Times readers invited to plant tree in honour of loved ones

LAST YEAR TO MARK CELEBRATION DAY, THE NATIONAL TRUST CREATED TWO DEDICATED WOODLANDS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TIMES, INVITING 5,000 OF THEIR READERS TO PLANT A TREE IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER AS A WAY OF GIVING THEM A “LIVING LEGACY”.

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Donating to Plant a Tree can be a special way to remember someone we've lost, leaving a legacy that will support people and nature for years to come. All donations to the National Trust’s Plant a Tree Appeal between 23 May 2023 and 11 June 2023, whether in memory or celebration, were used to help establish two new commemorative woodlands. One will be at Dunham Massey in Greater Manchester and a second has been created at Ardress House in Northern Ireland.

In 2023, Dame Judi Dench launched the Celebration Day woodland by saying: "It’s no secret that I adore trees, and I personally plant a tree every time a close friend or relative dies. I have a whole wood of friends and family. I love to see the tree grow in celebration of their lives, and it provides a living legacy that brings back fond memories, as well as helping the environment. This is why I am delighted to launch the Celebration Day tree planting initiative with the National Trust, to encourage people to plant a tree for a lost loved one. Trees are part of my extended family and I implore people to get involved on the 28th of May.”

The National Trust predict that planting and establishing 20 million trees, which the Trust is committed to doing by 2030, will, at their peak, store around 300,000 tonnes of carbon a year. Celebration Day is proud to be part of their mission. As well as looking after the planet, our recent survey revealed people wanted to plant trees after loss. We found that almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of the nation said they’d be interested in planting a tree to remember a loved one, with protecting the environment and finding trees peaceful being some of the main reasons for this choice.

John Deakin, Head of Woodland at the National Trust, said: “Trees have long been symbolic of the cycle of life and death. The fact that 72% of people responding to the survey consider planting a tree to be a preferred memorial to a loved one demonstrates our society’s deep respect and love for trees. At Dunham Massey, the National Trust is privileged to look after one of the finest collections of veteran trees in England, including an oak tree that has been standing for more than 500 years. It’s wonderful to think that the trees planted through Celebration Day may still be here in another 500 years’ time, a long-lasting tribute to the lives they commemorate.”

Supporters who took part included Arlene Phillips who dedicated a tree to her dear friend Len Goodman, and Alex and Olivia Bowen whose tree was in celebration of their friend Joe.

The National Trust is a charity and relies on the generosity of members, visitors and donors to carry out its work to protect nature, beauty and history for everyone, forever.

Discover how you can make a donation to the National Trust in memory of your loved one as a long-lasting legacy, whether that’s a donation, planting a tree or a physical dedication by clicking here.

It’s no secret that I adore trees and I personally plant a tree every time a close friend or relative dies.

Judi Dench