Community tree at UoG’s City Campus celebrates connection and belonging
A new Community Tree installation has been unveiled at University of Gloucestershire’s City Campus, celebrating connection, belonging and shared growth.
Designed and created by students, the tree was crafted from paper and then painted and mounted onto chipboard before being displayed for permanent public view on a feature wall in the main atrium of City Campus.
Members of the local community were invited to contribute to the project by writing messages on leaf-shaped pieces of paper, which were then added to the tree’s branches.
The messages reflect a range of personal values, experiences and hopes, including: I love the diversity of the community in Gloucester and how welcoming everyone is; Don’t judge another until you’ve walked in their shoes; I am grateful for my family, their health and happiness.
Paul Gwilt, Senior Lecturer in Education, Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion, explained the inspiration behind the installation.
He said: “As part of their studies, students are required to deliver a community project. One cohort responded by creating the Community Tree, a powerful installation designed to strengthen connections between the University and communities across Gloucestershire.
“The tree represents growth, while its branches reflect how communities connect, support one another and develop together. Each individual leaf represents a person within the wider community, with every contribution becoming part of a shared and collective display.
“The Community Tree is more than an artwork; it is a visible symbol of belonging and collaboration. It shows that communities become stronger when people participate, share their experiences and build meaningful connections.
“We warmly invite the community to visit the tree, read the messages and reflect on the diverse perspectives that have been shared.”
The Community Tree is located on the left-hand side of the atrium after entering City Campus (pictured above) through the main entrance on Kings Square. It can be viewed by members of the public whenever the campus is open.
As well as providing a modern environment for teaching and learning, City Campus is home to several shared public facilities bringing benefits to the wider community. These include an Arts, Health and Wellbeing Centre, delivered in partnership with the NHS Integrated Care Board, and a new public library operated by Gloucestershire County Council.
City Campus is currently hosting Arterial Sounds, an immersive light and sound installation that invites audiences to step inside the rhythm of the human body and explore how cardiovascular health looks, feels and sounds.
Funded by the Arts, Health and Wellbeing Centre, Arterial Sounds is open until 31 July, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
Image: Members of the public are invited to visit the Community Tree at City Campus