We were recently invited to the launch of a new woodland in Henley-on-Thames by Sue Ryder Nettlebed. A member of the fund-raisng team explains why they have chosen to establish it.
Sue Ryder are delighted to announce the launch of The Sue Ryder Woodland, Henley close to Tilebarn Close. The wood will be planted with 1,000 trees over the next three to five years which people will be asked to sponsor.
The aim of the Woodland is to provide a place for people to visit to remember a loved one or celebrate a special occasion and help raise funds to grow services in the community for local people and their families. Sue Ryder provides care in the local communities of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire through Nettlebed Hospice near Henley, Duchess of Kent House in Reading and community services in Wokingham and Newbury.
Sue Ryder decided to launch the Woodland to fulfil a need from supporters who often ask to purchase a tree or bench to place in the Nettlebed Hospice grounds in-memory of a loved one; however this has not been possible for a number of years, as there is a concern that it would feel like a memorial ground for those still with us.
Helen Doherty lost her husband Terry at Nettlebed Hospice and is supporting the new wood and encouraging others to sponsor a tree. Helen says “I’m proud to be supporting Sue Ryder’s Woodland and would encourage anyone, whether it is memory of a loved one or a special celebration to sponsor a tree. It will give you a place to visit, as well as funds to help other families like us”.
The Woodland has been created in partnership with Henley Town Council who have leased Sue Ryder the land free of charge, Henley in Transition who have provided their expertise about trees and Timberland who are sponsoring the set up costs. Russell Tayler, Timberland UK Global Steward commented: “As a long standing partner we at Timberland, are delighted to be able to support Sue Ryder in their Woodland project”.
The Mayor of Henley, Councillor Mrs Pamela Phillips who attended the launch of the Woodland says “I'm delighted that Henley Town Council are able to help Sue Ryder create the Woodland. It will be a special place for people to visit and I'm sure will be enjoyed for many years to come as a unique way to remember a loved one or celebrate a special occasion.”
There are three types of tree available to sponsor:
Woodland – Lime, Hazel (minimum donation £250)
Fruit – Wild Plum, Wild Cherry (minimum donation £300)
Majestic Hardwood – Oak, Walnut (minimum donation £350)
Malcolm Dodds, Chairman of Henley in Transition explains: “Our vision is to create, with our community, new woodlands flowing around and through the town of Henley, by extending and linking up areas of existing woodland, by planting new small woodland areas, and by bringing more of our existing woods into management. Thanks to Henley Town Council's generosity, we can start planting Tilebarn Wood in November, alongside our neighbours Sue Ryder’s Woodland.”
To find out how you can sponsor a tree, visit www.sueryder.org/henleywoodland or call 01491 641 070. Your support will help to create a wonderful place for everyone to visit.
