Increase in visitors for second 'Dreaming Trees' exhibition

Thursday 21 March 2024

Nearly 35,000 people attended the popular Dreaming Trees exhibition in Howard Davis Park in its second year – an increase from the inaugural event in 2023.

The first iteration of the event, which showcased scientific research about the ways in which trees can communicate with each other via a ‘Wood Wide Web’, had around 30,000 visits last year.

The Infrastructure Department confirmed that this year's Dreaming Trees event saw around 34,500 islanders visit Howard Davis Park from 10 to 17 February.

Pictured: The 2024 edition of Dreaming Trees saw nearly 35,000 people visit the park. (Jon Guegan)

A bespoke soundscape, including music and special sound effects, was created to accompany the Dreaming Trees light installation.

There was also a special 'quieter night' for neurodiverse guests to enjoy the illuminations for the first time this year.

Having now had chance to compile all the data, our Parks and Gardens team have calculated around 34,500 visits were made to the 2024 Dreaming Trees event.

Thanks to everyone who made it such a magical week at Howard Davis Park… #DreamingTrees pic.twitter.com/ZWx93InCo6

— Infrastructure and Environment (@GovJsyIE) March 20, 2024

In a social media post, the Infrastructure and Environment department said: "Having now had chance to compile all the data, our Parks and Gardens team have calculated around 34,500 visits were made to the 2024 Dreaming Trees event.

"Thanks to everyone who made it such a magical week at Howard Davis Park."

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan also thanked the teams involved.

Great effort from #Team @GovJsyIE
Thanks to @BamPerspectives for some amazing pictures https://t.co/MkwN7kltrX

— Andy Jehan ???????? (@AndyJehan) March 20, 2024

Senior Operations Manager for the Government's Parks and Gardens department Bruce Labey previously said this year's event would have a "somewhat poignant feel" after the park suffered "significant damage" in Storm Ciarán last November.

The park lost some of its "star" trees in the storm, he then added – but was subject to a huge clean-up effort to make the area safe again.

Pictured top: The Dreaming Trees exhibition lit up the night for a week in February. (Rob Currie)