The National Forest partners with the National Memorial Arboretum to deliver the ‘Trees for Life’ Service at Westminster Abbey

21st Sep 2022

To honour the bravery and dedication of those who served the nation throughout the pandemic, and to remember all those who died as a result of COVID-19, we're partnering with the National Memorial Arboretum to host the Trees of Life Service of Remembrance and Blessing at Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey
(C) PICTURE PARTNERSHIP 2014

 

The ‘Trees of Life’ service will take place on Tuesday 11 October, led by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Abbey and will be attended by over 1,000 people, including representatives from the NHS, emergency services and other key workers, and members of the public will gather for the special service. 

Westminster Abbey will be dressed with trees and saplings which will be blessed during the service, before being planted in a new glade at the National Memorial Arboretum in the National Forest.  

We announced in May 2021 that we’re developing a vision along with The National Memorial Arboretum for a living Memorial; a new woodland and natural Remembrance space that recognises service and sacrifice, remembering every person who died as a result of the pandemic. Featuring diverse wildlife habitats and areas for gathering and play, the new woodland will be a place for everyone across the nation to reflect and remember while creating new memories, demonstrating how we are growing the future together.  

There are a limited number of tickets available for members of the public to attend the service. If you would like to join us for the service, tickets are available here.