COVID MEMORIAL WOODLAND OPENS FOR REMEMBRANCE AND REFLECTION

Residents, volunteers, community organisations and councillors gathered on Thursday 27 August to mark the official opening of the Covid Memorial Woodland near California Country Park in Finchampstead.

The woodland has been created as a peaceful place for people across Wokingham Borough to remember loved ones and reflect on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, while creating a lasting community legacy for future generations.

The evening brought together residents from across the borough, alongside many of the volunteers, community organisations, partners and council teams who helped create the woodland.

Guests heard about the work behind the project before observing a moment’s silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives and everyone affected by the pandemic.

The Mayor of Wokingham Borough, Cllr Rob Comber, formally opened the woodland by watering one of its young orchard trees.

A lasting place for remembrance

Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of the council, said: “The pandemic was an exceptionally difficult time for people across our borough. Many people lost loved ones, while others experienced isolation, uncertainty and lasting changes to their lives.

“We are looking back at a difficult period in our history, but we are also looking ahead. This woodland will grow and develop over the coming decades, providing a place for remembrance while helping create a greener and more biodiverse future for the borough.”

Created with residents and partners

More than 6,700 trees have been planted across the site.

During four community planting days in March 2025, hundreds of residents worked with the council's Countryside Service to plant more than 1,300 trees. Dinton Wednesday conservation volunteers also supported the woodland along the way, helping care for the site and prepare it for the opening event.

Children from Shinfield St Mary’s Junior School collected seeds, grew young trees and planted a further 130 trees at the woodland.

Freely Fruity helped establish the orchard and supported the children’s planting activities. Much of the wider tree planting was supported through funding from the Woodland Trust.

Cllr Louise Timlin, executive member for climate emergency, community safety and public protection, said: “This woodland has been created through an enormous community effort. Residents, volunteers, schools, community organisations, partners and council teams have all helped make it possible.

“It will be a really important place for people across the borough, as well as providing a diverse habitat for wildlife. Alongside the young woodland, there are wildflower areas and orchard trees, creating a varied landscape that will become richer as it develops.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped create it and who will continue to care for it.”

Growing for future generations

The woodland includes a mixture of native trees, hedgerows, an orchard, grassland and wildflower areas, creating a range of habitats as it develops.

Butterflies recorded at the site this summer include meadow brown, painted lady and small copper. Dragonflies have also been seen, while native wildflowers including viper’s bugloss are beginning to establish.

The woodland is still in its early years and has faced two exceptionally hot and dry summers. Some areas have established more successfully than others and replacement planting has already taken place where needed.

Many trees are continuing to grow and any that have failed will be replaced as the woodland develops.

Recognition for the borough’s trees

The opening follows Wokingham being named as a Tree City of the World for the second year running. This was awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for work completed during 2025.

It recognises the borough’s approach to caring for trees, investing in planting and involving local people in tree-related activities.

Connecting local green spaces

An accessible greenway connects the Covid Memorial Woodland with California Country Park and wider area, providing a traffic-free route for walking, running, cycling and wheeling.

Proposals for Rook’s Nest Wood include a further greenway connection towards Edney’s Hill through the proposed Barkham Solar Farm site. If approved, this will help connect more local green spaces and create additional traffic-free routes through the countryside.

The Covid Memorial Woodland is open to visitors and can be reached from California Country Park using the accessible paths.