In Tocil Wood, an oak tree bears the words "Our shadows alone touched you trying to find where here is". John Newling’s installation reminds us of our intricate connection with nature and the urgency to reconcile our relationship with the planet.

Through his Dear Nature project, Newling embarked on an 81-day expedition of letter-writing to the natural world. These correspondences, filled with curiosity and hope, explore the history and values that have shaped our existence and environment. Newling believed that part of our predicament lies in our detachment from the nature and our failure to acknowledge the indispensable role it plays in our lives.

Letters to Tomorrow is a national campaign aligned with Newling’s artistic vision. It invites us all to write letters addressed to future generations—a call to action for immediate steps towards a better planetary future. This initiative recognizes that our environmental future is still unwritten and that we hold the power to shape it for the better.

By writing a letter to tomorrow, we can inspire one another and forge a coordinated path towards a more sustainable future—a future which safeguards the planet we call home.

The University of Warwick Sculpture Park is free and open to everyone. Maps and trails are available from the entrance to the Mead Gallery in Warwick Arts Centre.

Written by Victoria Higgs