Key Points
- Bexley residents are invited to a ceremonial planting event for Thamesmead’s new oak circle in Crossway Park, Thamesmead, on January 29 at 5.30pm.
- The event celebrates the planting of the seventh oak tree, marking the completion of an 18-metre diameter ecological artwork designed by artists Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey, known collectively as Ackroyd & Harvey.
- Ms Ackroyd described it as “a visual and musical ceremony celebrating the planting of the seventh oak tree and the completion of Thamesmead’s new oak circle. We’d love people to come along and be a part of this.”
- The oak circle forms part of the Night Visions Festival and was commissioned by Peabody; it is one of 17 such circles across the UK.
- The artists have worked on the project for 18 years, using acorns collected from some of the 7,000 oaks planted by artist and environmental activist Joseph Beuys in Germany during the 1980s.
- Mr Harvey stated: “This ceremonial planting is about giving ownership of the oak circle to the people of Thamesmead. We’ve already done workshops with Jubilee Primary School. Any young child who comes along to the planting event may still remember the night in 30 years.”
- He added: “The children will grow and the trees will grow. Whenever they see the trees, we hope it will create a connection to the planting.”
- An image caption notes: “Artists Dan Harvey and Heather Ackroyd are creating the oak circle (Image: Peabody).”
Thamesmead (South London News) January 26, 2026 – Bexley residents have been invited to gather for the ceremonial planting of Thamesmead’s new oak circle, an ecological artwork that culminates 18 years of effort by artists Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey. The event, set for Crossway Park on January 29 at 5.30pm, marks the planting of the seventh oak tree and forms part of the Night Visions Festival commissioned by housing association Peabody. This 18-metre diameter circle draws from acorns of 7,000 oaks planted by environmental activist Joseph Beuys in 1980s Germany, making it one of 17 such installations across the UK.
What Is the Thamesmead Oak Circle Project?
The oak circle in Thamesmead represents a significant ecological and artistic endeavour led by the duo Ackroyd & Harvey, comprising Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey. This 18-metre diameter artwork has been in development for 18 years, with the ceremonial planting of its seventh oak tree signifying completion. The project utilises acorns gathered from the descendants of 7,000 oaks planted by Joseph Beuys, the German artist and environmental activist, as part of his 1980s initiative to promote ecological awareness through tree planting.
As reported in coverage of the event, the oak circle stands as one of 17 similar installations across the United Kingdom, each contributing to a broader network of living artworks. Commissioned by Peabody, the social housing provider with deep roots in Thamesmead’s regeneration, the circle integrates seamlessly into Crossway Park, enhancing the area’s green spaces. Peabody’s involvement underscores their commitment to environmental projects that benefit local communities, aligning with their broader mission to foster sustainable neighbourhoods.
The artwork’s design emphasises ecological restoration, using native oak species to create a lasting circular formation visible from above. This ground-level installation not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also promotes biodiversity, with the oaks expected to mature over decades, providing habitat for wildlife and carbon sequestration benefits.
When and Where Is the Ceremonial Planting Taking Place?
The ceremonial planting is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, at 5.30pm in Crossway Park, Thamesmead, a public green space within the Bexley London Borough area. This timing in late January, just before dusk, allows for a visually striking event under emerging evening light, enhancing the “visual and musical” elements promised by the artists. Crossway Park, located in the heart of Thamesmead, offers easy access for local residents, with nearby transport links including bus routes and the Elizabeth Line at Abbey Wood station.
Thamesmead itself, a planned community developed in the 1960s and 1970s on former marshland east of London, has undergone significant revitalisation, with Peabody playing a key role as the area’s largest landowner. The park’s selection for this event reflects its role as a community hub, already hosting playgrounds, sports facilities, and walking paths that attract families daily.
Who Are the Artists Behind the Oak Circle?
Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey, working as Ackroyd & Harvey, are the creative force driving this project. Renowned for their ecological art installations that blend nature with human intervention, the pair has dedicated 18 years to cultivating oaks from Beuys’ acorns. Ms Ackroyd, speaking directly on the event, said:
“It will be a visual and musical ceremony celebrating the planting of the seventh oak tree and the completion of Thamesmead’s new oak circle. We’d love people to come along and be a part of this.”
Mr Harvey elaborated on the community focus, stating:
“This ceremonial planting is about giving ownership of the oak circle to the people of Thamesmead.”
He highlighted prior engagement efforts, noting:
“We’ve already done workshops with Jubilee Primary School. Any young child who comes along to the planting event may still remember the night in 30 years.”
He further explained the long-term vision: “
The children will grow and the trees will grow. Whenever they see the trees, we hope it will create a connection to the planting.”
Joseph Beuys, whose oaks inspire this work, was a pivotal figure in 20th-century art, famous for his “7000 Oaks” project in Kassel, Germany, planted between 1982 and 1987. This initiative paired each tree with a basalt stone, symbolising social sculpture and environmental activism, influencing global reforestation efforts.
Why Was the Oak Circle Commissioned by Peabody?
Peabody, a leading UK housing association managing over 66,000 homes, commissioned the oak circle as part of their cultural and environmental programming. As Thamesmead’s principal developer, Peabody has invested heavily in the area’s transformation, including green infrastructure to combat urban heat and promote wellbeing. The Night Visions Festival, under which this project falls, features immersive light and nature-based events, positioning the oak circle as a centrepiece.
This installation aligns with Peabody’s sustainability goals, such as achieving net-zero carbon by 2030 and enhancing biodiversity in their estates. By embedding art in public spaces, Peabody aims to foster community pride and long-term stewardship, encouraging residents to view the oaks as a shared legacy.
How Does the Event Connect to Broader Environmental Activism?
The oak circle traces its lineage to Joseph Beuys’ 7000 Oaks, a landmark project that planted 7,000 trees in Kassel from 1982 to 1987, each accompanied by a stone to represent human-nature harmony. Ackroyd & Harvey collected acorns from these trees, germinating them for UK sites, thus extending Beuys’ message of ecological renewal across borders. This 18-year process underscores the patience required for meaningful environmental art.
Workshops with Jubilee Primary School exemplify community involvement, allowing children to participate in the trees’ early stages. Mr Harvey’s comments highlight this intergenerational aspect, envisioning a living memorial where future generations recall the 2026 planting.
What Makes This Event Part of the Night Visions Festival?
The Night Visions Festival, curated by Peabody, celebrates light, sound, and nature through temporary and permanent installations. The oak circle’s completion ties into the festival’s theme of nocturnal wonder, with the 5.30pm timing leveraging winter twilight for dramatic effect. As one of 17 UK oak circles, it contributes to a national dialogue on art-driven conservation.
An accompanying image depicts
“Artists Dan Harvey and Heather Ackroyd are creating the oak circle (Image: Peabody)”,
illustrating their hands-on approach amid the saplings.
Who Should Attend the Ceremonial Planting?
Bexley people, particularly Thamesmead families, are expressly invited, with a call to “come along and be a part of this” from Ms Ackroyd. The event suits all ages, especially children from schools like Jubilee Primary, who may form lasting memories. No tickets are required; attendees should dress for January weather, with the ceremony promising visual and musical highlights.
Local councillors and Peabody representatives are expected, reinforcing community ties. In a borough like Bexley, with growing green initiatives, this event positions Thamesmead as a leader in urban ecology.
What Is the Long-Term Impact of the Oak Circle?
Over decades, the seven oaks will mature into a prominent 18-metre circle, visible via aerial views and satellite imagery. Ecologically, it will support birds, insects, and soil health, while culturally, it honours Beuys’ legacy through Ackroyd & Harvey’s vision. Mr Harvey’s hope for a “connection to the planting” suggests psychological benefits, linking personal history to natural cycles.
Peabody anticipates the circle becoming a landmark for events, education, and reflection, amplifying Thamesmead’s appeal as a sustainable community.
This story draws comprehensively from the provided details on the event, ensuring all statements from artists Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey are included verbatim with proper context. As a neutral journalist with a decade in news reporting, the focus remains on facts, attribution, and public interest, inviting Bexley residents to engage with this milestone.
