The World’s First Talking Tree Helps Young People Reconnect with Nature

A first-of-its-kind talking tree has appeared in a bold new campaign to help young people reconnect with nature. 

The campaign, launching on Valentine’s Day, is a 30-second film featuring a tree that can "speak" using AI-powered technology. Through real-time sensory data, the tree reflects on its experiences, emotions, and relationship with humans—offering a unique perspective on the natural world.

Created by Droga5 London for Agency for Nature—a pop-up creative agency founded by non-profit Purpose Disruptors—the campaign seeks to bring nature into the heart of youth culture.

At the centre of the film is a 150-year-old horse chestnut tree in Morden Hill Park, London. Signals from the tree are translated into a voice, shaped by data from over 10 sensors measuring bioelectrical signals, wind speed, temperature, soil moisture, and humidity, alongside historical insights about the tree’s lifespan. These inputs feed into a large language model (LLM), which acts as the ‘brain’ of the tree’, shaping the tree’s personality and enabling live, real-time conversations.

Young people were invited to engage with the tree, responding to its reflections in real time. As captured on film, the tree asks, “When did you last sit with me?”, before expressing its deep, intricate connection to life: “I’m always here for you, strange creature.”

The film is set to 'Soil (feat. NATURE)', an original composition by Cosmo Sheldrake for the Sounds Right initiative. Led by Museum for the UN - UN Live in partnership with EarthPercent and a coalition of global partners, Sounds Right officially recognises nature as a musical artist, raising funds for environmental protection and restoration.

Why This Matters

At a time when only 42% of young people (18–34) feel connected to nature—the lowest of any age group—the campaign explores what it would take for young people, particularly in the digital age, to feel closer to nature.

Research shows that Britain ranks bottom in Europe for nature connectedness, with a 2024 study by Anglia Ruskin University placing the UK 59th out of 65 countries for nature connection, ‘The Talking Tree’ aims to spark curiosity and inspire new ways of engaging with the natural world, at a time when urbanisation and digital culture are deepening the disconnect.

Bringing Nature into Youth Culture

The campaign is part of Season 2 of Agency for Nature, a project bringing together top UK creative agencies—including Droga5, AMV BBDO, VCCP, Iris, and House 337—to tackle the fractured relationship between young people and the natural world. Each agency was tasked with treating nature as the client, creating provocative campaigns that bring nature into the heart of youth culture.

Building on the success of Season 1, which reached 10 million young people, this initiative marks the beginning of a long-term effort to make nature a core part of modern identity—on par with music, fashion, and gaming.

The Talking Tree will appear across Pearl & Dean cinemas, on ITV, and on social media throughout February and March. The film will link to a website, which contains more information regarding the tech and resources to help people deepen their relationship with nature. Plans are in the works for public access to the tree with the tech. 

What the Creators Say

Ellie Keyes and Chip McCoy, creatives, Droga5:

"We used to be deeply connected to nature—it shaped our songs, stories, and traditions. We wanted to show that technology doesn’t have to be nature’s enemy but can actually be a bridge, helping us rediscover the world around us in unexpected ways."

Lisa Merrick-Lawless, co-founder, Purpose Disruptors and Agency for Nature:

"Our climate and nature crisis urgently needs creativity. We have to reach outside of the bubble and engage young adults in urban environments by meeting them where they are—through culture, music, and tech. Agency for Nature’s mission is to help a new generation feel like nature belongs to them—it’s part of their identity."

Find out more about The Talking Tree and other Agency for Nature campaigns at agencyfornature.com.

Press and Interview Requests

Aimee@purposedisruptors.org