Tranquil tree trail opens at Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens

Environment
The Countess Howe, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, officially opens the Tree Trail with Mayor of Slough, Mohammed Nazir, left and Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council, Zahir Mohammed, right.

What could be more peaceful and relaxing then a gentle stroll through a rich and beautiful woodland canopy reflecting the wonders of nature in all its glory?

 

Visitors to Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens will be familiar with the grounds on the outskirts of Buckinghamshire where the ashes of over 9,600 people are interred within the 22 acre site. The gardens have long been a place of solace and reflection for the family, friends and descendants of those buried there.

 

Now visitors to the gardens, owned and run by Buckinghamshire Council, can enjoy a new feature in the form of the Tree Trail that was formally opened by the Countess Howe, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire last week. The small opening ceremony was also attended by Buckinghamshire Council Chairman, Zahir Mohammed, the mayor of Slough, Mohammed Nazir and others involved in the project including staff, families and friends of the gardens.

 

The idea of the Tree Trail was developed by volunteers at the Memorial Gardens in agreement with Buckinghamshire Council and with generous funding from SEGRO, owners of the Slough Trading Estate, as part of their centenary celebrations in 2020.

 

The Tree Trail features 30 varieties from amongst the estimated 450 trees in the Memorial Gardens. Varieties include the traditional English Oak, Horse Chestnut and Yew to the more unusual Monkey Puzzle, Persian Ironwood and Wellingtonia.

 

Each of the trees on the trail has a marker post with the name of the tree and an image of the leaf. Each post contains a QR code for people to scan to learn more about the tree.

 

Nick Naylor, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness & Regulatory Services said “The Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens provide a place for friends and families to come and remember their loved ones who are buried here. The surroundings are beautiful and the addition of this Tree Trail gives further opportunity for everyone to revel in the wonders of nature and the peace and tranquillity this can provide which has benefits for health and wellbeing. It also reminds us all of the importance of green space which we as council, are committed to help thrive and expand in Buckinghamshire.”