COVID-19 Memorial Garden to Open in the Summer

Dacorum Borough Council is creating a memorial garden in Gadebridge Park in memory of residents who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The focal point of the garden will be a red-leaf Copper Beech tree, which was planted in October, surrounded by benches and wildflower planting to encourage a biodiverse, peaceful place for the community to reflect and remember loved ones.

The council has planted 240 square metres of wildflower turf and 24,000 bulbs including crocuses and tulips which will flower in the spring. Work to install a path and terrace around the tree will take place over the next few months.

An official opening event and tree blessing ceremony will take place on Saturday 16 July.

The funds for the tree were raised by resident Margaret Sharp, from the Dacorum Carer Support Hub, who wanted to organise a place of reflection for people to remember those lost during the pandemic.

Margaret raised money from residents and local groups and worked with Rt Hon Sir Mike Penning MP to raise funds from local businesses.

Sir Mike Penning said: ‘COVID-19 has affected so many people in our community and the garden will be a special part of Gadebridge Park for people to pause for reflection and remember loved ones for many years and decades to come.’

Cllr Graham Barrett, Dacorum Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services said: ‘Work on the garden has begun with the planting of bulbs and wildflower turf. Over the next few months we will install the path, terraces and benches. We are looking forward to the garden opening in July and creating a peaceful sanctuary for residents to reflect.’