THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORE T
he National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is a unique haven of peace, contemplation and hope for
the future. Sited within the National Forest, on 150 acres of land gifted by Lafarge, the Arboretum is the UK’s year-round centre for Remembrance; a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises Service and sacrifice, and fosters pride in our country.
With 50,000 maturing trees and over 300 dedicated memorials, the Arboretum is a beautiful and lasting tribute to those who serve their country or who have died in conflict. Visitors from all walks of life number around 300,000 per year, including Service personnel, veterans, students of all ages, groups and individuals. For some, the Arboretum is a wonderful place to stroll and enjoy the beauty of the trees; for others it is a moving and peaceful place to remember loved ones, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Origins
The National Memorial Arboretum, which is part of The Royal British Legion family of charities, was conceived as a living tribute to the war time generations of the twentieth century and as a gift to their memory for future generations to reflect upon and enjoy.
The Armed Forces Memorial is the centrepiece of the National Memorial Arboretum
From the start it was seen as a place of joy where the lives of people would be remembered by living trees that would grow and mature.
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 dedicated to the Fire & Rescue and Ambulance services. National charities that represent those who have died in particular circumstances, including children and people killed in road incidents, are also to be found in the Arboretum’s grounds.
The project to create the Arboretum began without money, land, staff or trees! The Millennium Commission granted some forty per cent of the funds needed to establish it, matched by thousands of donations, both large and small, from a wide variety of organisations – military and civilian, corporate and voluntary.
The land was leased for a peppercorn rent by Lafarge Aggregates who generously supported the idea from the beginning. When the first phase of quarrying ceased,
the land was restored using inert wastes such as soils and clays which cannot be recycled. The Arboretum’s many groves have been established on this land.
The initial planting began in 1997 and took place thanks to grants from the Forestry Commission and the National Forest. Each of the many and varied memorial sites was designed in partnership and consultation so that every group represented could feel a sense of ownership of the plot to which they had contributed.
Symbolism of trees and memorials With some 50,000 trees planted to date, the Arboretum is a living tribute that will forever acknowledge the personal sacrifices made by the armed and civil services of this country. Of the 33 truly native tree species established in the UK, 32 can be found at the Arboretum – the only one missing is Wych elm, which died out as a result of Dutch elm disease.
The Arboretum is home to a great variety of national memorials, all of which are unique, moving and highly thought provoking,
A stonemason manually engraves names on the walls of the Armed Forces Memorial
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