Oak planted in woodland space dedicated to memory of Jo Cox
THE FAMILY of the murdered Yorkshire MP Jo Cox have planted an oak tree in her memory in a woodland space dedicated to her.
Spen Valley Civic Society set up the Jo Cox Community Wood on a 3.7-acre site, on former pastureland, next to the Spen Valley Greenway and Liversedge Football Club between Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike.
And after appealing for volunteers, they have planted about 150 trees, including apple and pear.
The planting of the Jo Cox oak inspired the civic society to offer a “Trees for Life” scheme from now until the end of February.
In return for a donation of £50 it will buy, plant, stake and maintain a tree, and will give the donor a certificate showing where it is planted.
Chairman Max Rathmell said: “This is a great way to mark a birth, marriage, birthday or anniversary, or to celebrate someone’s life. It’s an eco-friendly present that’ll benefit wildlife, improve air quality in Spen Valley and be a positive symbol of a person’s life and achievements.”
In addition to the planting of the oak tree in tribute to the MP who represented the Batley and Spen constituency before she was murdered, another memorial has been planted in the community wood which is now starting to take shape, say those who started the project.
It is in memory of civic society member John Appleyard, who died of cancer last July, and now the society has created Appleyard’s Orchard.
The Civic Society’s treasurer, Colin Berry, said: “We promised John we’d plant an apple tree for him, but the generosity of people’s donations at his funeral meant we had enough money to buy 11 trees. Spen Valley now has a community orchard at one end of the Jo Cox Wood. Hopefully in years to come, local people will be able to pick apples and pears thanks to John.”
Ms Cox, who was born in Batley, was killed by far-right extremist Thomas Mair in 2016. She had held her seat for just under a year after being elected in May 2015.