Memorial tree trail for lives lost to COVID formally opening today

58 trees have been planted along a 2.6 mile route in Watermead Park.

A tree trail in a country park that will provide a space for reflection and remembrance for those whose lives have been affected by coronavirus will be formally opened today (21 June).

Over 2000 people in Leicester and Leicestershire have had covid-19 mentioned on their death certificate since March 2020.

The idea for a tree-lined memorial walk in Watermead Park was proposed by Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council last year, with dozens of individuals and businesses supporting the project through a crowdfunding campaign.

Leader of Leicestershire County Council, Nick Rushton and Mayor of Leicester, Peter Soulsby

Since funding for the memorial walk was secured in January, 58 trees have been planted along a 2.6 mile route that links the city side of Watermead Park in the south, with the county side in the north.

Benches have been installed at regular intervals along the route to encourage people to use the space to relax and reflect. A small plaque on each bench has been engraved with lines of poetry, or a quote from literature, to provide words of comfort or hope.

Nick Ruston, leader of Leicestershire Country Council said, "This project brings people and communities together and acknowledges the impact coronavirus has had on everyone’s lives.

"The tree trail not only boosts the environment but also acts as a space to reflect whilst looking to the future. And I’d like to thank everyone who’s supported it. The support and generosity of residents and businesses during tough times has made it possible and it’s a project we should all be proud of."