A new woodland in North Wales honors Covid victims with vibrant benches and a space for community gatherings and reflection
Wrexham: A beautiful new memorial woodland has just opened up in North Wales. It’s a special place dedicated to those we lost during the pandemic. Spanning 22 acres, this area is part of the National Trust and is designed to be a living tribute.
Called Hafod y Bwch Commemorative Woodland, it’s located near the Erddig estate. At the center, there’s a lovely wildflower meadow that serves as a social space for picnics and community events. It’s all about bringing people together.
One of the coolest features here is the 20 colorful benches created by artist Rachel Jones. They come in shades of pink, red, and yellow, each representing different local plants. It’s all about creating joyful moments for visitors.
They’ve planted around 13,000 trees, mostly native broadleaf types that are well-suited to the local climate. These trees not only honor those we lost but also help the environment by providing habitats for wildlife.
First Minister Eluned Morgan is excited about this project. She believes it’s important to have a permanent memorial for those who died from Covid-19. It’s a beautiful way to remember them while enhancing our green spaces.
She also mentioned how the woodland symbolizes renewal and growth, which is great for our mental and physical health. It’s the first of three planned memorial woodlands in Wales, part of a larger National Forest initiative.
Designed with input from local communities, the space includes accessible paths and areas for reflection. There’s even a series of bricks that spell out a poem by Hanan Issa, the National Poet of Wales, which adds a personal touch.
Overall, this woodland is a lovely blend of remembrance and nature, making it a perfect spot for everyone to connect and reflect.
