In memory of local men who died in WWI
Remembrance Woodlands are being planted all over the UK to remember the hundreds of thousands of young men who were killed during the First World War.
Now local residents have planted a Remembrance Woodland in Wandle Park, to remember the 240 young men from Colliers Wood who died in WWI.
Local residents were joined by the Mayor of Merton, children from Singlegate School, Merton Tree Wardens and members of Friends of the Earth and Sustainable Merton.
The trees were a gift from the Woodland Trust to the community building group "Making Colliers Wood Happy!". They were planted with the permission of Merton council.
The native species include hazel, wild cherry, silver birch, hawthorn, dogwood and mountain ash, and will provide "all year round colour".
The trees will also help to improve air quality and enhance bio-diversity.
Raoul de Bunsen, from Abbey Road, said: "As an ex-serviceman, it's a privilege and an honour to plant trees in memory of those who fought and died in the First World War".
Auriel Glanville, coordinator of Merton Friends of the Earth, added: "This woodland brings life from death, and will help to mitigate against climate change".
Local historian Diane Holmes, who planted trees with her 10-year-old son Adam, said that "they were delighted to be part of such a significant and historic event".
April 30, 2015