Dame Judi Dench is calling on us all to plant a tree to celebrate our lost loved ones with the National Trust. The National Trust is offering people the chance to donate £5 to plant a tree in dedication of a loved one to mark Celebration Day. Any donation made to the National Trust’s Plant a Tree campaign between 23rd May and 11th June will be used to create a new dedicated woodland, close to Dunham Massey in Greater Manchester. Dame Judy Dench has been calling on us all to consider planting a tree for our lost loved ones and has spoken out about her own experiences.
“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.”
– Dame Judi Dench
Each tree has the potential to remove one tonne of carbon dioxide from the air over its lifetime and the habitat they help to create provides a much-needed haven for wildlife. Celebration Day 2023 trees will be established by National Trust rangers, experts and volunteers at a site near Dunham Massey from autumn this year onwards, during the optimum conditions for planting.
Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, said: “My own experiences with the loss of loved ones, including my parents, have led me to think a lot about how we remember people. Leaving a living legacy in the form of planting a tree is something that comes up time and again. I think the fact that in planting a tree we are creating a better world for future generations, as well as marking a special life, is very powerful for people. I look forward to watching the woodland created through Plant a Tree with the National Trust for Celebration Day grow.” With more people considering a sustainable funeral, planting a tree to remember our lost loved ones seems like the perfect way to remember those that we have lost and leave a lasting positive legacy.
“Trees have long been symbolic of the cycle of life and death. The fact that 72% of the nation consider planting a tree to be the preferred way to celebrate a loved one demonstrates our society’s deep respect and love for trees.”
– John Deakin, Head of Trees and Woodland at the National Trust
A survey from Celebration Day has revealed 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. “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.” says John Deakin, Head of Trees and Woodland at the National Trust. KIt’s exciting to think that the trees planted in 2023 could be around for the next 500 years.
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. Plant your tree today via the National Trust website.
