A lasting tribute honouring the sacrifices made during the Second World War will be unveiled at a Swindon park this weekend.
Eighty oak trees have been planted at Lydiard to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict, symbolising strength, resilience and longevity.
Visitors will also be able to learn about it’s wartime history through a new display board. During the war, the park was requisitioned as an American station hospital for the 101st Airborne Division, treating D-Day casualties.
It later became a Prisoner of War hospital for up to 200 Germans and was used by the Great Western Railway Home Guard for training.
The trees are arranged in a classical labyrinth design, featuring concentric circular paths 90 metres wide and bordered by 80 green and red oak trees.
The 80 Oaks Labyrinth has been created through the Government’s Trees for Climate initiative. The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust supplied the trees and will oversee the planting with help from local volunteers and community groups.
Located on the north side of Lydiard Park near Hook Woods, the memorial will open to the public on Sunday 16 November.
Last week, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds and Minister for Nature Mary Creagh visited the park to plant one of the trees.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “The new 80 Oaks Labyrinth is a fitting tribute to the important role that Lydiard Park played during the Second World War.
“It is a poignant way to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, creating a tranquil space in nature where present and future visitors to Lydiard Park can reflect on the service and sacrifices the Armed Forces made on our behalf.”
Councillor Emma Bushell, Swindon Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Ambassador for the Council’s Greener Swindon mission, said: “Lydiard Park provides a perfect, peaceful setting for the 80 Oaks Labyrinth and I am sure it will be appreciated by the thousands of families and visitors who flock to Lydiard Park throughout the year.
“Our green spaces across the Borough are so important and improving them with new tree planting is great news for the environment and supports our mission to build a greener Swindon.”
Becki Mckinlay, Director of Engagement and Fundraising at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We are honoured to have been involved in the partnership that has created this remarkable memorial at Lydiard Park.
“The 80 Oaks Labyrinth is a beautiful way to recognise the immense sacrifices of the men and women who served during the Second World War.
“Trees are a living, lasting tribute, and this project, supported by the Trees for Climate initiative and the dedication of our community planting groups, creates space for residents to connect with nature whilst taking time to remember, and helping to build a greener Swindon.”
