Welcome to the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA)
Created in 1997, the National Memorial Arboretum is a living tribute that will forever acknowledge the personal sacrifices made by the armed and civil services of this country.
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With some 50,000 trees already planted, and 120 dedicated memorials established on the site, the Arboretum is a place where current and future generations can wander through growing woodlands and enjoy the beauty of the trees. Families and friends will find it a peaceful and beautiful place to remember loved ones, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The focus, however, is not totally military. There is a large area devoted to Police who have fallen while on duty, as well as other areas given over to the Fire and Ambulance services. A few national charities that represent those who have died in particular circumstances, including children, are also to be found in the memorial grounds. |
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The site is developing on 60 hectares of reclaimed gravel workings, bordered by the rivers Trent and Tame, and gifted to the charity by Lafarge Aggregates.
The brainchild of Commander David Childs CBE and after a meeting with Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC, an appeal was launched in 1994 made by the then Prime Minister, John Major.
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Ten years on, the site now hosts an abundance of wild plants, woodland areas, grassland, a reed bed and wetland. It is populated by a variety of wildlife including brown hares, skylarks, lapwings, otters, tits and finches, green woodpeckers, buntings and an occasional black redstart. Our wildlife watch group meets every month and organises bat detecting evenings, bird watching and walks. |
Although many of the trees are still young, these are rapidly growing into a unique living tribute. Over eighty percent of our visitors say they will return, many time and again, to see the Arboretum as it develops.
Unless otherwise credited, all pictures on this site are reproduced with kind permission from John Brinkley (www.driftwoodimages.net/)
