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Remembrance Sunday Commemorations at the Arboretum

Thousands of members of the public gathered at the Arboretum to honour and remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community on Remembrance Sunday

Tickets released for BBC Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time Recording at the National Memorial Arboretum

One of BBC Radio 4’s most iconic programmes, Gardeners' Question Time is set to visit the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Public invited to live screening of VJ Day 80 Service of Remembrance

The National Memorial Arboretum, which is hosting a Service of Remembrance marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) and the end of the Second World War, is encouraging members of the public to book their parking in advance to attend a live screening of the event on Friday 15 August.

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Discover the Magic of Trees this Summer

From 19 July to 31 August, the Arboretum will host Wondrous Trees, a free interactive summer programme, designed to engage visitors of all ages with the natural world.

Arboretum hosting 'bostin' evening of entertainment in celebration of Armed Forces community

The Arboretum will be hosting a special evening of entertainment celebrating the service of the Armed Forces community on 29 June as part of its Armed Forces Week activity programme.

National Memorial Arboretum leads the Nation in commemorating Armistice Day

Today, the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, led the Nation in commemorating Armistice Day with a Service of Remembrance on the iconic Armed Forces Memorial. Attended by HRH The Princess of Wales, the service featured an Act of Remembrance, with a two-minute silence at 11am followed by wreath laying.

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Thousands of Motorcyclists Honour the Fallen

Thousands of motorcyclists honour the fallen at the National Memorial Arboretum

Arboretum commences Armed Forces Week celebrations

The Arboretum has marked the start of Armed Forces Week 2024, a weeklong programme of commemorative and celebratory activities in recognition of the year-round service and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community.

Arboretum Volunteers Honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Staffordshire with High Sheriff Award

National Memorial Arboretum Volunteers Honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Staffordshire with High Sheriff Award

Grandsons of WWII prisoners of war to host guest speaker talk at the Arboretum

On Wednesday 20 August Charlie Inglefield and Ben Stallard will present ‘A Chaplain’s Portraits – The Story Behind the Artwork’.

Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The National Memorial Arboretum, part of The Royal British Legion, joins the Nation, the Commonwealth and the rest of the World in mourning the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen. HM Queen Elizabeth the Second was Patron of the Royal British Legion and through it, the National Memorial Arboretum, and she was gracious and generous in providing her unstinting support over many years. 

Arboretum Hosts Special Episode of BBC Antiques Roadshow Commemorating 80 Years Since VJ Day

The National Memorial Arboretum will serve as a poignant backdrop for the latest episode of BBC One's weekend favourite, 'Antiques Roadshow'.

Launch of new Stick Man Trail

Families invited to celebrate launch of brand-new FREE Stick Man trail at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Public invited to remember and honour those affected by the pandemic on 'COVID-19 Day of Reflection'

On Sunday 9 March, the official ‘COVID-19 Day of Reflection’ marking the fifth anniversary of the first UK lockdown, members of the public are invited to lay a floral tribute at the Trees of Life Glade.

Remembering VJ Day - 80 Years On

Earlier today, the Royal British Legion, in partnership with the Government hosted 33 Second World War veterans as guests of honour at a Service of Remembrance at the base of the Armed Forces Memorial.

Public invited to contribute to the ‘Canopy of a Thousand Dreams'

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is inviting creative individuals from across the country to contribute toward an art installation to be featured within the new Guiding Lights exhibition opening later this year. ‘Guiding Lights - Canopy of a Thousand Dreams,’ will showcase 1,000 hand-crafted leaves made by members of the public and local school children, attached to a large indoor tree sculpture.

The Arboretum Awarded Green Flag Status for Fifth Consecutive Year

The Arboretum has been awarded Green Flag status for the fifth consecutive year.

'Look Up' at the National Memorial Arboretum this summer

Visitors can get ready to ‘Look Up’ and turn their eyes to the skies this summer at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Remembrance Sunday 

Earlier, thousands of veterans, serving personnel and members of the public eager to pay their respects, gathered together at the base of the Armed Forces Memorial for our annual Remembrance Sunday Service.

Children Honour Legacy Of Anne Frank On Her Birthday

Children from Home Ed-Venturers, an events group offering educational activities for home educated children and their families, participated in a learning activity day, creating art and poetry honouring Anne and her impact on the world.

Reflecting on VE Day: New Poet in Residence releases powerful poem

Arji Manuelpillai, an acclaimed poet and performer with a passion for community arts, has been named the new Poet in Residence at the National Memorial Arboretum

VE Day 80 Years On

On Thursday 8 May, the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE hosted the Royal British Legion’s special VE Day Service of Remembrance.

VE Day Celebrations Get Underway

On Friday 2 May, over 500 school children from across the midlands treated residents of Galanos House – a Royal British Legion care home – to VE Day inspired performances at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Shot at Dawn Restoration 

In 2024 we restored one of our most poignant and moving memorials. Donations funded the replacement of the 309 posts, representing each soldier shot, later pardoned, and now remembered at the Arboretum.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

The National Memorial Arboretum, part of the Royal British Legion, joins the Nation, the Commonwealth and the rest of the World in mourning the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was a Life Member of the Royal British Legion and he was gracious and generous in his support of the National Memorial Arboretum over many years.

Artworks

Working with artists has enabled community groups to develop new creative skills and ways of thinking. By participating in the arts they have formed new connections with people who have shared experiences, coming together to share their individual and collective stories.

What's next?

Recognising the value of their contribution, we have continued to work with the Lockdown Landscapes groups and partners in our wider programme. Looking ahead, we are now exploring new and exciting ways of engaging and connecting with new and existing audiences.

Arboretum awarded a Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark for continued sustainability efforts

The National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, has been awarded a Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark in recognition of the visitor destination’s continued commitment to making sustainable choices for the benefit of the planet, people, and the local economy.

Fundraising appeal launched to help National Memorial Arboretum pass baton of Remembrance to future generations

Call for project partners to help preserve the memory of child victims of war and terrorism coincides with the 80th anniversary of the death of Anne Frank.

Public asked to share 'Letters from the frontline' for new exhibition 

Members of the public are being encouraged to share letters from the Second World War for a new oral history project at the National Memorial Arboretum which is being developed in partnership with local BBC radio stations across the Midlands.

Arboretum named ‘Best UK Attraction’ for third consecutive year

The National Memorial Arboretum was named ‘Best UK Attraction’ at last night’s Group Leisure & Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. The Group Leisure & Travel awards recognise the best providers, attractions and destinations for groups, with the winners voted for by readers of Group Leisure & Travel magazine.

80th Anniversary Commemorative Programme Announced 80 Days Before VE Day

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is launching ‘The Year Was 1945...’, a special programme of events and activities themed around 1945. The events, running at key points throughout the year, will include a VE Day celebration weekend taking inspiration from the iconic street parties of 1945, alongside Acts of Remembrance, themed exhibitions, and guided talks and tours.

Arboretum marks 70 years since the end of the Korean War

Shortly after sunrise, the lament of a lone piper could be heard across the Arboretum, as the Nation’s year-round place to Remember marked the 70th anniversary since the signing of an armistice that brought an end to the Korean War.

Remembrance at the Arboretum

Whilst the Arboretum is a space where everyone can reflect throughout the year, during November we remember those in our Armed Forces who have served and sacrificed on behalf of our Nation in our Armed Services.

Arboretum Awarded National Plant Collection Status

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has been awarded its first-ever ‘National Plant Collection’ status by Plant Heritage, recognising its conservation work on the Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) and Amelanchier genera. This designation helps secure the future of these plants and enhances the Arboretum’s standing as a key centre of horticultural excellence and biodiversity.

Queen’s Baton Relay visit set to be a highlight of the Arboretum’s ‘Sports, Service and the Commonwealth’ programme

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay will visit the National Memorial Arboretum in the heart of the National Forest in Staffordshire on 20 July 2022, revealed as part of the full England route today.

Wild Arboretum Photography Competition Winners Announced

During February 2022 we asked our visitors and supporters to use the Wild Arboretum exhibition as inspiration, grab a camera and get out into the Arboretum grounds to see what natural elements could be found to inspire their photography.

Countryfile at the Arboretum

Presenter Ellie Harrison took viewers on a tour of the Nation’s year-round place to remember, exploring the importance of Remembrance and how volunteers are essential to the smooth running of the 150-acre garden and woodland site.

'The Year Was 1944' Exhibition Opens

New commemorative exhibition transports visitors back to a year of seismic change, telling stories from home and away.

Arboretum shortlisted at Group Leisure and Travel Awards

The National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, has been shortlisted for three categories (Best Garden Visit, Best Guided Tour and Best UK Attraction) at the tourism industry’s Group Leisure and Travel Awards 2020.

Hold Still Exhibition Launches

Illuminated Arboretum light trail to feature Guiding Lights community-led art installations

As part of our returning spectacular winter light trail Illuminated Arboretum, three new community-led art installations will be showcased as part of the Arboretum’s ‘Guiding Lights’ project.

Arboretum Celebrates Award-Winning Events Building

The 2019 Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards saw Aspects collect a Gold Award for Business Events Venue of the Year.

Arboretum Launches Special VJ Day Activity Packs

In partnership with The Royal British Legion, the Arboretum has launched two free downloadable activity packs marking the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.

VJ Day Digital Exhibition

VJ Day Digital Exhibition Explores The Diversity Of The Fourteenth Army

Remembrance Sunday Commemorations

Thousands of people stood side by side to watch our annual Remembrance Sunday Service, which was held at the base of the Armed Forces Memorial within the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal leads Armistice Day commemorations 

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal attended the Service of Remembrance on the iconic Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Thousands of motorcyclists pay tribute to the fallen at the Arboretum during Ride to the Wall 2023

Thousands of motorcyclists from across the country and overseas made their annual ‘Ride to the Wall’ pilgrimage to National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, on Saturday 7 October for a special Service of Remembrance in memory of those commemorated on the Armed Forces Memorial

Immersive exhibitions bring stories of past generations to life 

To coincide with Black History Month, two interactive storytelling exhibitions created by award-winning social entrepreneur and artist Janet Douglas are on display at the National Memorial Arboretum.

News

It is an exciting time at the Arboretum, read our latest news.

Memory Benches

In Westminster, artist Alix Smith and members of St Andrew's Youth Club produced a series of park benches covered with illustrations created by the young people themselves, exploring their own experiences and encounters with outdoor heritage throughout lockdown.

Carnival Windrush celebrates the contribution of the Windrush Generation

On Sunday 6 August, thousands of people descended on the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, to attend Carnival Windrush, an immersive and vibrant celebration of the Windrush Generation.

Green Flag Award 2023

The National Memorial Arboretum, within the National Forest in Staffordshire, has been awarded a third consecutive Green Flag Award, a prestigious international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

Journey Through 'The New World'

This summer, visitors to the Arboretum can immerse themselves in an extraordinary free interactive experience suitable for families of all ages.

Aspects at the National Memorial Arboretum named as VisitEngland’s Business Events Venue of the Year  

Aspects at the National Memorial Arboretum named as VisitEngland’s Business Events Venue of the Year

Arboretum partners with Black Voices to create 'Sounds of Windrush' commemorative programme for schools

National Memorial Arboretum partners with Black Voices to create ‘Sounds of Windrush’ commemorative programme for schools

Solar Panels

Solar panel installation shines a light on National Memorial Arboretum’s commitment to sustainability.

Changing Places Toilet Improves Arboretum Accessibility

A new Changing Places Toilet facility has recently been installed at the National Memorial Arboretum. The new toilet facility will help improve the visitor experience for people who require additional support that is not met by standard accessible toilets.

Battle of Verdun Oak Tree

This morning, on the anniversary of the start of The Battle of Verdun in 1916, a pair of saplings, directly descended from an oak tree on the battlefield were planted here at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Queen's Green Canopy

Today, on Armistice Day, Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester completed the planting of 26 new Elm, Oak and Lime trees along the road leading to the National Memorial Arboretum, as a tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Ride to the Wall 2022

On Saturday 1 October, thousands of motorcyclists from across the UK and beyond made their annual ‘Ride to the Wall’ pilgrimage.

Arboretum Dedicates 400th Memorial

The 400th memorial has been dedicated at the National Memorial Arboretum

Arboretum Awarded First Green Flag Award

The Nation’s year-round place to remember now flies the flag as one of the country’s best parks, in a record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award, as the scheme marks its Silver Jubilee.

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Arboretum Launches Brand-New App Experience

The National Memorial Arboretum, has launched a new augmented reality experience which takes families on a journey to learn about Our Everyday Heroes.

What's Your Connection To 1944?

Call out for stories, photos and artefacts for new commemorative exhibition at the National Memorial Arboretum to tell stories from home and away.

Citizens of Coventry

For Citizens of Coventry, artist Sebbie Mudhai and videographer Tom Chimiak explored the experiences of those living in Citizen's supported housing, creating a poem and a film inspired by the stories of the residents and the staff who work so hard to support them.

Carnival Windrush

A commemorative cultural event at the National Memorial Arboretum on 6 August will explore the rich contributions made by migrants from the Caribbean.

Trees of Life Dedication

Today, in the week of the third anniversary of the first UK lockdown, a new ‘Trees of Life’ glade was dedicated at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, within the National Forest. The ‘Trees of Life’ glade is a living tribute to those who served our country throughout the pandemic, and to remember all those who died as a result of COVID-19 in the UK.

Together in a World Apart

In Birmingham, artists Tasawar Bashir and Nafeesa Hamid gathered stories from communities with South Asian heritage, bringing them together to form a sound artwork installed along the pathway leading to the Arboretum's Trees of Life Glade.

'Trees of Life' Service of Remembrance

Hundreds of pandemic key workers and members of the public gathered at Westminster Abbey for ‘Trees of Life’ - A Service of Remembrance with the blessing of saplings for a living memorial to honour those who served and died in the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Memorial Arboretum unveils ‘Tree of Cherished Memories’  

The sculpture offers a unique opportunity to celebrate individuals from all walks of life whilst supporting the invaluable work of the Arboretum, the UK’s year-round place to celebrate lives lived and commemorate lives lost in service.

Breaking Ground

In Burton upon Trent, artists Anna Horton Cremin, Natalie Linney, Rebecca Lee and Dawn Jutton worked alongside a local social prescribing group to produce eco-dyed textiles and a soundscape inspired by experiences of outdoor spaces during and after the pandemic. 

Lockdown Landscapes To Capture Pandemic Stories

Lockdown Landscapes will capture pandemic stories through art projects and engagement with communities.

Battlefield sketches on display as Arboretum marks 40th anniversary of the Falklands War

The National Memorial Arboretum has opened a new free exhibition featuring frontline sketches of the Falklands War by Linda Kitson, who was appointed as the official war artist by the Imperial War Museum.

Arboretum Pledges to Remove Barriers to Participation in Remembrance

National Memorial Arboretum pledges to remove barriers to participation in Remembrance

Arboretum Declares Climate Emergency

National Memorial Arboretum declares climate emergency as it unveils new sustainability pledges

Staffordshire Day 2021

This year, to mark Staffordshire Day, we are highlighting just some of the many links to our wonderful county, that can be found across the site.

Lockdown Landscape Stories

Lockdown Landscapes was all about telling stories, helping us to understand the real lived experiences of people during the pandemic. Some of those stories are featured here, exploring themes of togetherness, isolation, service, support and the value of the outdoors.