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 Abbey was dressed with trees and saplings which were blessed during the ceremony by representatives from diverse communities of faith – these trees now form the Trees of Life Glade.
The ‘Trees of Life’ glade is a living tribute to those who served our country throughout the pandemic, and remembers all those who died as a result of COVID-19 in the UK.
A stately Spaeth Alder tree sits at the heart of the glade, surrounded by a beautiful seating area, inviting visitors to pause and take a moment and reflect. The saplings are a mixture of broadleaf species including the Midlands Hawthorn which, with its pink spring blossom, is an attractive variation on the well-known native tree, adding colour and beauty to Remembrance.