The chosen Newcastle seven are:

A lime among a grove in Exhibition Park. “The background noise of traffic seemed to fade in the presence of blackbirds, jays and chaffinches flitting between branches and adding their chatter to the air,” says Harriet. ■■The willow in the quadrangle at Newcastle University.

“It is, we were told, a favourite of students. It fits well within this place of learning.“■■The St James’ Park plane tree.

“We walked to St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United. For many people, this is the beating heart of the city. How do the trees fare that line the pavement in front of the stadium?” ■■The laburnum near the Black Gate.

“It feels wholly part of this historic location, rooted deep beside markers of centuries past.” ■■The Quayside.

“Overlooking bridges, the flow of the Tyne, and the armadillo-back of the Sage, we found our fifth tree. Being beside water instils a slowness, and having trees here adds to this sense of relaxation.” The Central Motorway East. “Our sixth tree was not one single tree, but a group growing on the roundabout where New Bridge Street meets the Central Motorway. They nestle together on their green island, surrounded by tarmac and moving traffic.” ■■A willow in front of the Civic Centre.

“Pale leaves like feathers, creating a dreamy canopy and an almost painterly contrast with the black-and-white curves and lines of the Civic Centre.” Harriet says; “Our sense of place in Newcastle will now always be measured in relation to the location of these seven trees – living organisms standing like beacons within a man-made space, moving to the long slow rhythm of seasons and years while the rest of the city rushes by.”

Rob and Harriet will give a talk at the Great North Museum from 6pm on February 20. For more information, visit www.greatnorthmuseum. org.uk/whats-on/the-long-view-two-years-withseven-remarkably-ordinary-trees. ■■The book of the project, also titled The Long View, is available from the museum bookshop or from somewhere-nowhere press, at £15. www. somewhere-nowhere.com/shop.