dusk, offering a striking first glimpse of Echo Wood - the living artwork designed by Luke Jerram and Avon Needs Trees.

The illuminated bags were placed in the exact position of the future trees and came to life at night, giving the sense of pathways, swirl and central clearing of Echo Wood.

Twelve different community groups, including Pensford Primary School, contributed their own designs to decorate the 365 bags, one for each tree tree and day of the year — with their own stories and perspectives on nature.

Warrick Barton, head teacher of Pensford Primary School, said: “It's incredible to think that our children will grow with the artwork and that it will still be around when they're parents themselves, or even grandparents!”

From schoolchildren and youth groups to community art clubs and local volunteers, participants including artist Luke himself decorated the bags with nature inspired patterns that hinted at the future biodiversity of a site that will bloom, mature and flourish with the seasons.

The decorated bags have since been collected and safely stored for a future permanent display.

Members of the public can also sponsor their own tree in Echo Wood.

Every sponsorship supports both Echo Wood and the wider creation of Lower Chew Forest. Those wishing to support at a smaller level can contribute to The Hawthorn Community Fund, which - like every donation - helps to grow a living message of hope and action in the fight against the climate and nature crisis.

Find out more and sponsor a tree at echo-wood.co.uk/sponsor