More than 1,000 trees to be planted for Covid-19 memorial in Havering

Plans for a Memorial Woodland within Hornchurch Country Park are in place (credit: Google Maps)

More than 1,000 trees are to be planted across several sites in Havering to commemorate the impact of Covid-19.

Havering Council hope the trees will be a “living testament” to those who have lost their lives, family or loved ones during the pandemic.

A series of local tree plantings in borough wards and at significant sites including hospitals are in development.

Planning is also taking place for an extensive Memorial Woodland of native trees to be set within Hornchurch Country Park.

The Woodland will comprise of over 1,000 trees, a central memorial stone and feature paths to provide accessibility for elderly and disabled residents.

Havering Council are encouraging residents to give their opinions on the project.

The Leader of Havering Council, Damian White, said: “The living, growing memorial is designed to be a fitting tribute to symbolise the challenges faced over the past eighteen months, as we rebuild and recover.

“We want to create an enduring legacy that honours the loss of lives whilst acknowledging the efforts of key workers and residents throughout the pandemic.

“Our reliance on our greenspaces became apparent during the pandemic, they provided us with much-needed mind space, so it would be really significant to create a breathing and accessible space for remembrance and reflection on the Hornchurch Country Park site and with individual trees in each of our borough wards.

“I encourage our communities to take part in this project, we would really welcome your ongoing support for the memorial tree tribute.”

Any residents or groups looking to take part in the planting and ongoing maintenance of the new trees can find out more on the proposals here.

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