Published on
22 April 2025
Memorial woodland gathers pace ahead of opening later this year
Around 6,700 trees have been planted at the site, which is to the north of California Country Park
The Covid Memorial Woodland in Finchampstead is continuing to take shape, with a view to opening to the public later this year.
Wokingham Borough Council worked with the community to bring the project forward, with around 6,700 trees having been planted at the site, creating a lasting tribute to those lost during the pandemic.
Recently, council leader Cllr Stephen Conway, Borough Mayor Cllr Adrian Mather and Wokingham MP Clive Jones visited the site with a representative from The Woodland Trust.
The creation of the Covid Memorial Woodland has been made possible with the support of The Woodland Trust's Emergency Tree Fund.
Wildflower seeding will take place later this spring and summer. Additionally, the council plans to install footpaths and signage to help residents visit the woodland in the future.
A symbol of hope
Cllr Conway said: “It was an absolute privilege for us to be able to share this experience with our residents. More than five years on from the outbreak of the pandemic, we have not forgotten how hard a time it was for everyone and it is important to have somewhere that people can go and reflect and remember their loved ones.
“Thanks also to the support of The Woodland Trust, we have an opportunity to create something that will stand as a symbol of hope for our borough, as the pandemic brought out the best of us in terms of community spirit and helping others at a time of great need.
“I look forward to seeing how the woodland takes shape and supports our ongoing effort to plant trees across the borough to tackle the climate emergency.”
About 1,000 of the trees were planted at eight community sessions, which were held from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 March.
There are 17 different species, including hazel, English oak and wild cherry, with the aim of replicating existing species nearby and to help biodiversity flourish.
The sessions were attended by about 170 people, who were assisted by the council’s Countryside Services Team.
Tree Cities of the World
Earlier this year, Wokingham Borough Council was awarded Tree Cities of the World status for its work in urban forestry. It was one of 27 local authorities to be recognised by the Arbor Day Foundation and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Jenny Scholfield, Woodland Trust Regional Director for the South East, said: "The Woodland Trust's Emergency Tree Fund was designed to support local authorities delivering ambitious tree planting goals, to help meet the challenges of climate change and nature loss. Planting trees is a great investment for a more resilient future.
"The Covid Memorial Woodland is the final part of a three-year tree project. With it, Wokingham Borough Council and the local community have created an inspiring legacy for lost loved ones and a haven for both people and nature for generations to come. The Woodland Trust is proud to have supported this initiative."
