Trees planted to create Covid memorial woodland

Volunteers have been planting trees as a tribute to those who died during the Covid pandemic as part of a new project.

Wokingham Borough Council is marking five years since the outbreak by creating a memorial woodland, which is now also open so the public can help.

The council plans to plant more than 6,700 trees across the 7.7-hectare plot, which lies immediately north of California Country Park.

council service manager for green infrastructure Laura Buck said: "Anyone can help us create this long-lasting legacy."

The project, supported by the Woodland Trust's Emergency Tree Fund, is all about "remembrance and hope".

The planting is being done by residents, volunteers and contractors over the next four days, with two sessions each day lasting two hours.

Ms Buck said: "It's a collaborative effort, everyone has been impacted by the pandemic."

Ms Buck said the site, which was farmland before and was primarily used for cattle grazing, would be called The Covid Memorial Woodland.

"The idea really is to bring to the residents an area for reflection," she said.

"It was driven from the Covid pandemic.

"The council wanted to create a space where residents could come from all over and have an area for reflection."

Ms Buck said about 6.7 hectares of the area would be woodland, with the left as wildflower meadows.

She said: "There will be a path in between where people can walk through and then just take a little bit of time, away from the hustle and bustle of life."

The council is asking the community to join in planting trees to support the "meaningful cause".

It said it was a "great opportunity to give back to the community" and "contribute to tackling the climate emergency".

"No experience is needed, just bring enthusiasm and willingness to make a difference," it added.

Spaces are still available, which can be found online.

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