Trees of Life Glade

On 11 October 2022, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, led a special service at Westminster Abbey to honour the bravery and dedication of those who served our country throughout the pandemic, and to remember all who died as a result of COVID-19 in the UK.

The Abbey was dressed with trees and saplings which were blessed during the ceremony by representatives from diverse communities of faith – these trees now form the Trees of Life Glade. 

The ‘Trees of Life’ glade is a living tribute to those who served our country throughout the pandemic, and remembers all those who died as a result of COVID-19 in the UK.  

A stately Spaeth Alder tree sits at the heart of the glade, surrounded by a beautiful seating area, inviting visitors to pause and take a moment and reflect. The saplings are a mixture of broadleaf species including the Midlands Hawthorn which, with its pink spring blossom, is an attractive variation on the well-known native tree, adding colour and beauty to Remembrance.