THE Remembrance Glade, new tree-lined space honouring the Armed Forces, has been unveiled by the Royal British Legion at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Situated within the Arboretum’s 150-acre garden and woodland site and next to the Royal British Legion Poppy Field, the Remembrance Glade features symbolic structures and plants to encourage a new generation of visitors to explore and reflect on what remembrance means to them.

Each plant has been specially chosen for its symbolism and to reflect the changing seasons. From the willow trees that represent grief to the daffodils that symbolise new beginnings, the Remembrance Glade enables visitors to immerse themselves in nature and contemplate in a calm and peaceful space.

At the opening, the Royal British Legion’s national chairman Una Cleminson and members of the Armed Forces community planted the final Himalayan birch tree, completing the new space to honour those whose sacrifices gave us the freedoms we enjoy today.

READ MORE: ScotRail driver injured after crashing through fallen branches at 'high risk' area

Forestry Journal: The final West Himalayan birch circling the Remembrance Glade was planted by Una Cleminson (RB national chairman), Jacqui Thompson and Terry Barnett.The final West Himalayan birch circling the Remembrance Glade was planted by Una Cleminson (RB national chairman), Jacqui Thompson and Terry Barnett.

The new Remembrance Glade only contains materials found in the natural environment, with curved oak sculptures leading into a circular sanctum surrounded by white-stemmed Himalayan birches, to create a sense of harmony and unity. Opening in the RBL’s centenary year, visitors will take a journey of Remembrance culminating at a central mirrored sculpture, which reflects light to inspire truth and provoke contemplation.

Catherine Davies, head of remembrance for the Royal British Legion, said: “The Remembrance Glade is a tranquil space open throughout the year for people to connect with and reflect on what Remembrance means to them. It offers a peaceful oasis for personal reflection, surrounded by trees and plants of symbolic meaning, designed to give visitors respite from daily cares and a place to contemplate the meaning of Remembrance in the beautiful setting of the National Memorial Arboretum.

“As the RBL marks its centenary, our mission remains to make Remembrance available to and inclusive of everyone and in providing new and different ways to participate in remembrance, such as the Remembrance Glade, we hope to build a legacy that lasts for the next 100 years and beyond.”

Philippa Rawlinson, managing director of the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “We know how important nature is to our mental health and wellbeing, with many people using outdoor spaces to reflect on their lives and remember loved ones. The Remembrance Glade is a very welcome addition to our 150-acre site, and we hope visitors will find its inspirational design uplifting.”

Terry Barnett, a British Army veteran who helped plant the last tree, said: “Spaces like the Remembrance Glade are really important for contemplation. I know from my own experiences of creating mindfulness, just how instrumental they are for veterans like myself.

“For me, remembrance doesn’t just have to be confined to two minutes on Remembrance Sunday, it can be any moment in any day when thoughts of service and sacrifice comes into my mind. I think this will become a much-loved place not only for the Armed Forces Community, but for everyone to have the chance to discover what remembrance means to them and take time to reflect.”

Forestry Journal remains dedicated to bringing you all the latest news and views from across our industry, plus up-to-date information on the impacts of COVID-19.

Please support us by subscribing to our print edition, delivered direct to your door, from as little at £75 for 1 year – or consider a digital subscription from just £1 for 3 months.

To arrange, follow this link: https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/subscribe/

Thanks – and stay safe.