Members of the public are invited to lay a floral tribute at the the National Memorial Arboretum to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the first UK lockdown due to the Covid19 virus.

The National Memorial Arboretum is free to visit, and throughout the day on Sunday 9 March (10am – 4pm) visitors will be able to select a single fresh flower and lay it within the Trees of Life Glade in an act of their own Remembrance.

The Arboretum will also lead short moments of reflection at 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm, including a reading of the poem ‘Blessed Alder’ by Dan Simpson, former Arboretum Poet-in-Residence.

Philippa Rawlinson, director of National Memorial Arboretum said: “On the Covid-19 Day of Reflection, we invite all our visitors to join the Nation in reflecting on the sacrifices made by health workers, key workers, scientists, communities and volunteers up and down the country during that unprecedented time, and by remembering those who lost loved ones during the pandemic.

“For many, it will have been extremely hard to move on from the devastation and loss caused by the disease.

“As the Nation’s year-round place to Remember, we understand that people need somewhere they can remember and reflect at any time, not just on significant anniversaries.

“We created the Trees of Life Glade in response to a deluge of requests for us to offer somewhere permanent to commemorate the incredible service and sacrifice of key workers during the pandemic, but also somewhere people could go at any time to remember those who had tragically lost their lives and to help support the process of healing.”

At the heart of the Trees of Life Glade is a stately Spaeth Alder tree, set within a beautiful seating area that invites visitors to pause, take a moment and reflect.

The trees in the glade, planted in partnership between the National Memorial Arboretum and the National Forest Company, were blessed by representatives from diverse communities of faith at Westminster Abbey during a special Service of Remembrance in October 2022.

Entry to the National Memorial Arboretum is free of charge, but booking in advance via the Arboretum website is recommended to guarantee entry and save on parking.

The flower tributes for the Trees of Life Glade will be subject to availability and voluntary donations are appreciated to support the ongoing work of the Nation’s year-round place to Remember.