The Armed Forces Memorial, and its immediate surroundings, will be closed to visitors from 10am on Friday 8 August to 5pm on Sunday 17 August to allow us to prepare to host the national VJ Day 80 commemorations. The rest of the Arboretum's 150-acres will remain open to visitors as normal. We are sorry for any inconvenience this might cause and appreciate your understanding during this time.
The Trees of Life Glade is a
living tribute within our grounds to those who served the country throughout the pandemic, and to
remember all those who died as a result of COVID-19 in the UK.
Throughout the day on Sunday 9
March, visitors will be able to select a single fresh flower and
lay it within the Trees of Life Glade in an act of their own Remembrance. We will also lead short moments of reflection at 11.30am, 1pm and
2.30pm, including a reading of the poem ‘Blessed Alder’ by Dan Simpson, our former Poet-in-Residence.
“On the COVID-19 Day of
Reflection, we invite all our visitors to join the Nation in reflecting on the
sacrifices made by health workers, key workers, scientists, communities and
volunteers up and down the country during that unprecedented time, and by remembering
those who lost loved ones during the pandemic."
“For many, it will have been
extremely hard to move on from the devastation and loss caused by the disease.
As the Nation’s year-round place to Remember, we understand that people need
somewhere they can remember and reflect at any time, not just on significant
anniversaries. We created the Trees of Life Glade in
response to a deluge of requests for us to offer somewhere permanent to
commemorate the incredible service and sacrifice of key workers during the
pandemic, but also somewhere people could go at any time to remember those who
had tragically lost their lives and to help support the process of healing.”
- Philippa Rawlinson, National Memorial Arboretum
At the heart of the Trees of Life Glade is a stately Spaeth Alder tree, set within a beautiful seating area that invites visitors to pause, take a moment and reflect. The trees in the glade, planted in partnership between the Arboretum and the National Forest Company, were blessed by representatives from diverse communities of faith at Westminster Abbey during a special Service of Remembrance in October 2022.
The flower tributes for the
Trees of Life Glade will be subject to availability and voluntary donations are
appreciated to support our ongoing work as the Nation’s year-round place to
Remember.
