Encounters with Trees
Encounters with Trees
Client
National Coal Mining Museum for England
Creative
Completed
Installed Summer, 2024
What do trees have to do with coal mining?
We worked with NCM to design and deliver a site-specific tree trail that explores this very question.
From Alder to Hickory, Oak to Pear, ‘Encounters with Trees,’ highlights the key properties of 10 different trees and their essential roles in the coal mining story.
Briefed to maximise interaction with the interpretation, our solution also had to be sympathetic to the environment, and complement a series of 10 benches envisioned by the museum’s volunteer team.
We proposed a series of 11 totems: one for each of the 10 selected trees, and a trail introduction totem.



Through research, idea exploration and collaborative discussion with the project lead, we identified the most suitable materials, build techniques, interactive elements, and graphic approach for the ‘totems’. Each of the hand built totems includes a robust sensory element, laser-etched illustrative detailing, and a weather resistant interpretation panel.
Credits
This project is part of the Museum’s Coalfield Conversations project
Design, illustration and build of totems: Hartland Design
Benches made by Roger (NCM volunteer)
Installation by NCM
On site photos © NCM