LEADER of Wokingham Borough Council Cllr Stephen Conway welcomed around 50 people to the Covid Memorial Woodland in Wokingham on Thursday.
It has been planted, with the help of many volunteers, beside meadows in California Country Park.
At the new woodland’s official opening, there was an opportunity to see the young trees, and to remember the impact Covid had on many people’s lives.
“This memorial not only remembers those lost in the pandemic, it is also intended as a contribution to the council’s response to the Climate Emergency, helping to increase carbon capture by planting more trees,” said Cllr Conway.
“It has been some time in the making, and there are some years to go before this woodland reaches its full potential, but today’s landmark event has been very moving.
“We’re looking back to a difficult time in the borough, but we’re also looking ahead to future generations who will benefit from this memorial woodland.”
Cllr Louise Timlin, Executive for Climate Emergency,Community Safety and Public Protection is also councillor responsible for trees.
She thanked the hundreds of borough volunteers who had helped with the planting of the new woodland, this year and last.
She also thanked The Woodland Trust, Freely Fruity, rangers, and contractors for their contributions to the project.
The new woodland – around 8,000 trees – is made up of existing elms and oaks, along with additional beech, hazel, hawthorn, rowan, crab apple, elder, buckthorn, orchard trees and a wildflower meadow, and will provide a diverse habitat for wildlife.
“This is just the beginning of the woodland,” said Cllr Timlin, “and it will be amazing to watch these trees mature.
“A lot of thought has gone into the planting in terms of biodiversity, and it’s great to be able to encourage local wildlife into the area.
“It will become a really important place – beautiful, and peaceful – somewhere for reflection, and a long-lasting legacy of remembrance and hope, for people now, and for future generations.”
Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Rob Comber officially opened the memorial with a ceremonial tree watering.
“I’m pleased to be involved in this project,” he said.
“Pretty much everyone in the borough was affected by the borough, or knows someone who lost a loved one.
“The pandemic affected a lot of people, and will continue to do so for a long time.”
Wokingham MP Clive Jones also welcomed the new memorial as a lasting place for local people to remember the impact of the pandemic.
“Over 400 local residents had Covid on their death certificate,” he said, “while thousands bravely worked as key workers, including those in the NHS.”
The idea for a memorial woodland was first proposed by Clive, when he was Deputy Opposition Leader of Wokingham Borough Council and the group’s environmental spokesperson.
When he later became Council Leader, he worked to ensure land was made available for the project.
“This woodland will give people a peaceful place to remember, reflect and come together,” he said.
“I hope it will stand as a lasting tribute to everyone who was affected by Covid-19.”
Ryan Simpson from Freely Fruity has overseen much of the planting and is hopeful that many of the trees will survive this year’s drought.
“Most things will bounce back,” he said, revealing an apple he had just picked from one of the orchard trees.
The Covid Memorial Woodland can be seen at California Country Park, Finchampstead, from where it is accessible by footpath.
For information, visit: engage.wokingham.gov.ukand wokinghamcountryside.co.uk
